The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) and Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST) Islamabad and Karachi Campuses, formalized a partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at PIPS campus, Islamabad.

The ceremony was attended by senior management, faculty heads and members from the both institutions, with the leadership of SZABIST Karachi campus joining online, while the leadership of PIPS and SZABIST Islamabad campus participated in person.

Speaking on the occasion, the Executive Director of PIPS, Mr. Asim Khan Goraya, welcomed Mr. Khusro Pervaiz Khan (Head of Islamabad Campus), SZABIST and leadership of SZABIST and highlighted the Institute’s journey as the premier center of excellence for parliamentary learning, capacity building, research, and professional development since its establishment in 2008 through an Act of Parliament. Mr. Goraya emphasized that the MoU with SZABIST reflects a shared vision for capacity building, training, outreach programs and academic collaboration to benefit both parliamentarians and academia.

Recognizing SZABIST’s role as a leading multidisciplinary university producing competent professionals and ethical leaders, Mr. Goraya welcomed the opportunity to join hands for collaborative initiatives. Under the MoU, the two institutions will jointly organize seminars, policy dialogues, and academic talks at PIPS. SZABIST students will also be offered participation in PIPS’s Parliamentary Outreach Programs, providing them firsthand exposure to the policymaking process. The MOU further envisions faculty collaboration in research, case studies and academic exchange, bridging theory with practice for the mutual benefit of both institutions.

Professor Dr. Riaz Ahmed Shaikh (Dean of Social Science & Education Department), SZABIST noted that university’s faculty including professors represents a dynamic blend of expertise that will strengthen this collaboration. He also suggested integrating Parliamentary Studies into existing courses, such as Social Sciences.

Ms. Nasreen Haque, (Vice President, Development and Finance), SZABIST welcomed the initiative, termed the collaboration with PIPS an excellent opportunity, stressing the potential to design programs that bring mutual benefits to both institutions.

Mrs. Samer Awais, (Director General CB&D) PIPS, noted that Ms. Shahnaz Wazir Ali, President of SZABIST, has remained a strong advocate of women’s empowerment, making significant contributions through numerous forums and initiatives linked to parliamentary engagement and policy dialogue. 

Professor Dr. Muhammad Altaf Mukati (Vice President, Academics) of SZABIST, called the MOU a historical step, noting that while not tied to degree programs, it will create training opportunities to strengthen parliament by enriching the knowledge and skills of parliamentarians.

Mr. Khusro Pervaiz Khan highlighted that one of SZABIST’s greatest strength lies in its research capacity, particularly within the Social Sciences Department. He noted that the University consistently produces substantial scholarly work, including MS-level theses, which can serve as a valuable resource for advancing this collaboration. He further emphasized that SZABIST has a strong and dedicated team in place to manage and build upon this research potential.

Mr. Goraya highlighted PIPS core mandate of parliamentary capacity building and strengthening of institutions, noting that the collaboration with SZABIST promises mutual benefits to both parliamentary development and academia. In his concluding remarks, the Executive Director PIPS expressed gratitude to Mr. Khusro Pervaiz Khan and leadership of SZABIST for their commitment and vision, hoping for a fruitful and lasting partnership dedicated to capacity building, research, training and knowledge sharing.