The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) inaugurated the 12th National Parliamentary Development Course (NPDC), at its campus in Islamabad. The six-week programme will continue until December 3, 2026.
The NPDC is the flagship capacity-building programme of PIPS, aimed at strengthening the professional skills, institutional understanding, and leadership capabilities of parliamentary officers from the Senate, National Assembly, Provincial Assemblies, and Legislative Assemblies of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The course provides an opportunity for officers from across Pakistan’s legislatures to learn together, share experiences, and build professional connections.
The inaugural session began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by an overview of the programme by Syed Zain Gillani, Director General (Parliamentary Development Programme & Coordination), PIPS. He welcomed the participants and outlined the objectives and structure of the course. He highlighted its four key thematic areas: Understanding Parliamentary Functions, Enhancing Institutional Efficiency, Leadership and Personal Development, and Orientation to Emerging Tools and Innovation.
He noted that since the programme began in 2014, more than 250 officers from parliamentary secretariats across the federation and PIPS have completed the course. He encouraged participants to take an active part in the sessions, share their experiences, and apply their learning to their professional responsibilities.
This was followed by welcome remarks by Mr. Asim Khan Goraya, Executive Director, PIPS. He highlighted the NPDC’s role in bringing parliamentary officers together to strengthen their understanding of parliamentary rules, procedures, and practices. He emphasized that the value of training lies in applying what is learned to improve work within their respective institutions.
The Executive Director encouraged participants to ask questions, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. He stressed the importance of returning to their institutions with practical knowledge, stronger professional relationships, and a renewed commitment to parliamentary service.
He also highlighted PIPS’ engagement with the Global Network of Parliamentary Training Institutes and shared that PIPS will host the Second Global Conference of the Network in February 2027, in collaboration with the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). He acknowledged the cooperation of parliamentary secretariats, the contributions of resource persons, and the efforts of the PIPS Parliamentary Development Programme Wing in organizing the course. He also expressed appreciation for the guidance and support of Honourable Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, Chairman Senate of Pakistan and President, PIPS Board of Governors.
Following the opening ceremony, participants took part in a group photograph. Over the six weeks, the course will combine interactive sessions, group assignments, presentations, and practical exercises to help participants strengthen their knowledge of parliamentary work and develop skills relevant to their roles.
Over the six weeks, the course will cover a range of topics, including constitutional development, parliamentary procedures, legislation, legislative research, committee work, communication, leadership, teamwork, and professional ethics. Participants will also engage in group assignments, presentations, practical exercises, and discussions on emerging areas such as Artificial Intelligence, e-office, and digital transformation.
The 12th NPDC will continue until December 3, 2026, reflecting PIPS’ commitment to strengthening parliamentary capacity and supporting professional development across Pakistan’s legislatures.