Islamabad, December 2, 2025 – The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS), Islamabad, and Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU), Rawalpindi, formalized a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at PIPS on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025. The collaboration marks a significant milestone in advancing cooperation between academia and the legislature, fostering research, learning, and evidence-based policy engagement in Pakistan.
The signing ceremony was graced by Mr. Asim Khan Goraya, Executive Director PIPS, who warmly welcomed Professor Dr. Bushra Mirza, Vice Chancellor FJWU, and her distinguished team comprising Dr. Ishrat Siddiqa Lodhi, Director ORIC; Prof. Dr. Sarwat Rasul, Dean Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences; Dr. Saima Ashraf Kayani, Chairperson, Department of International Relations; Ms. Mahwish Rabia, Research Officer ORIC; Ms. Sidra Salam, Assistant Director ORIC; and Ms. Naqeeba Malik, FJWU alumna. The PIPS delegation included Mrs. Samer Awais, Director General (Capacity Building & Development), Mr. Syed Waqar Abbas Shah, Director, PIPS and Mr. Muhammad Hanif Khan Nasar, Deputy Director, PIPS.
In his welcome remarks, Mr. Goraya highlighted that the signing of the MoU reflects PIPS’s continued efforts to build bridges between academia and the legislature and to promote informed policymaking grounded in research and analysis. He expressed that PIPS, established in 2008 through an Act of Parliament, serves as the premier national institute providing research, training and legislative support to Members of Parliament and Staff of the National Assembly, Senate, the Provincial Legislatures and the Legislative Assemblies.
Mr. Goraya emphasized that the MoU with FJWU embodies a shared vision of knowledge exchange, collaborative research, and educational enrichment. Our mission at PIPS has always been to strengthen the democratic process through informed lawmaking, effective oversight, and meaningful representation, he remarked. This collaboration connects scholarly insight with practical policymaking and establishes a dynamic exchange between intellectual and legislative spheres He further explained that the partnership provides a framework for joint academic and policy initiatives, including the organization of seminars, conferences, and training programs; collaborative research and publications on governance and parliamentary practices; and outreach activities to connect students and faculty with Members of Parliament and policy experts.
Recognizing FJWU’s pioneering role as Pakistan’s first women’s university, Mr. Goraya commended its longstanding contribution to women’s empowerment and leadership in education. Empowering women through education, research, and leadership training is integral to strengthening parliamentary democracy, he stated. He also emphasized that signing the MoU is only the first step, and the true measure of success lies in its realization through sustained engagement and follow-up activities.
In her remarks, Professor Dr. Bushra Mirza, Vice Chancellor FJWU, lauded the partnership as a timely initiative that bridges theoretical learning with practical exposure. She emphasized the importance of connecting faculty and students with real-world parliamentary processes and interactions with legislators. This collaboration will not only enhance research, capacity building and academic excellence but will also open new pathways for our students to engage in meaningful policy work. She expressed to look forward to a productive and enduring relationship with PIPS that advances knowledge, capacity building and national development.
The event concluded with an exchange of memorabilia and publications between the delegations of PIPS and FJWU, symbolizing the start of a mutually rewarding partnership.