Islamabad: The Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Revenue convened under Senator Saleem Mandviwalla to discuss pivotal financial and legislative matters, including the Corporate Social Responsibility Bill, 2026, asset declarations by government servants, and the enforcement of the Public Finance Management Act, 2019. The committee also addressed SMS alert charges in the banking sector, Pay Pak promotion, and human resource issues within the Benazir Income Support Programme.

According to Senate of Pakistan, the meeting saw participation from several senators, including Sherry Rehman and Anusha Rahman Ahmad Khan. A presentation by the State Bank of Pakistan highlighted concerns over SMS alert charges, with the committee expressing dissatisfaction over the lack of data provided by telecom companies. The Chairman Committee instructed banks and telecom firms to present detailed data on SMS costs and revenue.

The committee also reviewed efforts to promote Pay Pak, with the Minister of State for Finance and Revenue noting its increased usage. The committee urged further promotion to reduce dependence on international payment networks. On legislative matters, the committee recommended the Corporate Social Responsibility Bill, 2026, for passage with amendments, emphasizing mandatory disclosure of CSR activities.

Discussions on the Public Finance Management Act, 2019, led to directives for the Ministry of Finance to issue necessary notifications for effective implementation. Concerns over asset declarations by government servants were raised, with calls for the Federal Board of Revenue to enforce relevant laws. The committee also addressed staffing shortages in the Benazir Income Support Programme, directing the Minister of State for Finance to oversee recruitment processes and report progress in subsequent meetings.