PIBF Welcomes Decision to Make Bureaucrats’ Asset Declarations Public

By Muhammad Shahzad
Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: The Pak International Business Forum (PIBF) has welcomed the Government of Pakistan’s decision to upload the asset declarations of senior bureaucrats on official websites, making them accessible to the public, describing the move as a major step toward transparency, accountability and good governance.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Forum said the initiative—taken in line with commitments under the International Monetary Fund (IMF) programme—marks a decisive shift away from non-transparent governance practices and reflects a growing emphasis on institutional reform.

PIBF noted that public disclosure of asset details would help strengthen public trust in state institutions while curbing corruption, misuse of authority and conflicts of interest. Transparency, the Forum said, is a cornerstone of effective governance globally and is essential for reinforcing Pakistan’s administrative and regulatory framework.

These views were expressed during a meeting of the Forum chaired by PIBF President Muhammad Ejaz Tanveer, and attended by Secretary Hafiz Mahmood, Chief Organizer Maaz Qazi and other members.

The Forum stressed that for the reform to achieve its intended impact, asset declarations should be managed through a secure and efficient digital system, updated regularly and subject to independent oversight. PIBF also underscored the need for a strong legal framework to ensure strict action in cases of misreporting or concealment of assets.

Calling the decision a “turning point” in governance reforms, PIBF urged the government to sustain the momentum, stating that consistent transparency measures would contribute to long-term economic stability and help restore investor confidence in Pakistan.