Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) hosted a delegation of 40 students Faculty of Aerospace and Strategic Studies, Air University Islamabad in a Seminar on Constitution, Parliament and Working of PIPS on Wednesday, 21 May 2025 at its Main Campus in Islamabad. The delegation included students enrolled in senior semesters of BS in International Relations and Strategic Studies. The event began with the national anthem and recitation of Holy Quran by Qari Anees Ahmad. Ms Fakiha Mahmood DD (Research) moderated the session. It was part of the National Parliament’s Parliamentary Studies Initiative where PIPS engages with university students to inculcate knowledge on Constitutionalism and working of the Parliament as custodian of national aspirations and rights of the people especially the poor.

Mr. Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka, Director General (Research) PIPS, welcomed the participants on behalf of President PIPS BoG and Executive Director PIPS. He gave detailed presentation on “Constitution, Parliament and Working of PIPS.” He highlighted four major pillars of Pakistan’s parliamentary democracy which include i) sovereignty belongs to Almighty Allah, ii) decisions be made in consultation, iii) transparency, and iv) we agree to disagree. The second section of his presentation focused on Constitution as a basic social contract between the state and its citizens. He highlighted basic components of the Constitution i.e. welfare, Islamic such as the provision regarding making laws consistent with Islamic code of conduct, federal and democratic envisioning independent judiciary. He also highlighted the federal character of the Constitution which necessitates devolution of power among the federating units. Referring to the distribution of financial resources on the basis of the formula agreed under the seventh NFC Award he stated that provinces get 57.4% of the national resources for domestic consumption.   

Ms Tehseen Khalid, Director (Research) PIPS, conducted session on “Parliamentary Committee System.” She began her presentation with relevant constitutional provisions which establish the legal framework for the parliamentary committees in Pakistan. She highlighted the significance of the committee with the well-known saying that “Congress in session is Congress in exhibition while Congress in committee room is Congress at work.” Similarly, committees are often termed as the “eyes and ears” of the parliament. She highlighted the rules of procedures pertaining to committees and noted that committees are just recommendatory bodies. She also delved upon various powers and duties of the committees.

In a joint presentation Mr. Abdul Nabi Solangi, Deputy Director (Legislation) and Ms. Kalsoom Wazir, Assistant Director (Legislation), briefed the participants about the “Legislative Process and Services.” Ms. Kalsoom talked about underlying principles of legislative process in Pakistan which include; Islamic code of life, separation of powers, parliamentary democracy, bicameral legislature and independence of judiciary. She also presented the schematic illustration of the law-making process in Pakistan.  Mr. Abdul Nabi Solangi shared different types of legislative instruments such as bills, acts and ordinances. After an absorbing Question and Answer session, Head of delegation Mr. Saad, faculty Air University eulogized the Institute for a comprehensive briefing on evolution and functions of the elected Parliament, giving sessions on pertinent parliamentary and constitutional topics such as Oversight through committees and legislative process. Ms. Fakiha Mahmood, Deputy Director (Research), moderated the event. PIPS organizing team was led by DG (Research), and comprised of Ms. Tehseen Khalid, Director (Research), Ms. Fakiha Mahmood, Deputy Director (Research), and Mr. Asif Ahmad Abro, Assistant Director (Research).

The session concluded with presentation of PIPS publications to Head of delegation by Executive Director PIPS Mr Asim Khan Goraya before a group photo and passionate slogan Pakistan Hamesha Zindabad!