Introduction The Citizen Network for Budget Accountability (CNBA) is a crucial initiative focused on enhancing fiscal transparency and accountability in Pakistan. This project is generously funded by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and is implemented by the Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI). In Jacobabad, Peace by Youth (PY), as a member organization of the CNBA network in Sindh, plays a key role in executing CNBA’s mission.

Objectives The CNBA project, with PY’s implementation in Jacobabad, is driven by several key objectives:

1. Promoting Transparency: To advocate for open access to budget information, ensuring government spending is visible and understandable to all citizens.
2. Enhancing Accountability: To work towards holding local and national government bodies accountable for their budgetary decisions and expenditures.
3. Community Engagement: To engage and educate the local community, especially youth, about their role in monitoring and participating in budget processes.
4. Capacity Building: To strengthen the capabilities of local organizations and community members in budget oversight and advocacy.

Activities and Implementation by PY in Jacobabad

1. Awareness Campaigns and Workshops: Conducting educational campaigns and workshops to inform the local population about budgetary processes, their rights to information, and engagement methods in fiscal governance.
2. Monitoring and Evaluation: Establishing systems for the continuous monitoring and evaluation of local budget allocations and expenditures, and advocating for necessary adjustments.
3. Policy Advocacy: Collaborating with policymakers and government officials to advocate for reforms that bolster budget transparency and accountability.
4. Community Mobilization: Mobilizing community groups, including marginalized sectors, to actively participate in budget discussions and oversight.
5. Youth Engagement Programs: Focusing on youth empowerment through educational programs and active involvement in budget-related processes.

Expected Outcomes

1. Increased Budget Transparency: Enhancing the availability and accessibility of budget information to the public.
2. Improved Government Accountability: Strengthening the accountability of government officials and entities in fiscal management.
3. Active Citizen Participation: Boosting community, particularly youth, engagement in budget oversight and governance processes.
4. Policy Reforms: Facilitating the implementation of policy changes that support transparent and accountable budgeting practices.

Challenges and Mitigation Strategies

• Resistance from Traditional Systems: Engaging in ongoing dialogue with government bodies and stakeholders to promote understanding and collaboration.
• Limited Resources: Seeking partnerships and funding from both national and international donors to support the project’s activities.
• Sustaining Engagement: Implementing interactive and engaging programs to maintain community interest and participation.