Orientation Workshop for the Interns of PIPS and Senate of Pakistan

July 4, 2025 ORIENTATIONS, SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS

The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS), under its commitment to parliamentary excellence, successfully organized a comprehensive five-day Orientation Workshop for the interns of the PIPS and Senate of Pakistan from June 30^th to July 4^th , 2025, at the PIPS, Islamabad.

The programme aimed to introduce the interns to the fundamental workings of Pakistan’s parliamentary system, constitutional framework of the country, legislative processes, and institutional values.

With sessions led by distinguished speakers and experienced parliamentary professionals, the week provided an immersive learning experience—combining interactive lectures, practical exposure, and thought-provoking dialogue.

Day 1: Understanding Foundations and Values of Parliament

The inaugural day began with the recitation of the Holy Quran and a programme overview, setting the tone for a meaningful week ahead, which comprised seminars on!

The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services: Structure, Services, and the Story So Far
Mr. Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka and Ms. Samer Awais provided an engaging institutional overview, emphasizing PIPS’ role in strengthening Pakistan’s parliamentary democracy.
The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
A detailed session by Mr. Zaka and Dr. Muhammad Fahd Amin from Quaid e Azam University explored constitutional history, core principles, and the rights of citizens, sparking vibrant questions and discussions among the participants.
Parliamentary Decorum and Etiquette
Mr. Tariq Bin Waheed, Sr. DG Protocol, Senate Secretariat, provided insights into the essential codes of conduct and traditions upheld within parliamentary culture.

Day 2: Inside the Legislative Process

The Process of Law-making: From a Bill to an Act
Ms. Rabeea Anwar, Additional Secretary (Legislation), Senate Secretariat, explained the intricacies of drafting, debating, and passing legislation, giving interns a clear view of the legislative cycle.
Visit to the Senate of Pakistan
Interns toured the Senate Secretariat, observed a Committee Meeting, explored the Senate Museum and Dastoor Gali, and received an official briefing on institutional functions. The visit brought theoretical learning to life and left a lasting impression on participants.

Day 3: Parliamentary Tools, Oversight, and Digital Realities

The Significance, Types, Powers & Functions of the Committees
Mr. Hafeezullah Sheikh, Special Secretary, Senate Secretariat, delivered a powerful session on how parliamentary committees play a vital role in scrutiny, accountability, and expert input.
Use of Social Media and Combating Falsehoods
Mr. Usman Zafar (UNDP), provided valuable perspectives on misinformation in the digital age and discussed the importance of responsible communication within public discourse and parliamentary engagement.
Overview of the Oversight Tools for Effective Governance
Mr. Muhammad Azam, Deputy Secretary Committee, Senate Secretariat, gave a practical overview of tools such as Questions, Motions, and Standing Committees used to ensure Government accountability.

Day 4: Research and Innovation in Parliamentary Practice

Parliamentary Research Products
Ms. Tehseen Khalid, Director Research, PIPS, introduced interns to the research services offered to members of Parliament and how evidence-based decision-making is supported.
Overview of the Parliamentary Research/Briefs
Ms. Iffat Mustafa, DG (Coordination/Research), Senate Secretariat, explained the process of preparing high-impact policy briefs and backgrounders for committee and floor debates, by Parliamentary Researches.
Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Parliamentary Work
Mr. Burhan ul Haq delivered a thought-provoking session on the integration of AI in governance, legislative drafting, and data management, opening new horizons for future parliamentary innovation.

Day 5: Leadership, Life Skills & Reflections

Empowering Youth for Tomorrow: Life Skills for Success
Honourable Senator Dr. Afnan Ullah Khan engaged in a candid and inspiring conversation with interns, emphasizing leadership, resilience, and purpose-driven public service.
Leadership at the Helm: A Dialogue with the Secretary Senate Secretariat
Syed Hasnain Haider offered personal insights into institutional leadership, operational management, and a career in public service, encouraging interns to strive for impact and excellence.
Closing Remarks by Executive Director, PIPS
Mr. Asim Khan Goraya appreciated the interns’ dedication and participation, encouraging them to carry forward the knowledge and experiences gained. In his address, Mr. Goraya greeted the interns on behalf of President PIPS, Honorable Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani and lauded the interns for their commitment. He appreciated the Senate and PIPS staff and especially the Parliamentary Development Program Wing to make the program happen.

The programme concluded with a group photograph and refreshments, marking the successful completion of a meaningful journey in parliamentary learning.

The five-day Orientation Programme stood as a testament to the commitment of PIPS and the Senate Secretariat to empowering the next generation of leaders. With dynamic sessions, rich interactions, and exposure to parliamentary institutions, the interns walked away with enhanced understanding, stronger civic values, and a renewed sense of democratic purpose.

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 Workshop for the Interns of PIPS and Senate of Pakistan

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