Lahore: A delegation of the British High Commission called on Secretary Local Government Punjab Zaid Bin Maqsood on Wednesday and discussed local government reforms, digitalisation and public financial management.
The meeting also discussed cooperation between the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Local Government Department under the National Governance Programme, particularly for further strengthening municipal financial management.
Secretary Zaid Bin Maqsood briefed the delegation on digital reforms in local government institutions, saying that municipal budgeting, accounting and payroll systems had been brought online.
He said the record of all financial transactions was being digitised to facilitate monitoring of local government funds and strengthen financial oversight.
The secretary said transparent and equitable utilisation of local government funds was being ensured through improved financial management and digital systems.
The delegation was also briefed on the Child Marriage Restraint Act and reforms in Union Councils. The secretary said the registration system for births, deaths and marriages had been simplified and digitised at the Union Council level.
He said citizens could register vital events from home through the Pak-ID application, making the process easier and more accessible.
The secretary further said birth and death registration had been made completely free for up to seven years.
The visiting delegation was led by Head of Governance Dr Dominic Rohan Perera and Senior Governance Adviser Mary Kate Thompson.
Special Secretary Admin Arshad Baig, Special Secretary Special Initiatives Musa Raza and Director General Local Government Benish Fatima also attended the meeting along with members of the British High Commission delegation.