Debating Federalism” Thursday, February 22, 2018: Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) organized an Orientation Session on Role and Functions of PIPS for the students of Hanns Seidel Foundation Project “Model CCI: Debating Federalism” on February 22, 2018 at its main Campus in Islamabad. The all Pakistan delegation of University students and faculty members included 46 representatives from QAU, NUML, NDU, NUST, COMSATS, BZU Multan, Islamia University Bahawalpur, University of Sargodha, Fatima Jinnah Women University, University of the Punjab, IBA-Sukkur, University of Karachi, SBBU Nawabshah, University of Peshawar, SBBU Sheringal, University of Haripur, University of Turbat, SBKWU, BUITEMS Quetta, and University of Balochistan. 

The event began with the National Anthem and the recitation of the Holy Quran. Executive Director PIPS, Mr. Zafarullah Khan welcomed the participants and gave an orientation of the role and functions of Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services. During his talk he highlighted the youth related initiatives taken by PIPS so far including the internship programs and Parliamentary Studies program. He emphasized the importance of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and underscored some of its basic principles. Making a comparison with other state institutions like judiciary and civil/military bureaucracy he lamented that the process of impeachment of politicians has become an easy task in Pakistan.  

A highly interactive Q&A session followed the keynote speech in which students asked questions covering broad range of themes from political process to federalism. The students expressed their concern over the lack of understanding of the Constitution even among the educated class of the country and recommended compulsory teaching of constitution at the university level. Executive Director PIPS presented PIPS memento to the head of delegation, Mr. Omer Ali, National Programme Coordinator Hanns Seidel Foundation. The event was moderated by Ms. Fakiha Mahmood, Research Officer PIPS. The Orientation session ended with the vote of thanks and group photo.