Editorial
According to the Constitution of Pakistan, Parliament and Provincial Assemblies are not merely legislative bodies — they are also guardians of accountability within the administrative framework. Their constitutional mandate extends beyond the enactment of laws to ensuring that the executive functions efficiently, transparently, and in the public interest. Unfortunately, this vital function remains largely neglected in Pakistan’s governance landscape.
Legislative committees must reclaim their constitutional authority by regularly summoning Chief Secretaries, departmental Secretaries, and Director Generals for performance evaluations. These officials, who manage the day-to-day affairs of governance, must be held answerable before the people’s representatives for their actions, delays, and failures. Effective oversight not only deters inefficiency and corruption but also strengthens democratic accountability, restoring citizens’ trust in the system.
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In functional democracies, administrative accountability through parliamentary committees is a hallmark of good governance. It ensures that the executive remains subordinate to the legislature — a core principle of parliamentary democracy. Yet in Pakistan, civil bureaucracy often operates with impunity, shielded from legislative scrutiny. Assemblies must therefore institutionalize a culture where officials regularly appear before standing committees to justify policies, expenditures, and outcomes.
Moreover, mechanisms for administrative performance audits and transparent disciplinary actions should be embedded within parliamentary oversight structures. Where negligence or misuse of authority is proven, sanctions must follow under clear, rule-based procedures. Accountability should not be a symbolic exercise; it must yield tangible reforms and administrative discipline.
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It is time for Pakistan’s legislatures to awaken from passive observation and become active custodians of executive accountability. Without regular scrutiny, no government can achieve transparency, efficiency, or public trust. A strong legislature — assertive, vigilant, and constitutionally conscious — is indispensable for good governance and democratic progress.
