Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has said that “Parliament is the bridge between the aspirations of our 240 million citizens and the actions of the government” he expressed these views while, addressing the concluding session of the Pakistan Governance Forum 2026, as Chief Guest, emphasizing that a strong and effective Parliament is the cornerstone of sustainable governance and democratic resilience in Pakistan.
In his keynote address, the Chairman Senate congratulated Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, and his team for successfully organizing what he termed a “premier governance event” that brought together policymakers, experts, and stakeholders to deliberate on reform priorities and transformative initiatives.
Reflecting on his extensive public service as former Prime Minister, Speaker of the National Assembly, and now Chairman Senate, Mr. Gilani highlighted the critical importance of legislative oversight in ensuring effective governance. He stated that governance is not merely about policy formulation in the executive branch but about robust parliamentary scrutiny that guarantees transparency, accountability, and public legitimacy.
“Emphasizing that a strong and effective Parliament is the cornerstone of sustainable governance and democratic resilience in Pakistan”, he remarked, adding that sustainable development outcomes can only be achieved when policies are rooted in legislative ownership.
The Chairman Senate underscored the importance of parliamentary instruments such as Cut Motions, Calling Attention Notices, Question Hour, debates, and resolutions, describing them as powerful tools for refining governance and enforcing accountability. He stressed that each debate and question strengthens democratic responsiveness and institutional responsibility.
Highlighting the pivotal role of parliamentary committees, Mr. Gilani noted that much of the substantive oversight work takes place within committee rooms, where policies are examined in depth, budgets are scrutinized, and ministers are held accountable. He particularly referred the Senate’s rigorous review of Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP) allocations from December to March, ensuring that development spending aligns with national priorities and the needs of the people. He further pointed out that biannual budget reviews conducted by Senate committees promote fiscal discipline and transparency.
As Chairman Senate, Mr. Gilani reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Parliament as an institution of governance. He outlined three key priorities:
First, investing in capacity-building initiatives for Senators and parliamentary staff to enhance their ability to analyze complex policy and budgetary documents and conduct evidence-based oversight.
Second, embracing modern technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence (AI). He shared that under his stewardship, the Senate of Pakistan is taking a regional lead in developing AI-based applications aimed at enhancing legislative drafting, enabling real-time comparative policy analysis, and improving citizen engagement with the legislative process. He described this transformation as a step toward building a smarter, more efficient, and more responsive Parliament.
Third, strengthening the linkage between parliamentary oversight and executive action. He called upon the Planning Commission and all ministries to institutionalize mechanisms for systematically responding to parliamentary committee recommendations, ensuring that identified gaps in development projects are addressed promptly and public resources are utilized effectively.
Concluding his address, the Chairman Senate stressed that good governance is a shared national responsibility and that a strong Parliament remains the ultimate guarantor of equitable progress and democratic stability. He once again congratulated the Ministry of Planning for organizing the forum and called for collective efforts to build a Pakistan defined by effective governance, inclusive development, and unwavering commitment to its people.
