Islamabad: Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has called for a strengthened role of the Senate in overseeing public finances, emphasizing the importance of effective budget scrutiny for ensuring transparency, accountability, and democratic governance.

According to Press Information Department, Chairman Senate made these remarks at a Knowledge-Sharing Seminar on Strengthening Senate Budgetary Review. The event was organized by the Senate of Pakistan in collaboration with the Forum of Federations and the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services. He highlighted the historical significance of parliamentary financial oversight, stating that the “power of the purse” is Parliament’s oldest and most important responsibility, aimed at managing public resources with transparency and in the public interest.

Chairman Senate pointed out the Senate’s significant role in reviewing budget matters and noted that constitutional limitations provide an opportunity to enhance institutional effectiveness. He emphasized that the Senate’s recommendations on Money Bills play a key role in policy guidance and fiscal oversight.

Reflecting on the Eighteenth Constitutional Amendment, which was enacted during his tenure as Prime Minister, he stated that the reform bolstered the federal spirit of the Constitution and reinforced the Senate’s institutional role.

He also highlighted the need for stronger committee oversight, timely access to reliable fiscal data, and improved technical support for legislators. By referencing international best practices observed during his visits to Austria and Ireland, he underscored the importance of effective parliamentary budget oversight models.

Chairman Senate expressed optimism that the seminar would contribute to strengthening the Senate’s budgetary review process, enhancing committee effectiveness, and reinforcing parliamentary scrutiny to foster better governance and public trust.