PIPS held its annual pre budget analysis seminar for MPs at Provincial Assembly of Balochistan on Monday, May 15th, 2017 in Quetta. The MPs termed it as a memorable exchange about prioritizing socio economic needs of masses with country’s leading experts. Former Chief Minister Dr Abdul Malik chaired the occasion as the Chief Guest and around 53 participants including seven MPAs and a provincial minister took a pro-active part in budget deliberations.Mr Muhammad Rizwan Manzoor, Research Officer PIPS moderated the session while Director Research and IT, Mr Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka welcomed the MPAs and participants on behalf of President PIPS BoG/Hon Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Executive Director Mr Zafarullah Khan. He also explained the importance of budget as a Constitutional requirement. He also thanked the Hon. Speaker Balochistan Assembly Ms Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani for allowing PIPS to extend its legislative and research services to MPs through a state of art PRC in the Assembly. It was followed by sessions from renowned economists and experts: Dr. Waseen Shahid Malik from University of Balochistan, Dr Kaiser Bengali, Adviser to Balochistan Govt on NFC, Mr. Ishaq Jamali, JS Revenue Authority, Mr. Zafarul Hasan from Ministry of Finance SDGs desk and Ms Ayesha Wadood from Subai EU project. Dr Waseem gave a detailed outlay of Pakistan’s economy and various economic indicators in addition to snapshot of Balochistan’s economic conditions – challenges and opportunities; Dr Bengali highlighted how NFC has doubled the share of provincial allocations but greater need to implement allocations into expeneditures for socio economic development and creation of more opportunities for Baloch youth through CPEC and similar initiatives. Mr Zafarul Hassan need to prioritise social development through spending in education and health, a fact recognized and endorsed by the MPAs.The PIPS Economy and Budget Desk has been conducting Pre Budget Seminars efficiently since the last four years. PIPS held this seminar with the support of Subai EU project. Mr Zaka presented the PIPS Memento to Dr Abdul Malik with a token of thanks to all participants and Ms Donna-Bugby Smith Team Leader Subai EU project for the support in holding the seminar. A PIPS souvenir was also presented to Mr Shamsuddin, Addl Secretary of the Assembly. The Honorable MPA expressed great appreciation for PIPS as a centre of parliamentary excellence. This exchange was followed by a group photo after which lunch was served.
