Seminar on Internati0nal Day of Democracy

September 16, 2026 SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS

The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) organized a seminar for members of the Pakistan Youth Parliament (PYP) on Wednesday 16 September 2026 in PIPS Auditorium to mark the International Day of Democracy. The programme aimed to strengthen young participants’ understanding of Pakistan’s constitutional framework, parliamentary functioning, legislative process, committee system and democratic participation. The day-long event was attended by 115 office-bearers and members of Pakistan Youth Parliament from across Pakistan.

The seminar commenced with the National Anthem and recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by welcome remarks from Mr. Asim Khan Goraya, Executive Director PIPS. Welcoming the young participants, he highlighted that democracy goes beyond elections and rests on participation, dialogue, tolerance, accountability and informed citizenship. He encouraged the youth to understand democratic institutions and play an active and responsible role in strengthening democratic values in Pakistan.

The technical sessions provided participants with practical insights into the working of Parliament, parliamentary committees, the Constitution of Pakistan and the legislative process. Mr. Tanzil ur Rehman, Assistant Director (Research), PIPS, introduced participants to the structure, powers and functioning of Parliament, including the respective roles of the National Assembly and Senate and parliamentary procedures.

Ms. Fakiha Mahmood, Deputy Director (Research), PIPS, explained the committee system and its importance in parliamentary oversight, detailed scrutiny, legislative review and executive accountability. The session also familiarized participants with different types of parliamentary committees and the role of the Public Accounts Committee in financial oversight.

The final technical session was conducted by Mr. Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka, Director General (Research), PIPS, who discussed the Constitution of Pakistan and the legislative process, explaining Parliament’s constitutional oversight authority and the stages through which a Bill moves before becoming an Act of Parliament.

An interactive questions-and-answers session provided the young participants an opportunity to engage with the PIPS resource persons and further explore parliamentary and constitutional matters. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Muhammad Abubakar, President, Pakistan Youth Parliament, followed by presentation of the PIPS memento and a group photograph.

At the end of the session, an oath-taking ceremony of the Pakistan Youth Parliament members was also conducted, reaffirming their commitment to democratic values, responsible citizenship and constructive participation in national affairs. At the end of the event the delegates visited the Parliament House in Islamabad.

On the direction of the Chairman Senate/President PIPS Board of Governors, the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS), has implemented a comprehensive set of measures aimed at ensuring fiscal discipline, operational efficiency, and responsible utilization of public resources, on the same lines as notified and adopted by the Senate and National Assembly Secretariats.

Under the new measures, the Institute has adopted a four-day working week (Monday to Thursday), while introducing a hybrid working model whereby 50% of staff will perform duties from the office and 50% will work remotely on a rotational basis. Employees working from home will remain fully accessible through digital communication platforms and may be required to report to the office on short notice, ensuring uninterrupted institutional functioning.

Significant steps have also been taken to promote energy conservation. These include a target of achieving up to 70% reduction in energy consumption through minimizing unnecessary use of electricity and ensuring that official meetings, trainings, and events are scheduled during daylight hours. Foreign tours are banned and international meetings are being held virtually.

In the transport section, PIPS has introduced strict measures to curtail expenditure and 70% official vehicles have been grounded as part of this initiative.

As part of broader austerity efforts, 20% reduction has been imposed on the non-ERE budget for the fourth quarter of the current financial year. The officers drawing a monthly salary of PKR 300,000 or more, shall surrendered two days salary or 5% to 30% salary on gross as per Federal Government decision.

The Institute has also discontinued all non-essential procurements with immediate effect. Official functions such as dinners and receptions will not be hosted, except in the case of visiting foreign delegations, and even then, strictly in accordance with austerity protocols.

These measures have been implemented with immediate effect and will remain in force until further orders.

Under the guidance of President PIPS Board of Governors, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, PIPS remains fully committed to maintaining its core functions of parliamentary support, capacity building, and research while contributing proactively to national austerity and sustainability goals.

Seminar on Internati0nal Day of Democracy

@ Your Service