SEAL supported Meshrano Jirga’s first public hearing on the national budget on 15 February 2009, led by Budget and Finance Committee Chair Mohammad Akbar Wahdat.  Budget experts, academics, and private sector representatives including Mr. Azarakhsh Hafezi Head of Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Shirin Agha Representative of Business Community, Prof. Tingar form Kabul University, Prof. Alfi from Kabul University, Prof. Abdul Wase Haqiqi Senior Afghan Economist who commented on the budget as presented by the government.