Empowering Youth to Engage with Parliament
The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) successfully organized an Orientation Session for Senate Secretariat Interns at PIPS Islamabad, welcoming 33 interns from different academic institutions to build foundational knowledge of parliamentary processes and constitutional values.
Opening:
The day commenced with the recitation of Holy Quran, followed by introductions. Mr. Shahab Khan, Assistant Director (PDP Wing), officially inaugurated the session, encouraging interns to actively engage with Pakistan’s democratic frameworks.
Know Your Parliament:
Mr. Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka, DG (Research), PIPS, led an engaging discussion on the Parliament’s functioning, constitutional principles, and civic responsibilities, inviting interns to share their understanding and reflections.
Legislative Process & Oversight:
Mr. Khurram Javed (Director, Legislation) explained how laws are made in Pakistan, from bills to passage, while Mr. Abdul Nabi Solangi (Deputy Director, Legislation) detailed Parliament’s oversight tools, committee functions, and question mechanisms, followed by an interactive Q&A session.
Research and Briefing Materials:
Ms. Bushra Rafique, Deputy Director (Research), Senate Secretariat, shared how briefing materials and research-based support are prepared for Senators, emphasizing the Research Wing’s critical role in informed decision-making.
Navigating the Senate Website:
Syed Khurram Hussain Naqvi, Director (I.T), Senate Secretariat, introduced the official Senate website and its key features during his session. He explained the purpose of each navigation tab, including Members, Committees, Sessions, and Publications, to help user’s access legislative and procedural information efficiently.
Intern Expectations & Reflection Activity:
Ms. Mariam Ahsan, Deputy Director (PDP), PIPS, concluded the session with an interactive reflection activity. Interns formed six groups, created chart presentations summarizing their learning, and presented to the audience, reinforcing teamwork and knowledge retention. She encouraged interns with best wishes for their journey ahead, sharing essential Senate mannerisms and decorum for professional conduct within parliamentary spaces.
The session empowered interns with practical insights, research skills, and the spirit of civic engagement, aligned with PIPS’s dedication to Parliamentary Excellence.