Orientation Program for National Assembly Interns Commences at PIPS

ORIENTATIONS, OUTREACH, YOUTH ENGAGEMENT

The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) inaugurated the Orientation Program for Interns of the National Assembly of Pakistan on Monday, January 27, 2025. The five-day program is designed to equip over 70 bright students, selected from across all universities in Pakistan, with the knowledge and skills to contribute effectively to parliamentary functions and legislative work.

The program commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran and the National Anthem. Ms. Samer Awais, Director General of the Parliamentary Development Program and Coordination (PDP&C) at PIPS, opened the ceremony with an overview of the orientation program. She highlighted the structured approach of the five-day agenda, which includes key sessions on constitutional history, governance, legislative processes, parliamentary research, and policy analysis.

Following her remarks, Executive Director of PIPS, Mr. Asim Khan Goraya, delivered his inaugural address. In his thought-provoking speech, Mr. Goraya underscored the critical role of the interns in supporting Pakistan’s democratic institutions and encouraged them to maximize this learning opportunity.

“You are stepping into the heart of Pakistan’s democracy. This program is a gateway to understanding the essential principles of governance and policymaking, empowering you to contribute to strengthening our parliamentary framework,” he emphasized.

After the welcome remarks, a group photo session was held with all participants, capturing the enthusiastic spirit of the 70 interns who had gathered from diverse regions of Pakistan.

The day’s sessions formally began with a focus on “Constitution, Federalism, and Parliamentary Framework.” The following sessions were conducted:

Important Benchmarks in Constitutional History
Facilitator: Dr. Farooq Dar, Quaid-i-Azam University
- Dr. Dar provided an engaging lecture on the historical milestones shaping Pakistan’s Constitution, helping participants understand the evolution of constitutional governance in the country.
Roles of the Legislature and Its Relationship with the Executive and Judiciary
Facilitator: Dr. Farooq Dar, Quaid-i-Azam University
- This session delved into the separation of powers and the intricate balance between the three branches of government, ensuring clarity on their respective roles and responsibilities.
Salient Features of the Constitution, Including Federalism and Human Rights
Facilitator: Mr. Zafarullah Khan, Parliamentary Expert
- Mr. Khan offered an in-depth exploration of Pakistan’s Constitution, with an emphasis on federalism and the safeguarding of human rights, encouraging interns to consider the practical implications of constitutional provisions in everyday governance.

The first day concluded with a dynamic exchange of ideas between the facilitators and interns, fostering an engaging learning environment. The Orientation Program will continue until January 31, 2025, featuring sessions on governance, parliamentary oversight, legislative research, and more. Participants will also have the unique opportunity to engage directly with seasoned parliamentarians to gain firsthand insights into parliamentary roles and responsibilities.

On the direction of the Chairman Senate/President PIPS Board of Governors, the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS), has implemented a comprehensive set of measures aimed at ensuring fiscal discipline, operational efficiency, and responsible utilization of public resources, on the same lines as notified and adopted by the Senate and National Assembly Secretariats.

Under the new measures, the Institute has adopted a four-day working week (Monday to Thursday), while introducing a hybrid working model whereby 50% of staff will perform duties from the office and 50% will work remotely on a rotational basis. Employees working from home will remain fully accessible through digital communication platforms and may be required to report to the office on short notice, ensuring uninterrupted institutional functioning.

Significant steps have also been taken to promote energy conservation. These include a target of achieving up to 70% reduction in energy consumption through minimizing unnecessary use of electricity and ensuring that official meetings, trainings, and events are scheduled during daylight hours. Foreign tours are banned and international meetings are being held virtually.

In the transport section, PIPS has introduced strict measures to curtail expenditure and 70% official vehicles have been grounded as part of this initiative.

As part of broader austerity efforts, 20% reduction has been imposed on the non-ERE budget for the fourth quarter of the current financial year. The officers drawing a monthly salary of PKR 300,000 or more, shall surrendered two days salary or 5% to 30% salary on gross as per Federal Government decision.

The Institute has also discontinued all non-essential procurements with immediate effect. Official functions such as dinners and receptions will not be hosted, except in the case of visiting foreign delegations, and even then, strictly in accordance with austerity protocols.

These measures have been implemented with immediate effect and will remain in force until further orders.

Under the guidance of President PIPS Board of Governors, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, PIPS remains fully committed to maintaining its core functions of parliamentary support, capacity building, and research while contributing proactively to national austerity and sustainability goals.

Orientation Program for National Assembly Interns Commences at PIPS

@ Your Service