Islamabad: Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has called for the revival of student unions and the establishment of empowered local government systems, describing these measures as crucial for nurturing future leadership and strengthening democracy. According to Senate of Pakistan, Gilani expressed concerns that the grassroots nurseries of leadership have become dormant, leading to a leadership vacuum in the country. Drawing from his own political journey, he highlighted the importance of strong local governance at district and tehsil levels for ensuring good governance, transparency, accountability, and effective public fund utilization.

Chairman Senate emphasized the constitutional responsibility of Parliament to ensure transparent and efficient use of public resources, beyond merely approving budgets. He highlighted the necessity for timely release of funds and effective institutional functioning to translate budgetary allocations into tangible improvements in citizens’ lives. Gilani stressed the importance of every rupee spent from the public exchequer delivering measurable results in terms of economy, efficiency, and effectiveness.

Addressing Pakistan’s development challenges, Gilani called for effective parliamentary oversight of sectors like education, health, and social protection. He urged parliamentary committees to ensure resources reach deserving segments and are used appropriately. Referring to Sustainable Development Goal 16 (SDG 16), he noted the significance of accountable and transparent institutions for sustainable development. Gilani also recommended that Public Accounts Committees examine the root causes of financial irregularities and suggest institutional reforms.

He advocated for prioritizing audit observations based on financial significance and systemic weaknesses, emphasizing the need for strong parliamentary committees equipped with professional support and reliable information. Gilani concluded by appreciating UNICEF’s efforts in enhancing parliamentary oversight and expressing hope for practical recommendations to improve national resource utilization. The workshop, organized by UNICEF in Islamabad, was attended by several distinguished participants, including federal and regional legislative leaders.