IN-HOUSE HANDS-ON TRAINING ON ARTICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) FOR THE REPORTERS OF THE PUNJAB ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT, LAHORE

December 3, 2025 CIVIL SERVANTS, COURSES, FUNCTIONARIES, SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS

The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) is conducting a three-day in-house training on Artificial Intelligence (AI) for the reporters of the Punjab Assembly Secretariat. A total of 17 reporters are participating in the programme, which is designed to build practical skills for applying AI tools to enhance efficiency, innovation, and digital transformation within public administration.

The training seeks to deepen participants’ understanding of AI and its effective use in government functions, with a particular focus on ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, and other generative AI tools. The programme aims to strengthen reporting, research communication, committee coordination, and workflow management while encouraging the adoption of modern digital solutions in line with contemporary governance standards.

The inaugural session began with the Recitation of the Holy Quran. Mr. Shahab Khattak, Assistant Director, moderated the session and warmly welcomed all participants on behalf of the Executive Director, PIPS. He provided a brief overview of the programme and acknowledged the participants’ dedication to acquiring new skills and knowledge in Artificial Intelligence to support the functions of the Punjab Assembly Secretariat.

Mr. Asif Zamir, Director (Information Technology), PIPS, opened the technical segment with engaging questions on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning (DL), and ChatGPT, fostering an interactive and thought-provoking learning environment. He elaborated on how ChatGPT operates—through prompts, tokens, and responses—discussed various types of AI, including Narrow AI, Artificial General Intelligence (Generative AI), and Super AI, and introduced key concepts such as Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Large Language Models (LLMs). The session also covered ethical considerations, responsible AI use in government, and elements of Pakistan’s National AI Policy.

The second day was focused on enhancing reporters’ skills in drafting news briefs, summaries, and parliamentary updates using Gemini. Participants practiced simplifying complex legislative content into clear Urdu and English. They used Gemini for rapid background research and generating committee-related reporting notes. Practical exercises included producing policy briefs and proceeding summaries. The session ended with guidance on verifying AI-generated information for accuracy.

On day three the reporters were given the insight in drafting press releases, talking points, and parliamentary news scripts using Microsoft Copilot. Officers learned to create public-friendly summaries, FAQs, and social media posts to enhance citizen outreach. Copilot’s integration with Word and Teams was used for generating notes and organizing reporting workflows. Participants prepared a sample reporting assignment through Copilot. The day concluded with group presentations and feedback.

Mr. Shahab Khan, Assistant Director PIPS commended reporters for their active participation and adaptability in using AI tools. He highlighted that Gemini and Copilot will significantly improve the speed, clarity, and quality of parliamentary reporting. He encouraged participants to apply these tools in daily coverage to enhance transparency and public awareness. He reaffirmed PIPS’ commitment to ongoing capacity building. The session concluded with appreciation for facilitators and the Secretariat’s cooperation.

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.

IN-HOUSE HANDS-ON TRAINING ON ARTICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) FOR THE REPORTERS OF THE PUNJAB ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT, LAHORE

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