Senate returns Rs1.436 billion in unspent funds to national exchequer

The Senate of Pakistan has returned Rs1.436 billion to the national exchequer after implementing expenditure controls across the Senate Secretariat during fiscal year 2025-26.

According to the Senate Secretariat, the amount represents 15.9% of its total budget for the current ongoing year and exceeds the savings target set by the Finance Division by 500%.

The cost-cutting programme included suspension of 17 of the 18 procurement projects approved by the Senate Finance Committee.

Recruitment and other non-essential spending were also rationalised, while administrative and operational expenses were reduced.

The Senate Secretariat grounded a substantial part of its official vehicle fleet, capped fuel allocations and introduced additional checks on vehicle use.

It also stopped providing refreshments at official meetings and functions and moved more committee proceedings to digital and virtual platforms to lower logistical and hospitality expenses.

Non-essential foreign visits were suspended as part of the expenditure reduction measures.

The Senate had Rs60 million available in the current fiscal year for purchasing official vehicles but did not procure any vehicles from the allocation.

The measures were first introduced in the Senate chairman’s office and later extended across the Secretariat.

The Senate Finance Committee has also unanimously decided not to seek a proposed allocation for replacing condemned official vehicles during the next fiscal year.

The decision, taken on the proposal of Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, is expected to generate additional savings of around Rs140 million.