A recent audit has revealed that Pakistan’s Senate spent millions of rupees of public funds over the past year to provide VIP meals and hospitality to government guests. The expenses range from lavish catering for official visits to high-end dining allowances that critics argue go far beyond reasonable protocol spending.

In multiple instances, the audit report highlights extended meal budgets for foreign delegations, including multi-course dinners at upscale venues. Even domestic meetings hosted within official venues featured menus and amenities more befitting luxury hotels than state facilities.

Financial transparency advocates and political commentators have called this spending a misuse of taxpayer money, especially in light of prevailing economic challenges—rising inflation, energy crisis, and ongoing budget shortfalls across social sectors like education and health.

Supporters within Senate administration justify the spending by citing diplomatic protocol and the need to maintain a certain image during official engagements. However, they have yet to provide clear spending caps or breakdowns justifying expense levels per visitor or official.

The controversy has sparked debate over broader issues of state resource management. While other public institutions face cuts in operational budgets, Senate hospitality continues to operate with few apparent limits. Many observers urge a policy overhaul, suggesting that future visits should adhere to transparent guidelines and public reporting on expenses.

As calls for fiscal accountability grow louder, several lawmakers have pledged to address the issue in the next parliamentary session  either through tighter rules or by limiting hospitality allowances altogether.