The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) inaugurated the Orientation Program for Interns of the National Assembly of Pakistan on Monday, January 27, 2025. The five-day program is designed to equip over 70 bright students, selected from across all universities in Pakistan, with the knowledge and skills to contribute effectively to parliamentary functions and legislative work.

The program commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran and the National Anthem. Ms. Samer Awais, Director General of the Parliamentary Development Program and Coordination (PDP&C) at PIPS, opened the ceremony with an overview of the orientation program. She highlighted the structured approach of the five-day agenda, which includes key sessions on constitutional history, governance, legislative processes, parliamentary research, and policy analysis.

Following her remarks, Executive Director of PIPS, Mr. Asim Khan Goraya, delivered his inaugural address. In his thought-provoking speech, Mr. Goraya underscored the critical role of the interns in supporting Pakistan’s democratic institutions and encouraged them to maximize this learning opportunity.

“You are stepping into the heart of Pakistan’s democracy. This program is a gateway to understanding the essential principles of governance and policymaking, empowering you to contribute to strengthening our parliamentary framework,” he emphasized.

After the welcome remarks, a group photo session was held with all participants, capturing the enthusiastic spirit of the 70 interns who had gathered from diverse regions of Pakistan.

The day’s sessions formally began with a focus on “Constitution, Federalism, and Parliamentary Framework.” The following sessions were conducted:

1. Important Benchmarks in Constitutional History
   Facilitator: Dr. Farooq Dar, Quaid-i-Azam University
   • Dr. Dar provided an engaging lecture on the historical milestones shaping Pakistan’s Constitution, helping participants understand the evolution of constitutional governance in the country.
2. Roles of the Legislature and Its Relationship with the Executive and Judiciary
   Facilitator: Dr. Farooq Dar, Quaid-i-Azam University
   • This session delved into the separation of powers and the intricate balance between the three branches of government, ensuring clarity on their respective roles and responsibilities.
3. Salient Features of the Constitution, Including Federalism and Human Rights
   Facilitator: Mr. Zafarullah Khan, Parliamentary Expert
   • Mr. Khan offered an in-depth exploration of Pakistan’s Constitution, with an emphasis on federalism and the safeguarding of human rights, encouraging interns to consider the practical implications of constitutional provisions in everyday governance.

The first day concluded with a dynamic exchange of ideas between the facilitators and interns, fostering an engaging learning environment. The Orientation Program will continue until January 31, 2025, featuring sessions on governance, parliamentary oversight, legislative research, and more. Participants will also have the unique opportunity to engage directly with seasoned parliamentarians to gain firsthand insights into parliamentary roles and responsibilities.