An Orientation to the Parliamentary Business For the focal persons of the Ministries/Divisions, June 2026

June 18, 2026 CIVIL SERVANT, CIVIL SERVANTS, CIVIL SERVANTS, CIVIL SOCIETY, COURSES, ORIENTATIONS, OUTREACH, Training

The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) organised a two-day orientation programme on “Parliamentary Procedures: The Powers and Functions of Committees and Responding to Parliamentary Questions” from June 17–18, 2026, at the PIPS, Islamabad. The programme brought together Government Officers (BPS 17–19) from various Federal Ministries, Divisions, and attached Departments to strengthen their understanding of parliamentary procedures and enhance their capacity to effectively manage parliamentary business.
Welcoming the participants, Executive Director PIPS, Mr. Asim Khan Goraya, underscored the importance of fostering a constructive relationship between the executive and the legislature. He stated that parliamentary committees and parliamentary questions served as vital instruments of accountability, transparency, and institutional responsiveness in a parliamentary democracy. He further noted that the orientation would deepen participants’ understanding of parliamentary procedures, legislative oversight, committee operations, and the effective management of parliamentary business, while fostering a greater appreciation of Parliament’s role as an institution of democratic accountability and public representation.
Next to speak was Mr. Muhammad Anwar, former Secretary, Senate Secretariat/former Executive Director, PIPS, who provided an overview of the Rules of Procedure for carrying out assembly business and joint sitting sessions. The session enhanced participants’ understanding of the procedural framework governing parliamentary business and the institutional mechanism that underpined the functioning of Parliament.
Day two comprised sessions on the powers and functions of parliamentary committees, effective responses to parliamentary questions, and preparation for appearance before committees. The sessions were facilitated by Ms Naveen Erum, Additional Draftsman, National Assembly Secretariat; Mr Talha Haroon, Deputy Director, National Assembly Secretariat; and Mr Haris Rehman, Joint Secretary, Senate Secretariat. Drawing upon their professional experience, the facilitators shared practical insights and best practices for engaging effectively with parliament.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks from Ms. Samer Awais, Director General, Capacity Building & Development, who expressed appreciation to the facilitators and participants for their active engagement and meaningful contributions. She reaffirmed PIPS’ commitment to supporting capacity-building initiatives aimed at strengthening parliamentary governance and enhancing executive-legislative relations.

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.

An Orientation to the Parliamentary Business For the focal persons of the Ministries/Divisions, June 2026

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