The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS), in continuation of its commitment to developing future parliamentary professionals, successfully organized a two-day Orientation Programme for its interns on 1st and 2nd July, 2026, at PIPS, Islamabad. The internship programme has brought together 38 students from 18 universities across Pakistan, representing diverse academic institutions and cities. The orientation will provide them with a unique opportunity to gain first-hand exposure to the country’s parliamentary institutions and democratic processes.
The programme was designed to familiarize interns with the mandate, organizational structure, and functional responsibilities of PIPS while providing a foundational understanding of Pakistan’s parliamentary system, legislative processes, parliamentary research, and institutional practices. Through a series of interactive sessions conducted by senior officers and subject experts, participants gained valuable insights into the Institute’s role in strengthening parliamentary democracy and supporting Members of Parliament.
Day One: Understanding Parliament and the Role of PIPS
The programme commenced with registration, followed by the National Anthem, recitation of the Holy Quran, and a round of introductions. The inaugural session began with welcome remarks by the Mr. Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka, Director General (Research & Library), who is currently serving as the Acting Executive Director PIPS. He welcomed the interns and encouraged them to make the most of the learning opportunity offered through the orientation programme.
• Introduction to the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services
Mr. Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka, Director General (Research & Library), provided an overview of PIPS, highlighting its mandate, organizational structure, key services, and contributions towards strengthening parliamentary institutions through research, capacity building, legislative support, and knowledge management.
• Constitution and Working of the Parliament
Mr. Zaka also delivered an informative session on the constitutional framework of Pakistan and the functioning of Parliament. He explained the structure, powers, and responsibilities of the Parliament, emphasizing its central role in democratic governance, representation, legislation, and oversight.
• Introduction to Legislative and Non-Legislative Business
Mr. Abdul Nabi Solangi, Deputy Director (Legislation), introduced participants to the various categories of parliamentary business. The session covered legislative procedures as well as non-legislative instruments, providing interns with a practical understanding of parliamentary operations and decision-making processes.
• Introduction to Parliamentary Research Products
Ms. Tehseen Khalid, Director Research, familiarized the interns with the range of parliamentary research products prepared by PIPS to support Members of Parliament. She emphasized the importance of evidence-based research in informed policymaking and effective legislative performance.
• Committee Systems in Parliamentary Settings
Ms. Fakiha Mahmood, Deputy Director Research, discussed the significance of parliamentary committees as essential forums for legislative scrutiny, oversight, and public accountability. She explained the different types of committees and their role in supporting Parliament’s legislative and oversight functions.
• Decorum and Etiquette at PIPS (Dos and Don’ts)
Mr. Waqas Ahmad Qureshi, Director Parliamentary Development Programme (PDP), conducted an engaging session on professional conduct, workplace ethics, and institutional protocols expected within PIPS. He highlighted the importance of discipline, professionalism, and adherence to organizational values during the internship.
The day’s activities concluded with a guided tour of the PIPS building, conducted by the Parliamentary Development Programme and Security & Protocol Wings, allowing interns to familiarize themselves with the Institute’s facilities and operational environment.
The second day will focus on introducing interns to the core functional wings of the Institute, enabling them to understand how different departments collectively support parliamentary services.
Representatives of the Research Wing will explain the process of preparing research briefs, background papers, and other analytical products to facilitate informed parliamentary deliberations.
The Legislation Wing will provide an overview of its role in legislative drafting, bill analysis, and technical support for parliamentary business, highlighting its contribution to the legislative process.
Officials from the Finance Wing will introduce participants to the financial management systems and administrative processes that support the effective functioning of the Institute.
The Information Technology Wing will demonstrate how digital technologies and IT infrastructure facilitate knowledge management, institutional efficiency, and the delivery of parliamentary services.
Following the lunch and prayer break, the Capacity Building & Development Wing will brief interns on the Institute’s training programmes, workshops, and professional development initiatives designed for government officers in various ministries.
The Parliamentary Development Programme & Coordination (PDP&C) Wing will conclude the technical sessions by outlining its role in organizing parliamentary development activities, coordinating institutional programmes, and strengthening partnerships with national and international stakeholders.
The programme is expected to equip interns with a strong foundation in parliamentary practices, legislative processes, parliamentary research, and the institutional functions of PIPS. It will further reaffirm the Institute’s commitment to nurturing future professionals through quality orientation, practical learning, and meaningful engagement with Pakistan’s parliamentary institutions.