On April 17, 2024, the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS), in collaboration with Mustehkam Parlimaan (MuP), an EU-funded project, organized an orientation programme, specifically tailored for the newly elected members of the National Assembly of Pakistan at the PIPS, Islamabad. The programme aimed to furnish them with essential insights into their legislative responsibilities.

The inaugural session commenced with Ms. Samer Awais, Director General of the Parliamentary Development Programme and Coordination (PDP&C), providing an overview of the Institute. Mr. Muhammad Anwar, the Executive Director of PIPS, then officially opened the session by extending a warm welcome to all participants. He congratulated the newly elected members and emphasized the pivotal role they play in shaping the future of governance. Dr. Syed Pervez Abbas, the Acting Team Lead of MuP, also welcomed the honourable members during his opening remarks.

The programme continued with an informative session conducted by Mr. Muhammad Mushtaq, Special Secretary, National Assembly Secretariat, who provided an overview of the Constitution and Rules of Procedure relevant to the functioning of the Parliament. Mr. Muhamamd Anwar shed light on Parliamentary Oversight Tools during his session, followed by Mr. Aizaz Asif, Technical Lead of MuP, who conducted a session on the Parliamentary Budgetary Process and Public Financial Management.

The programme concluded with a session introducing the Parliamentary Forums, which was elaborated upon by Syed Shamoon Hashmi, Special Secretary (Special Initiatives), National Assembly Secretariat. This discussion, praised by Honourable members, underscored the successful orientation of the parliamentarians, marking the commencement of their legislative journey.