National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq announced that significant financial and administrative reforms have resulted in total savings of PKR 3.172 billion during the fiscal year 2024-25, highlighting the measures as foundational to reinforcing Pakistan’s governance amid a rapidly evolving global landscape.
The Speaker made these remarks during his keynote address at the plenary session of the Pakistan Governance Forum 2026. The two-day conference, organised by the Ministry of Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives, concluded in Islamabad on Thursday.
Sadiq stated that the foundation of effective governance lies in a strong Parliament, emphasising that Pakistan must bolster its state and democratic institutions to meet contemporary challenges. He noted that shifting power dynamics and technological advancements are redefining traditional governance structures worldwide.
Detailing the fiscal achievements, the Speaker attributed the savings to strengthened financial discipline through an effective internal audit system and the full implementation of the Public Financial Management law.
Further financial efficiencies were achieved through human resource reforms, which generated annual savings of approximately PKR 140 million. These changes included the elimination of unnecessary positions, the development of modern skills, and the implementation of a Digital Human Resource Management Information System, which also reduced litigation costs related to employee service matters.
On institutional reforms, Sadiq highlighted the National Assembly Secretariat Employees (Amendment) Act 2026, which transferred administrative and financial powers from individual discretion to a Cross-Party Finance Committee to promote transparency and collective oversight.
He added that the introduction of a new Organogram has replaced nepotism with merit-based standards, while timely promotions, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and professional training programmes have enhanced the Secretariat’s capacity. All processes, including filing and procurement, have been digitised through an e-Secretariat system.
The Speaker also pointed out that the National Assembly became the world’s first Parliament to transition entirely to solar energy in 2015, achieving a 100% green status.
Beyond internal reforms, Sadiq underscored the importance of robust legislation. He noted that Parliament has reinforced laws to enhance transparency and accountability, such as the Right to Information laws which empower citizens to oversee state affairs.
Parliamentary oversight, a core constitutional responsibility, has been strengthened, he said. The Standing Committee on Finance now conducts detailed reviews of the federal budget, and the Public Accounts Committee ensures no authority is beyond supervision.
Inclusivity in policy-making has been expanded through parliamentary forums focused on women, children, and youth, alongside various internship and public outreach initiatives designed to integrate young people into democratic processes.
Addressing the global technological shift, the Speaker observed that artificial intelligence is reshaping economies and politics, with regulatory frameworks struggling to keep pace. He called for parliaments to develop legislation on data protection and digital rights, stressing that developing countries must have a voice in setting global standards.
Sadiq concluded by reaffirming that a strong Parliament, robust democracy, and effective governance are vital for Pakistan’s prosperous future and its standing on the global stage, with parliamentary diplomacy playing a key role in enhancing the nation”s democratic identity.