The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services(PIPS), in collaboration with Mustehkam Parlimaan (MuP), organized a two-day workshop in Bhurban on 21–22 August 2025 to strengthen the role and capacity of the Public Accounts Committees (PACs). The workshop highlighted the importance of PACs as a cornerstone of parliamentary oversight, responsible for examining public expenditure and ensuring financial accountability of government departments.
The main objective of the event was to develop an understanding of PAC members regarding their constitutional mandate, rules of procedure, and the audit process. It also aimed at equipping them with the skills required to plan and conduct effective PAC meetings while promoting collaboration with the office of the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP).
The Programme commenced with the recitation of the holy quran followed by the Progaramme Overview presented by Ms. Samer Awais Director General (PDP & C). Mr. Asim Khan Goraya, welcomed the participants and underscored the importance of strengthening parliamentary committees as the backbone of democratic accountability. He highlighted that the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) serves as a vital instrument for ensuring financial discipline, transparency, and effective oversight of public expenditure. He also reiterated PIPS’s commitment to providing technical support, capacity building, and knowledge-sharing opportunities to enable committees to perform their functions more effectively.
Hon. Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, in his keynote speech, highlighted the constitutional and institutional significance of PACs in promoting accountability and good governance. As PAC were central to the financial scrutiny process of legislatures and play a decisive role in strengthening public trust in democratic institutions. The Speaker stressed the need to equip themselves with procedural knowledge, practical tools, and audit expertise to ensure meaningful parliamentary oversight. He also commended the collaborative efforts of PIPS and international partners in supporting parliamentary development initiatives in Punjab.
The first day sessions were led by parliamentarians, senior auditors, and public finance experts including Hon. Riaz Fatyana, Member Public Accounts Committee, Hon. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, Minister for Estate, National Health Services and Regulations Mr. Aizaz Asif, Public Finance Management Expert Mr. Ahmer Elahi, Deputy Auditor General Ms. Raheela Zahid, Consultant GIZ and Mr. Dawood Ahmad, Public Finance Management.
On the second day, discussions focused on planning and conducting PAC meetings, the supporting role of the Controller General of Accounts and AGP, and a co-creation exercise to identify gaps, recommendations, and reforms.
Chairpersons of PAC II and III, Syed Ali Haider Gillani and Ahmad Iqbal Ch., shared their practical insights on effective committee functioning, and highlighted the contribution of financial institutions in supporting PAC oversight.
The workshop concluded with a forward-looking dialogue on reforms aimed at improving accountability and governance in Punjab. Participants reaffirmed that an empowered and effective PAC is essential for transparent governance, stronger democratic institutions, and greater public trust.