Seminar on key SNG reforms

LAHORE : A seminar of Oxford Policy Management's Sub-National Governance (SNG) Programme and the Punjab government on Tuesday highlighted key reforms introduced by the SNG Programme since 2019, particularly the development of a Gender Budget Tagging & Expenditure Tracking (GBT&ET) methodology.

The event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including government officials, international development partners, and civil society representatives, to discuss the strides made in promoting equality and inclusiveness in public finance decisions in Punjab.

A distinguished panel of experts shared further insights into the impact of GBT&ET and other SNG-supported reforms, including revisions to the Annual Development Programme (ADP) guidelines and enhanced citizen engagement mechanisms.

Panelists included Ms Khawar Mumtaz, former Chairperson of the National Commission on the Status of Women; Dr Yasmin Zaidi, Team Lead for Aawaz II; Dr Kaiser Bengali, Economist; and Nauman Yousaf, Chairman of the Punjab Revenue Authority.

Irfan Mufti, Deputy Executive Director of SAP-PK, served as moderator, guiding discussions on the transformative effects of inclusive budgeting on public finance decisions in Punjab. These discussions emphasised the ongoing efforts to create a more equitable and inclusive budgeting process in Punjab, addressing the needs of marginalised groups and ensuring that development projects create opportunities for all.

Representatives from the government reiterated their commitment to institutionalising GBT&ET and strengthening efforts toward gender-responsive and socially inclusive budgeting.