Two-day Training Programme on Parliamentary Procedures: “The Powers and Functions of Committees and Responding to Parliamentary Questions” For Government Officers (BPS 17-19)

September 2, 2026 CIVIL SERVANTS, Training

The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) organized a Two-Day Training on “Parliamentary Procedures: The Powers and Functions of Committees and Responding to Parliamentary Questions” from 2^nd & 3^rd September 2026 at the PIPS, Islamabad, for Government Officers (BPS 17–19). The programme was attended by more than 50 Officers from various Ministries, Divisions and their attached departments. The training aimed at strengthening participants’ understanding of parliamentary rules of procedures, committee functions, oversight mechanisms and the effective handling of parliamentary business.

The proceedings commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by welcome remarks by Mr. Asim Khan Goraya, Executive Director, PIPS. Addressing the participants, the Executive Director underscored the close and continuing relationship between Parliament and the Executive and highlighted the important role of Government officers in facilitating this relationship through provision of accurate information, professional support and effective communication of institutional positions before Parliament. He further observed that constructive parliamentary scrutiny contributes to improved governance, institutional performance and responsible utilization of public resources.

Setting the substantive context for the training, Mr. Muhammad Anwar, former Secretary, Senate Secretariat and former Executive Director, PIPS, led the opening technical session on “An Introduction to the Rules of Procedure.” He familiarized participants with the procedural framework governing parliamentary business and highlighted its practical significance for Government officers responsible for facilitating and coordinating matters relating to Parliament and its proceedings.

Advancing the discussion from parliamentary procedure to the committee system, Ms. Naveen Erum, Additional Draftsman, National Assembly Secretariat, delivered a session on “An Overview of the Powers and Functions of the Committees.” She elaborated upon the constitutional and legal foundations of the National Assembly committee system, various categories of committees and their legislative, oversight and administrative functions. The session also highlighted committees’ role in scrutinizing legislation and overseeing the Executive, including their authority to summon witnesses and call for relevant records.

Complementing the discussion with a practical dimension of parliamentary accountability, Mr. Talha Haroon, Deputy Director, National Assembly Secretariat, facilitated the session on “How to Respond to Parliamentary Questions: Do’s and Don’ts.” The session focused on key considerations for Government officers while preparing and processing responses to parliamentary questions, with particular emphasis on adopting an appropriate and well-prepared approach to parliamentary queries.

The second day commenced with an extensive session on “Parliamentary Oversight Tools,” conducted by Mr. Muhammad Anwar. He discussed Questions, Calling Attention Notices, Adjournment Motions, Motions, Resolutions, Committees, Privilege Motions and Points of Order, providing participants with a broader understanding of the principal instruments through which parliamentary business is conducted and matters of public importance are brought before Parliament.

Bringing the technical proceedings to a practical and application-oriented conclusion, Mr. Haris Rehman, Joint Secretary, Senate Secretariat, conducted the session on “Preparing for Appearance Before Committee Meetings.” He emphasized the importance of thorough preparation, understanding the composition and mandate of the committee, and presenting information in a clear, factual, respectful and non-partisan manner. The session further underscored the need to maintain parliamentary decorum, respond calmly to difficult questions and refrain from providing unverified facts or figures.

The two-day programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Director General (CB&D) Ms. Samer Awais, acknowledging the valuable contributions of the distinguished resource persons and the active engagement of the participants. The training provided a focused platform for enhancing Government officers’ practical understanding of parliamentary procedures, strengthening their capacity to respond effectively to parliamentary business and fostering informed and professional engagement between Parliament and the Executive.

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.

Two-day Training Programme on Parliamentary Procedures: “The Powers and Functions of Committees and Responding to Parliamentary Questions” For Government Officers (BPS 17-19)

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