Bimonthly Newsletter | July 2025 Edition Subject: Pakistan’s New Budget – Stabilization or Stagnation? Dear Readers, As the dust settles on the National Assembly’s passage of the 2025–26 federal budget, one question persists in public discourse: Is this truly a budget for stabilization, or merely another exercise in stagnation? Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb unveiled a Rs 17.57 trillion spending plan in early June, aimed to reassure the International Monetary Fund (IMF), investors, and domestic constituencies. Apparently, the budget seems disciplined: targeted GDP growth of 4.2%, a fiscal deficit capped at 3.9% of GDP, and ambitious revenue collection of Rs 13 trillion. Yet, behind the glossy presentation lies an uneasy reality. The budget is pulled in competing directions, geopolitical pressures, IMF constraints, debt obligations, and public frustration. The government has marketed it as a roadmap toward economic recovery, but critics argue it risks further burdening ordinary Pakistanis while leaving structural problems unresolved. Let us breakdown the numbers, sector by sector, to see what this budget really means. 1. Macroeconomic Framework – Stability or Strain? The government projects 4.2% GDP growth, banking on modest recovery in agriculture, manufacturing, and services. Inflation is expected to average 11%, still high for households already battered by soaring food and utility prices. The fiscal deficit target of 3.9% of GDP is tighter than last year’s 5.9%, largely due to IMF demands. But this narrowing depends heavily on tax revenues that may prove difficult to collect in a sluggish economy. The tax-to-GDP ratio is projected to rise to 13.5%, still far below than regional peers like India (17–18%) or Bangladesh (10–11%). Without widening the tax net to include agriculture, real estate, and the informal economy, Pakistan risks falling into the same cycle of overburdening existing taxpayers while sparing elites. 2. Revenue and Taxation – Cosmetic or Concrete?
Climate Watch Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Bimonthly Newsletter – August 2025 Edition From the Editor’s Desk Dear Readers, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with its snow-capped peaks, rushing rivers, and fertile valleys, has always been a land of abundance. But today, the very foundations of this natural wealth are under severe threat. Climate change is no longer a future possibility; it is a lived experience unfolding across our towns, villages, and fields. As we bring you this issue of ‘’Climate Watch Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, our goal is simple: to highlight the changes we are witnessing, to amplify the voices of those most affected, and to call for action before it’s too late. The Alarming Reality in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Over the last decade, climate patterns in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have shifted dramatically: • Rising Temperatures: Summers are hotter than ever, with Peshawar recording temperatures above 45°C on multiple days this year. High-altitude areas that once remained cool are now experiencing unusual heat waves. • Glacial Melting: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is home to a large share of Pakistan’s glaciers, many of which are retreating at alarming rates. Faster melting means more flash floods in the short term and serious water shortages in the future. • Floods and Droughts: From the devastating 2010 floods to the recent flash floods in Chitral and Swat, water disasters have become frequent. At the same time, southern districts like Karak and D.I. Khan face prolonged droughts. • Agricultural Struggles: Farmers complain of unpredictable rainfall and declining yields of wheat, maize, and fruit crops. Livestock, too, is under stress due to water shortages. The climate crisis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is not uniform—it manifests as ‘’too much water in the north and too little in the south’’. Stories from the Ground • “The river has changed its course. Where my grandfather planted wheat, the water now flows.
Had an incredible 3-day learning journey with the energetic youth of Gilgit at the Youth Leadership Program, supported by NED and organized by CGPA.
The training on Civic Education was enriched by thought-provoking sessions:
Mr. Anwar (Executive Director, CGPA) on social constructivism
Ms. Sabila Khatoon (Professor, Karakoram University) on the budget in the context of GB
Ms. Maryam (Political Science major) on the GB governance structure
Ms. Shahzadi Rubab Zeb on RTI & RTS, emphasizing why these must be established in GB.
Truly grateful for the opportunity to engage with such passionate young minds and witness their commitment to shaping a better future for Gilgit-Baltistan.
27th -28th August 2025 - Gilgit City
2-day training session on "Gender Responsive Local Services Delivery" was conducted with Devolved Offices reprsentatives Peshawar, from 28th to 29th August 2025. The training was held at LGS (Local Governance School) and was facilitated by Mr. Shibli, focused exclusively on supporting devolved government departments to enhance their capacity for delivering gender-responsive services.
The second day of the training for the Secretaries of Village Councils (VCs) and Neighbourhood Councils (NCs) Tehsil Takhtbhai -Mardan focused on enhancing understanding and practical approaches to gender-inclusive service delivery. The session was conducted by Mr. Shibli Khan, Assistant Director – Local Government School (AD-LGS), who emphasized the critical importance of equitable access to services, inclusive decision-making, and the pivotal role of local governance in promoting gender sensitivity at the grassroots level.
Dated: 13th August 2025
A one-day training on "Gender Inclusive Service Delivery" was held on 6th August 2025 at Tehsil MATTA for VC/NC Secretaries of LGRDD. The session, delivered by Mr. Mansoor (DD, LGS), aimed to build capacity for promoting "Gender Inclusive Service delivery" in their services. Participants engaged in interactive discussions and exercises on gender mainstreaming at the local level.
The Local Government, Elections & Rural Development Department (LG&RDD), in collaboration with GIZ/PLG and with the support of CGPA, successfully conducted a one-day training session on "Gender-Inclusive Service Delivery" on 1st August 2025 in Tehsil Swabi. This training was specifically designed for the Secretaries of Village and Neighborhood Councils (VCs/NCs), aiming to strengthen their capacity to provide inclusive, equitable, and gender-responsive services at the grassroots level. The session was led by the shibli Master trainer of the Local Government School (LGS).
The Local Government, Elections & Rural Development Department (LG&RDD), in collaboration with GIZ/PLG and with the support of CGPA, successfully conducted a one-day training session on "Gender-Inclusive Service Delivery" on 31st July 2025 in Tehsil Jamrud. This training was specifically designed for the Secretaries of Village and Neighborhood Councils (VCs/NCs), aiming to strengthen their capacity to provide inclusive, equitable, and gender-responsive services at the grassroots level. The session was led by the Assistant Director of the Local Government School (LGS), who offered practical insights and guidance on incorporating gender perspectives into service delivery.
A consultative workshop on implementing Industrially Produced Trans-Fatty Acids (iTFA) Regulations and SOPs was held on 24th June 2025. Organized by Center for Governance and Public Accountability (CGPA) in collaboration with Nutrition International (NI), the event focused on strengthening enforcement mechanisms across Pakistan.
Key participants included representatives from Pakistan Standards Quality Control Authority (PSQCA), Food Authorities (Gilgit-Baltistan, Punjab, Sindh, AJK, KP), Capital Development Services (CDS), University of Karachi, and University of Agriculture Peshawar.
The workshop focused to discuss strategies for the effective implementation and enforcement of iTFA regulations through stakeholder collaboration and review of draft SOPs, aimed at supporting public health.
Successfully conducted a dynamic two-day training session under the Youth Leadership Program on Civic Engagement and Governance, held on 17–18 June 2025! The sessions featured insightful contributions from: Mr. Muhammad Anwar, Executive Director – Social Constructionism Mr. Asim Imam, Chief Commissioner, RTS Commission – Right to Services Ms. Nida Rehman, TMO – Local Government Mr. Ihtizaz, Research Officer – Understanding the Constitution of Pakistan Ms. Shahzadi Rubab Zeb, Program Officer – Right to Information (RTI) A special briefing on the history of Pakistan and the Constitution was also shared by Mr. zafarullah -Techinal Advisor The participants were diversely invited from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with an equal representation of male and female youth leaders — reflecting our commitment to inclusive and participatory governance. This initiative empowered youth to think critically, engage constructively, and contribute actively to democratic development and public accountability. #YouthLeadership #CivicEngagement #Governance #RTS #RTI #LocalGovernment #ConstitutionOfPakistan #CGPA #CIPE #PublicAccountability #YouthEmpowerment #LeadershipTraining @followers
Pre-Budget Seminar on KP"s Budget 2025–26 – Media Coverage
Dated: 20th May, 2025
Urdu point: www.urdupoint.com/en/pakistan/pre-budget-seminar-in-peshawar-sparks-dialogu-1982234.html
Thenews: www.thenews.com.pk/print/1313641-transparent-inclusive-and-equitable-budgeting-process-stressed
Nation: www.nation.com.pk/21-May-2025/seminar-held-to-explore-strategies-for-equitable-public-financing
www.thenews.com.pk/print/1313641-transparent-inclusive-and-equitable-budgeting-process-stressed
Transparent, inclusive and equitable budgeting process stressed
PESHAWAR: A seminar here on Tuesday called for a more transparent, inclusive, and equitable budgeting process in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.The Centre for Governance and Public Accountability , in...
Catch the highlights from CGPA’s Pre-Budget Seminar on Kp's Budget 2025-26
#KPBudget #PublicFinance #PolicyMatters
CGPA, in collaboration with the Department of Economics, University of Peshawar, and the Development Insights Lab (DIL), hosted a pre-budget seminar on Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Budget 2025-26, highlighting KP's fiscal priorities, challenges, and solutions.
The seminar brought together key stakeholders including policymakers, academics, civil society, business leaders, and students for a multi-perspective dialogue.
Panelists included MPA Mr. Ahmad Kundi, MPA Mr. Ghazan Jamal, Chairman Economics Department Mr. Sajjad Ahmad Jan, President Sarhad Chamber of Commerce & Industry Mr. Fazal Moqeem, and senior journalist Mr. Lihaz Ali and Dr. Tayyab, Dean of Social Sciences at the University of Peshawar.
The seminar aimed to engage diverse stakeholders in shaping the KP Budget 2025–26 by promoting inclusive dialogue around fiscal challenges, development priorities, and policy reforms.
#BudgetTransparency #PublicFinance #FiscalReforms #KhyberPakhtunkhwa #CGPA #CitizenEngagement #InclusiveBudgeting
@followers
CGPA and IMPACT Research International presented a case of #foodgovernance and #nutritiongovernance at the Senate of Pakistan before a panel of senators nominated by the Honourable Chairman Senate. Rida Qazi, advisor on special initiatives at the Senate of Pakistan Secretariat, facilitated the entire process of consultation.
The team presented evidence about increase in noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes, obesity, CVDs, and issues of mental health in Pakistan, and the policy ensemble which can cost-effectively and most effectively prevent various NCDs. The emphasis of this session was on the need of parliamentary oversight to manage conflict of interest in policy formulation related to food.
We argued for best-buy policies for better food governance:
1. Front of package warning labelling;
2. Fiscal policy interventions to tax the unhealthy foods;
3. School and hospital food environment;
4. Advertisement restrictions; and
5. Conflict of interest policies.
In addition, Zameer Haider stressed on the need of mandatory regulation for large scale fortifications efforts to improve nutrition actions in all federating units.
#PreventNCDs #FoodGovernance #NutritionGovernance
An introductory meeting was held regarding the proposed consultative session with the Tehsil Chairman, Mr. Azmat Khan (Jamrud). The meeting included discussions on the overall process and proposed tentative dates for the session.
In addition to this, administrative arrangements required for the session were also discussed. Dated 15th-April-25
A meeting was held today by the CGPA Official with Mr. M. Tahir, Personal Assistant to the Chairman at TMA Takhtbhai, in the absence of the Chairman. The discussion centered on the upcoming two-day consultative sessions scheduled for April 14, 2025. These sessions will involve elected representatives and TMA officials, with a primary focus on the implementation of by-laws within the jurisdiction of TMA Takhtbhai. The purpose of the meeting was to ensure proper coordination and to finalize all necessary arrangements for the successful execution of the sessions.
An introductory meeting was held with the Town Municipal Officer (TMO), Mr. Ayaz Durani Sahib, on April 11, 2025. During the meeting, discussions were conducted regarding the upcoming consultative session involving elected representatives and TMA officials. The focus of the session will be on the implementation of by-laws within the jurisdiction of TMA Pishtakhara. This initiative is being facilitated by the CGPA staff. The process and logistics for the consultative session were finalized during the meeting.
Experts link trans fats to diabetes and heart disease | The Express Tribune
Emphasise intake of fresh, healthy food and need for policy intervention from govt
Your vote matters. Your voice matters. Civic education fosters an understanding of the power of participation. Let’s ensure everyone knows how to make their voice heard! #VoteSmart
#CivicEngagement