Govt asked to ensure transparency in budget making process.

LAKKI MARWAT -- Speakers at a seminar have asked the government to implement access to information laws in true spirit to promote budget transparency and accountability in the country.

The seminar was arranged by the Citizens' Network for Budget Accountability (CNBA) with the support of Community Development Organisation (CDO) and Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) here on Tuesday.

CDO representative Inayatullah Khan, Advocate Zafrullah Khan and a local body member Engineer Latifullah Khan addressed the seminar.

They said that budget proposals should be widely discussed with civic groups, government agencies and other stakeholders. They stressed the need for giving legal protection to the participation of citizens in the budgeting process.

'Many local government representatives are unaware about their functions and responsibilities with regard to budget making and there is need for arranging training sessions for them,' said Latifullah Khan.

He said that the provincial...