A two day Orientation programme was organized at Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services on July 8 & 9, 2019, in order to reinforce the functional capacity of the newly recruited interns of Senate of Pakistan. With the aim to inculcate comprehensive knowledge about the functions and working of senate, the programme commenced with the recitation of Holy Quran, followed by a round of introductions conducted by Consultant PDP, PIPS Ms. Roohiya Qazi, afterwards the participants shared their expectations from the internship programme. Joint Secretary (HRM) Senate, Mr. Asim Goraya in his welcome remarks stressed on the importance of youth outreach programmes and explained how the interns would gain hands-on experience about House business during their 2 months’ internship period. He urged the interns to make the most of this opportunity and assured the provision of guidance and assistance along the way.

In the first session, Mr. Iftikharullah Babar presented a through overview of Role, Functions and History of Senate of Pakistan. He informed the participants about the significance of Constitution and the Constitutional history of Pakistan. Later on, an introduction to Parliamentary oversight tools was also provided, whereby Mr. Iftikharullah Babar discussed various tools of oversight. He further discussed committee system while emphasizing that Parliament in plenary was parliament on public display while parliament in committee rooms was parliament at work.

Last session of the day was on Rules of Procedures and Conduct of Business in the Senate 2012 and Standing Orders, which was facilitated by Section Officer (Legislation) Senate Secretariat, Ms. Wajeeha Riaz. She informed the participants about the Framework of Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Senate and discussed summoning, prorogation and Quorum of the Senate. She further differentiated the three classes of Business including Government Business, Private Member’s Business and Senate Business. Later on, Ms. Wajeeha discussed at length the characteristics of Private Member Bill and Government Bill. The Legislative Procedure of Money Bill and Constitutional Amendment Bill were deliberated upon in the session as well. Lastly, Ms. Wajeeha highlighted the General Rules to be observed in the House by the Honourable Members.