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Event Title: Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, presiding over a meeting of the Senate Finance Committee at Parliament House, Islamabad
Event Date: 2026-05-15
Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani Presides Over Senate Finance Committee Meeting; Budget for Next Fiscal Year Approved with Strong Emphasis on Austerity
Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani presided over a meeting of the Senate Finance Committee at Parliament House to review and approve the Senate Secretariat’s budget proposals for the forthcoming fiscal year.
The Committee was comprehensively briefed on austerity and financial discipline measures implemented across the Senate Secretariat. Secretary Senate informed the Committee that strict financial management and expenditure controls had resulted in savings of approximately Rs. 1.5 billion, which will be surrendered to the national exchequer.
The Committee was further informed that, under the directions of Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, non-essential expenditures had been significantly curtailed, including foreign visits and administrative costs. On his proposal, the Committee decided to drop the proposed allocation in the next fiscal budget for replacement of condemned official vehicles, despite operational requirements. The decision, unanimously endorsed by the Committee, is expected to generate savings of approximately Rs. 140 million and reinforces the Secretariat’s commitment to fiscal discipline and responsible governance.
Addressing the meeting, Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani stated that public institutions must demonstrate restraint, accountability, and responsible use of national resources, particularly under prevailing economic conditions. He emphasized that the Senate Secretariat has adopted a policy of maximum financial prudence without affecting institutional efficiency or parliamentary functioning.
He added that austerity is not merely an administrative measure but a reflection of institutional responsibility towards the people of Pakistan. He directed all departments to maintain strict expenditure discipline and avoid unnecessary spending.
The Committee was also informed that, despite inflationary pressures and operational demands, the proposed budget for the next fiscal year reflects continued fiscal restraint and prudent financial planning.
Members of the Committee appreciated the leadership of Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani and commended the austerity measures undertaken under his guidance, noting that the Senate Secretariat has set a benchmark for responsible governance and financial discipline.
Chairman Senate thanked the members for their input and reaffirmed his commitment to transparency, efficiency, and accountability in the functioning of the Senate Secretariat.
The meeting concluded with the approval of the budget proposals for the forthcoming fiscal year and a resolve to continue institutional reforms and austerity measures in the national interest.
The meeting was attended by Leader of the Opposition in the Senate Raja Nasir Abbas, Senators Saleem Mandviwalla, Kamran Murtaza, Anusha Rahman Ahmad Khan,(on zoom ) Amir Waliuddin Chisti, Shahzaib Durrani, Shahadat Awan, Zeeshan Khanzada, Samina Mumtaz Zahri, Haji Hidayatullah Khan, Rana Mehmood ul Hassan (on zoom), Tariq Fazal Chaudhry Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Secretary Senate Syed Hasnain Haider, Principal Secretary to Chairman Senate Rabeea Anwar, Senior Director General Protocol Tariq Bin Waheed, along with senior officials of the Senate Secretariat