Pakistani Senators Highlight Fiscal Equity, Climate Resilience at Manila Gathering
UrduPoint (September 29, 2026) - ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 29th Sep, 2026) - Senators Abdul Qadir and Syed Waqar Mehdi, representing the Senate of Pakistan, addressed the first Gathering of Intergovernmental Fiscal Institutions in Manila. They highlighted Pakistan’s experience in fiscal federalism, equitable resource distribution, climate financing, and parliamentary oversight.
Senator Abdul Qadir emphasized the importance of a fair, predictable, and transparent distribution of public resources for inclusive growth and effective delivery of education, healthcare, and other services. He stressed the need for fiscal devolution to local governments and stronger accountability, noting that the Senate of Pakistan attaches particular importance to equitable resource sharing, transparency, and effective management of public finances. He also welcomed the proposed IGFIN peer network for sharing practical experiences among federations.
Senator Syed Waqar Mehdi spoke on emerging issues and climate-related transfers. He highlighted Pakistan’s experience with the devastating 2022 floods, heatwaves, and droughts, calling for greater access to climate adaptation finance, technology, and capacity-building support. He stressed that intergovernmental transfers should consider climate vulnerability, disaster exposure, and environmental responsibilities. He demanded predictable and transparent climate financing, stronger climate-budget tagging, and parliamentary oversight, emphasizing that fiscal policy should advance equity, environmental responsibility, and climate resilience.