Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services organized a three day Orientation Programme for the second batch of Interns of the National Assembly Secretariat from 24th to 26th August 2022 at PIPS Campus, Islamabad. The Programme was attended by ninety six interns of the National Assembly Secretariat. The purpose of the programme was to familiarize and acquaint the young interns of the National Assembly Secretariat with basic understanding and knowledge of the functions of the Parliament, the concept of democracy and importance of effective governance.
The Programme commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran followed by Welcome remarks by Ms. Mariam Ahsan, Deputy Director (PDP), PIPS where she requested the participants for a brief round of introductions. The first session for the Programme was convened by Justice (R) Muhammad Raza Khan on the fundamental working of the Parliament and its functions. This was followed by a session on Understanding the Constitution of Pakistan and fundamental rights by Parliamentary Expert, Mr. Zafarullah Khan. The Constitution was further discussed at length by Democracy and Governance Expert, Mr. Ali Imran. The day ended with an overview of the rules of procedure and use of oversight tools for effective governance explained by Additional Secretary, National Assembly Secretariat, Mr. Muhammad Mushtaq.
Sessions on Parliamentary Ethics and the research products were explained on day two of the orientation. The sessions were facilitated by National Assembly Secretariat staff Ms. Mahira Rafique, Deputy Director PMU, Mr. Danish Bhutto Deputy Director PMU and lecturer from Quaid e Azam University Mr. Muhammad Fahad Amin.
On the last day of the Orientation, Honourable Member National Assembly of Pakistan, Ms. Shahida Akhtar Ali held an interactive session with the Interns on the topic “A day in the Life of a Legislator”. She highlighted the challenges, role and responsibilities’ a Parliamentarian faces in their day to day working. Director General PDP, Ms. Samer Awais concluded the Orientation programme with farewell remarks for the participants. She encouraged the young interns to keep working hard towards building a prosperous future for the country.