Pre-Promotion Training Course for Section Officers of the National Assembly SecretariatOctober 15–24, 2025

COURSES

The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) successfully organized an eight-day Pre-Promotion Training Course for 14 Section Officers of the National Assembly Secretariat from October 15 to 24, 2025, at PIPS, Islamabad.

The inaugural session was moderated by Mr. Taj Muhammad, Director (PDP). The event commenced with the Recitation of the Holy Quran.
Syed Zain Gillani, Director General (PDP & C), delivered welcome remarks on behalf of the Executive Director, PIPS, highlighting that the course aims to provide a balanced blend of knowledge, practical skills, and positive attitudes essential for effective public service. He encouraged participants to actively engage, exchange ideas, and apply the learning to strengthen their professional effectiveness.

The training aimed to enhance participants’ understanding of constitutional provisions, legislative procedures, rules of business, and administrative frameworks, while also improving their communication, presentation, and leadership skills. It combined theoretical sessions with practical exercises to promote innovation, teamwork, and adaptability to digital transformation, including the use of E-Office systems and Artificial Intelligence tools.

Day 1 – Wednesday, October 15, 2025:

Dr. Farooq Ahmed Dar, Associate Professor, discussed the Constitution of Pakistan and Relations between Federation and Provinces. Mr. Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka, DG Research (PIPS), concluded the day with a session on the Salient Features of the Constitution.

Day 2 – Thursday, October 16, 2025:

Mr. Hamid Rafique Khattak conducted a session on Creative Thinking Skills, while Mr. Muhammad Afzal Soomro, Joint Secretary, NA Secretariat, elaborated on Rules of Procedure and Parliamentary Committees.

Day 3 – Friday, October 17, 2025:

Mr. Muhammad Mushtaq, Advisor (Legislation & Training), led a session on Legislative Business – From Bill to Act, followed by Ms. Naveen Erum, Additional Draftsman, who discussed Non-Legislative Business.

Day 4–5 – October 20–21, 2025:

Mr. Muhammad Rizwan Ullah, Additional Secretary (Legislation), covered Service Rules and Civil Servants Act 1973, while Mr. Iftikhar Ullah Babar, Former Secretary Senate, trained officers on Noting, Minuting, and Minutes Writing.

Day 6–7 – October 22–23, 2025:

Ms. Tehreem Ahsan, Deputy Director (Ministry of Petroleum), led sessions on Communication and Presentation Skills. Mr. Hamood-ur-Rehman, CEO, The Collimators, spoke on Team Building and Stress Management, followed by Mr. Saif-ur-Rehman, Additional Director (NITB), on E-Office and Digital File Management.

Day 8 – Friday, October 24, 2025:

The final session, Leveraging Artificial Intelligence for Office Efficiency, was conducted by Mr. Asif Zamir, Director IT, PIPS, highlighting how AI tools can enhance productivity in government offices.

The training concluded successfully, achieving its objectives of enhancing procedural knowledge, improving professional skills, and fostering digital adaptability among Section Officers. Participants appreciated PIPS for offering an interactive and well-structured learning experience that effectively blended academic knowledge with practical insights.

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.

Pre-Promotion Training Course for Section Officers of the National Assembly SecretariatOctober 15–24, 2025

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