Islamabad, 11th November, 2024: Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, President PIPS BoG has said that humanity is faced with challenges of climate change, sustainable development, and socio-economic disparities and the role of the parliament and parliamentarians, therefore, has become more pivotal in leading the country towards its strategic national and international interests.The Chairman Senate was speaking as a Chief Guest at the inaugural session of 10th Annual National Parliamentary Development Course at Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS), Islamabad on Monday. A highly diversified cohort of mid-career officers (BS 17-18) from the federal parliament and provincial assemblies of Balochistan, Khyber Pakhyunkha, Punjab and Sindh as well as Legislative Assemblies of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan and the Parliament is participating in the course. 

He said that Members of Parliament are the people’s representatives, entrusted by the Constitution with the great responsibility of empathizing with the masses.  He observed that Parliamentary work has become a specialized service that necessitates proficient and professional support from officers well-versed in cross-disciplinary concepts and practices. “You must take pride in the responsibility bestowed upon you to serve and provide technical assistance to the elected representatives. Your role is crucial in guiding the nation’s progress towards the well-being of its citizens, aiming for a secure, prosperous, and happy future for our coming generations” Gilani remarked while highlighting the importance of the training course. He called upon the participants to make full use of this robust and comprehensive training program designed to advance understanding of the Constitution, the Parliamentary Rules of Procedure, and the Government Rules of Business 1973.

Hon. Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, President PIPS BoG commended PIPS administration and team for their pivotal role in empowering parliamentary officers with relevant and practical knowledge. The Chairman Senate, at the conclusion, expressed best wishes to the course participants and hoped they will exploit this learning and networking opportunity towards a new destiny as professionals par excellence, offering quality-oriented services to the Parliamentary institutions. 

Mr Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka, Executive Director PIPS, presenting the welcome remarks expressed sincerest gratitude on behalf of all Members of Team PIPS for the Chief Guest Hon Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, Chairman Senate. President PIPS BoG. He apprised the audience that as per guidance by the President on his maiden visit to the Institute, “we have proactively offering legislative, research and capacity building initiatives. The Institute has held numerous promotional trainings for the officers of the National Parliament as well as the National Parliamentary Workshop on Post Legislative Scrutiny which was attended by 40 MPs from all legislatures. PIPS also hosted training of protocol staff of Senate most recently and Team PIPS continues to follow the inspirational zeal as expressed by the father of the Nation in his quote; Work, work and work only for your satisfaction with humility and dedicated and serve the nation. He offered warm and heartiest welcome to all participants of the course and urging them to leave no stone unturned for parliamentary excellence.

The ED PIPS also thanked Secretary Senate Syed Hasnain Haider and Special Secretary Mr Asim Goraya for wholehearted support to team PIPS in their endeavors to hold meaningful interventions for strengtening the Parliament. Ms Samer Awais DG PDP and C PIPS made comprehensive presentation on the course contents of the six week PIPS 10th NPDC. The proceedings concluded with Vote of thanks to the Chief Guest and a group photo of Hon Chairman Senate with the course participants.