Aawaz II and the Sub-National Governance Programme (SNG), supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) successfully conducted a Pre-Budget Consultation in Peshawar today, bringing together representatives from vulnerable communities, senior government officials, and civil society leaders. The consultation aimed to integrate the priorities of marginalized groups into the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Budget FY 2025-26 to promote social inclusion and equity in public finance allocations.
Guests included Mr. Muzammil Aslam, Advisor to the Chief Minister on Finance; Mr. Wazir Zada, Focal Person to the Chief Minister on Minority Affairs; Mr. Waqas Paracha, Senior Advisor Public Finance, SNG II, Ms. Yasmin Zaidi, Team Lead, Aawaz II; Mr. Arshad Mahmood, Head of Delivery, and Ms. Rashida Dohad, Chief Executive of the Omar Asghar Khan Development Foundation. Community members representing minority groups, transgender persons, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) from Abbottabad, Malakand, Nowshera, Lower Dir, and Buner were also present.
The consultation focused on identifying public finance priorities to address key challenges such as gender-based violence (GBV), child marriage, and social exclusion. Participants shared their lived experiences and provided recommendations for budget allocations that could improve their access to essential services and protections.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Muzammil Aslam emphasized the government’s commitment to inclusive budgeting, stating, “The voices of vulnerable communities must be reflected in our budget planning to ensure fair and just resource allocation.”
Similarly, Mr. Wazir Zada emphasized the significance of ensuring religious minorities have a voice in financial planning. He stated, “Genuine progress is only possible when all communities, regardless of their religious background, have equal access to opportunities and are supported through inclusive public finance policies.” He commended Aawaz II for its efforts in bringing together vulnerable groups, and for providing them with a platform to advocate for their inclusion.
Ms. Yasmin Zaidi noted, “The British Council, through its Aawaz II programme, is dedicated to amplifying the voices of those who are often unheard. Through sustained engagement and advocacy, we aim to bring meaningful change by influencing policies and budget allocations.”
Ms Rashida Dohad presented the budgetary priorities for GBV prevention, child marriage, social cohesion, and support for PWDs, non-Muslim minorities, and transgender persons.
Mr. Arshad Mahmood highlighted the programme’s objective, stating, “Strengthening governance and public financial management is critical for sustainable development. Through such consultations, we hope to bridge the gap between communities and decision-makers to ensure that budgets are responsive to the needs of all citizens.”
Aawaz II and SNG are committed to fostering a more inclusive, peaceful, and tolerant Pakistan by advocating for participatory governance and equitable resource distribution.
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