The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) in collaboration with the Mustehkam Parlimaan (MuP) – a project funded by the European Union, organised a one day Orientation Programme for newly elected members of the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab on Friday 29th March, 2024 at Pearl Continental hotel, Lahore. The programme aimed to enhance the capabilities of legislators by facilitating collaboration and exchange of ideas among members. The objectives included familiarizing members with parliamentary procedures, providing insight into the legislative process, understanding committee functions, and emphasizing parliamentary outreach. The orientation was attended by more than 180 members of the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab.
The event commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran followed by programme overview by Ms. Samer Awais, D. G. PDP & C, PIPS. Mr. Farhatullah Babar, Former Senator, was then invited to conduct a session on Parliamentary Oversight. Mr. Babar highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in government operations, emphasizing the role of parliamentary oversight tools. Afterwards, Mr. Usama Khawar, Advisor the Speaker PAP, was invited on the stage to give an overview of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Mr. Khawar in his discussion, outlined the principles and the three main pillars of parliamentary democracy of the Constitution of Pakistan. Next session was facilitated by Mr. Muhammad Mohsin Khan Leghari, former MPA Punjab, who shared insights on parliamentary procedures and policymaking, while Mr. Aizaz Asif, Technical Lead, MuP discussed the Parliamentary Budgetary Process and Public Financial Management. Mr. Khalid Mehmood, Advisor to Speaker PAP, was invited on the stage to introduce Legislative Procedures. He emphasized on the core functions of the legislature, oversight, and scrutiny of government. He differentiated between Private Members’ Bills and Government Bills, citing limited research and drafting facilities as reasons for the low number of private bills. He also discussed rules of procedure and conduct of business as the exclusive powers of Parliament and Provincial Assemblies to make laws. Mr. Muhammad Anwar, Executive Director, PIPS, highlighted the powers and functions of Parliamentary Committees, emphasizing their role as oversight tools for policy implementation.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Zaheer Iqbal, Deputy Speaker of the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab followed by iftar dinner.