The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS), in collaboration with Mustehkam Parlimaan (MuP) – a project funded by the European Union – organised a two-day consultative meeting of the Council of Chairpersons of the Provincial Assembly of Balochistan. Sixteen Honourable Members and seven Secretariat Officers attended the programme, centred on the theme “Strong Committees Make a Strong Legislature”. The meeting provided a platform for exchanging experiences, reviewing the Rules of Procedure, and strengthening the Assembly’s committee system.

Opening Session

Ms. Samer Awais, Director General (Parliamentary Development Programme & Coordination), PIPS, welcomed participants, highlighting this was the second workshop in the series, following the Punjab Assembly’s.

Mr. Asim Khan Goraya, Executive Director, PIPS, stressed that committees are the “engine room” of the legislature. He underscored the need to amend the Rules of Procedure, 1974, to equip committee chairs with knowledge and powers for effective oversight.

On behalf of the EU, Mr. Aizaz Asif reaffirmed support for strengthening democratic institutions, highlighting legislators’ responsibility to address public concerns through parliamentary processes.

Honourable Speaker Provincial Assembly of Balochistan, Capt. Abdul Khaliq Khan Achakzai thanked PIPS and MuP, noting that committees in Balochistan had already taken steps to improve governance and expressing hope that the workshop would further strengthen their role.

Session: 01     The Evolving Role of Standing Committees in Parliamentary Oversight and Best Practices / Role of the Chairpersons in making Committees effective.

Mr. Farhatullah Babar and Mr. Mohsin Leghari:

Senator Farhatullah Babar urged strengthening committees as an evolutionary process, citing the Punjab Assembly’s reforms as a model. He stressed transparency, raised concerns over refusal to share information under “national interest,” and recommended separating the Committee on Privileges from Government Assurances/Law and Justice. He proposed linking representation and resources to performance, such as achieving SDGs.

Senator Mohsin Leghari, former Punjab Minister for Irrigation, shared his legislative background and supported empowering committees. He emphasised practical, incremental reforms, gender-sensitive participation, and the need for committee chairs to actively engage members and follow up on recommendations.

Session: 02     Translating Structures to Practice: An overview of the Rules of Procedure 1974 of Provincial Assembly of Balochistan

Mr. Muhammad Anwar, Former Executive Director PIPS described committees as vital for legislative work and public engagement. He outlined types of committees, comparative analysis of Committees of other legislatures, their functions, and the non-binding nature of most resolutions. He stressed the Speaker’s authority, quorum requirements, and Article 69’s protection of parliamentary proceedings from judicial inquiry.

Day 02: Wednesday 06ᵗʰ August, 2025

Session: 01     Overview of Constitutional Provisions that govern Assembly Functions

Mr. Ali Imran, Key Expert (Legislative & Parliamentary Affairs, MuP), reviewed constitutional provisions defining assembly powers. Discussions addressed supplementary budgets, the absence of provisions for repeated budget presentations, and proposals to require Assembly approval for all emergency spending.

Session: 02     Translating Structures to Practice: An overview of the Rules of Procedure 1974 of Provincial Assembly of Balochistan (Continued)

Mr. Anwar detailed rules requiring standing committees to scrutinise the Public Sector Development Programme before submission to the Ministry of Finance. He compared powers across legislatures, including sub-committee rules, in-camera meeting provisions, and the absence of suo motu powers in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Session: 03     Role of Standing Committees in Parliamentary Oversight and Recent Reforms in the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab

Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan highlighted the constitutional basis of the Rules of Procedure, praised Sindh Assembly’s transparency, and outlined Punjab’s oversight tools. Recent reforms included devolving certain Speaker powers, live streaming proceedings, and creating the Parliamentary Development Unit. He noted hosting almost 38 international speakers at the recent Speakers’ Conference and emphasised the committees’ oversight role over decision-making.

Session: 04    Proposed amendments to the Rules of Procedure of Provincial Assembly of Balochistan

Balochistan Assembly Secretary Tahir Shah Kakar outlined challenges such as limited resources, quorum issues, political interference, capacity gaps, weak oversight, and low female participation. He clarified the PAC’s unique powers and proposed amendments covering standing committee functions, meeting rules, and other operational improvements.

Session: 05     Presentation of Draft Five Year Strategic Plan of the Provincial Assembly of Balochistan

Senior Consultant Azhar Saeed presented the Assembly’s first Strategic Plan, focusing on: enhancing legislative capacity; strengthening oversight; increasing citizen engagement; and modernising systems, processes, and staff skills.

Closing Remarks by the Honourable Speaker Provincial Assembly of Balochistan

The Honourable Speaker thanked participants, recommended more such workshops, and reaffirmed adherence to guidelines in letter and spirit. Ms. Samer Awais commended the participants’ enthusiasm. The workshop concluded with a formal vote of thanks.