The Inaugural ceremony of Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services (PIPS) flagship Programme “8^th  National Parliamentary Development Course” (NPDC) for the Parliamentary functionaries (Grade 17 and 18) of the National Assembly of Pakistan, the Senate, and the Provincial and Legislative Assemblies of Pakistan was held on November 1^st, 2021 at PIPS Campus Islamabad.  Twenty three (23) officers serving in their respective Secretariats joined the programme as course participants. Honourable Senator Mirza Muhammad Afridi, Deputy Chairman, Senate of Pakistan, and Vice President, Board of Governors, PIPS graced the ceremony as Chief Guest for the event.

The Programme commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Qari Anis Ur Rehman. Director General, Parliamentary Development Programme & Coordination (PDP&C), Ms. Samer Awais, welcomed the participants and presented a brief outline over the course design and modules to be taught in the next seven weeks. She highlighted salient features of the in depth training, to enable participating officials in active learning and enrichment of Parliamentary knowledge for effectively performing their duties.

Ms. Samer, DG (PDP&C), presentation was followed by a formal address by Executive Director PIPS, Mr. Muhammad Anwar, who greeted the course participants and highlighted the importance and benefits of this Programme for the participating Parliamentary functionaries. He emphasized on the significant role and duties of officers, in smooth running of the House business, and facilitating Members of their respective Houses. He hoped that this course learning will benefit participants in enhancing their skill set and awareness to work with recent and most effective oversight tools and techniques used in the Parliamentary process.

Chief Guest for the opening ceremony, Honourable Senator Mirza Muhammad Afridi formally inaugurated the event. He acknowledged PIPS for organizing the 8^th NPDC and commended services of the Institute in providing customized capacity building trainings for Parliamentary functionaries and Members of Federal and Provincial Assemblies. He stressed on the importance of comprehensive learning and understanding of Parliamentary procedures, an essential part of the job of a Parliamentary officer. Honorable Senator advised the officers to take maximum advantage of this opportunity in the greater interest of improving working of the Parliamentary practice. The ceremony concluded with a group photograph of the Course participants with the Honorable Senator.