In depth: Fiscal transparency in Pakistan

In Pakistan, public confidence in the state is undermined by poor service delivery and opaque governance arrangements. In 2014, Pakistan ranked 117 out of 168 countries in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index.

For the people of Pakistan, greater insight into the structure and functioning of government finances, as well as decisions on tax and spending, would enable them to better hold their elected representatives to account. Such accountability can result in better quality of services, including health and education, at provincial and local levels. Budget transparency also acts as a powerful disincentive for corruption or financial mismanagement, and can foster greater trust in government.

This publication was co-authored by Khurram Jilani.