ISLAMABAD: The government has formally transferred the business operations of the Central Directorate of National Savings (CDNS) from the Budget Wing to the Debt Management Office (DMO) under the Finance Division, with immediate effect. Officials implemented the decision from last month, according to a notification issued by the Ministry of Finance.
Previously, the CDNS operated under the Budget Wing of the Finance Ministry. However, under the new administrative arrangement, authorities have placed its policy, operational, and administrative functions directly under the Debt Management Office. The move marks a significant structural change in the management of Pakistan’s public savings and debt-related functions.
Committee Recommendations Drive Administrative Restructuring
The Finance Ministry approved the decision following recommendations from a special committee formed by the Finance Minister. The Advisor to the Finance Minister on Debt chaired the committee, which conducted a comprehensive review of CDNS operations and governance mechanisms.
Officials stated that the restructuring aims to enhance coordination between savings mobilization and debt management functions. Moreover, policymakers expect the shift to strengthen oversight, improve financial planning, and streamline decision-making processes within the Finance Division.
The ministry emphasized that integrating National Savings operations with the Debt Management Office will support more effective monitoring of government liabilities and funding sources. Consequently, the government believes the new structure will align savings instruments more closely with national debt strategies.
Focus on Efficiency and Improved Financial Management
The Budget Wing continues to focus on preparing the annual federal budget and supervising government expenditures. In contrast, the Debt Management Office manages domestic and external debt portfolios and develops strategies to finance fiscal requirements.
Through National Savings schemes, the government mobilizes public savings by offering a range of investment instruments to citizens. Therefore, officials expect the administrative shift to improve operational efficiency, strengthen financial discipline, and modernize the National Savings framework.
The notification confirmed that the Finance Secretary approved the change and directed relevant departments to update job descriptions in consultation with concerned sections.
