Parliamentary Delegation from Pakistan to Visit the Parliaments and Parliamentary Budget Offices of Ireland and Austria with support from European Union

The European Union Delegation to Pakistan hosted a pre-departure
reception ahead of a visit of Pakistan’s Parliamentarians to the Parliaments and Parliamentary Budget Offices (PBOs) of Austria and Ireland.
This high-level delegation, comprising 23 distinguished members, is led by the Chairman of the Senate of
Pakistan. Representing Pakistan’s diverse political leadership, the delegation includes the Speakers of the
Provincial Assemblies, members of parliament from various political parties, as well as senior parliamentary secretariat officials.
The visit is organised under a 15 million euros European Union-funded project named Support to
Parliamentary Development in Pakistan (also known as Mustehkam Parlimaan). Implemented jointly by GIZ
International Services and the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS), the project focuses on
enhancing parliamentary oversight, fiscal responsibility and inclusive and effective legislative processes.
The reception, hosted by H.E. Dr. Riina Kionka, Ambassador of the European Union Delegation to
Pakistan, highlighted the EU’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s parliamentary democracy through this project. Addressing the gathering, the EU Ambassador remarked:
“The European Union has been a steadfast partner in strengthening Pakistan’s democratic institutions. This
visit offers a valuable opportunity for Pakistani legislators to learn from the successful practices of Austria and Ireland in establishing PBOs. They play a critical role in independent budgetary analysis and effective parliamentary oversight. We remain committed to support the assemblies’ initiatives towards inclusive, transparent, and accountable governance in Pakistan.”