Islamabad, August 7, 2025– Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services held a national seminar on Parliamentary Practices and Democratic Norms for 115 youth leaders from all federating units AJK and Gilgit Baltistan on August 7, 2025. Three interactive sessions were conducted on Constitution and Parliamentary, legislative process and working of committees, followed by a candid Q and A session and the event was co-hosted with Pakistan Youth Parliament as part of PIPS Parliamentary Studies Initiative of the National Parliament, as well as the beginning of 78th Independence Day celebration in the month of August.
The aim of the program was to introduce the young delegates across the four federating units of Pakistan including Gilgit Baltistan and AJK to the principles of the democratic system of the country, functions of Parliament and how the voices of people are presented through the given channels. It also was used to facilitate direct interaction between the parliamentary experts and young leaders; this resulted in the informed discussion of governance and democratic consolidation.
The event formally began at 10:15 am with registration of guests, followed by the National Anthem of Pakistan and the recitation of the verses of the Holy Quran. The first presentation was delivered by Mr. Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka, Director General (Research), PIPS, who provided a comprehensive overview of Pakistan’s parliamentary system. He discussed the salient features of the Constitution of Pakistan, the separation of powers between the executive, legislature, and judiciary, and the principles of federalism that ensure representation for all provinces. Mr. Zaka underscored the importance of rule of law, democratic accountability, and the role of Parliament as the supreme legislative body.
The second session, led by Mr. Abdul Nabi Solangi, Deputy Director (Legislation), PIPS, focused on the step-by-step legislative process in Pakistan. He explained how bills are drafted, introduced, debated, amended, and passed by both Houses of Parliament before becoming law. The session also highlighted the role of private members’ bills, the importance of public input, and the checks and balances that safeguard the legislative process from arbitrary decision-making.
In the third session, Mr. Hammad Khan Marri, Joint Secretary and Principal Secretary to the Chairman Senate of Pakistan, shed light on the functioning of parliamentary standing committees—specialized bodies that scrutinize legislation, monitor government performance, and conduct inquiries on matters of national interest. He emphasized that these committees are critical tools for ensuring transparency, oversight, and responsiveness within the democratic system. Mr. Marri also introduced participants to other parliamentary forums that enhance dialogue and cooperation among legislators.
Following the expert-led sessions, a dynamic question-and-answer segment provided PYP members with the opportunity to raise queries, share perspectives, and engage in constructive debate on how Pakistan’s democratic institutions can be further strengthened. The discussion covered topics ranging from youth political participation to parliamentary reforms and citizen outreach.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks by the President of PYP, who expressed gratitude to PIPS Executive Director Mr Asim Khan Goraya PIPS for organizing an inspiring and engaging session. He also presented vote of thanks to PIPS team Research for the memorable national seminar. Mr Asim Khan Goraya Executive Director PIPS was chief guest. He distributed Certificates amongst participants as well as PIPS Publications to President PYP Mr Muhammad Abu Bakr and Mr Hammad Khan Marri, JS Senate.
Mr. Abu Bakar President PYP presented souvenirs to Executive Director and key panelists Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka, DG research PIPS, Mr Hammad Khan Marri, Joint Secretary, Senate and Mr. Abdul Nabi Solangi, Deputy Director (Legislation) PIPS. Mr Asif Abro AD Research coordinated and moderated the event. A group photograph was taken with Mr Asim Khan Goraya Executive Director PIPS to mark the occasion with the patriot slogan Pakistan Zindabad, followed by a networking lunch where participants continued informal discussions with the speakers and PIPS officials.
Through such initiatives, PIPS reaffirms its dedication to empowering the next generation of leaders by equipping them with the knowledge, skills, and democratic values needed to contribute meaningfully to Pakistan’s political and governance landscape. PIPS has introduced parliamentary studies as countrywide course in more than 20 university and it remains committed to providing platforms for youth–parliamentary dialogue, fostering a culture of informed participation, and nurturing the democratic spirit among young Pakistanis. The 115 youth leaders included students from different universities across the country including students of political science, law, economics, computer sciences, management, commerce, software engineering and social sciences from: Quaid e Azam University Islamabad, SZABIST Karachi, University of Punjab Lahore, NUML, BZU Multan, University of Peshawar, Lahore School of Economics, FAST Peshawar, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Fatima Jinnah Women University Rawalpindi, University of Balochistan Quetta, Foundation University Islamabad, NDU and Air University, Islamabad.