The Executive Development Institute (EDI) of the National School of Public Policy (NSPP) conducted the 7th series of its “Public Financial Management (PFM) Training Workshop” in Lahore from September 11 to 12, bringing together 41 participants from federal and provincial governments, private sector executives, and representatives of key institutions.
The two-day workshop, aimed at strengthening fiscal governance, focused on building expertise in budgeting, auditing, accounting, taxation, fiscal transparency, debt management, and fiscal federalism. It also explored the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in enhancing public finance management and governance.
Dr. Naveed Elahi, Dean EDI, inaugurated the course, emphasizing the program’s role in developing reform-oriented solutions to Pakistan’s fiscal challenges, including budget credibility, public-private partnerships (PPPs), procurement, and financial reporting.
Mr. Kamran Ahmad, Director EDI, highlighted the institute’s planning process and stressed its commitment to bringing together expert practitioners, academics, and trainers to provide comprehensive perspectives on public finance issues.
Distinguished guest speakers included Dr. Ishrat Hussain, former Governor State Bank of Pakistan, Mr. Sibtain Fazal Halim, former MD Punjab Mass Transit Authority, Dr. Arshad Hasan of Lahore School of Economics, Mr. Tariq Bajwa, ex-SAPM on Finance and former SBP Governor, Dr. Waqar Masood Khan, former Federal Finance Secretary, Ms. Namana Gulrukh Fareed, Accountant General Punjab, and other senior finance professionals.
Topics discussed ranged from fiscal federalism and NFC awards to procurement, PPPs, tax compliance, financial literacy, transparency, and the use of AI in driving fiscal growth.
Participants showed keen interest during interactive sessions, appreciating NSPP and EDI for the well-executed program. Rector NSPP Dr. Jamil Afaqi concluded the workshop with a vote of thanks and distributed certificates among the participants.