Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) organized a one day Seminar on “Working of the Parliament” for the members of the Young Leaders Parliament (YLP), Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The Seminar was held on the directives of Deputy Chairman, Senate of Pakistan / Vice President BoGs, PIPS, Honourable Senator Mirza Muhammad Afridi. The seminar was attended by 50 members of YLP. The objective of this programme was to enable youth to develop a better understanding of the constitutional framework of Pakistan and an in depth insight in the working of the Parliament.

The Programme commenced with the recitation of verses from The Holy Quran. Ms. Samer Awais, Director General, PDP&C welcomed the participants and presented an overview of the day-long Seminar. She briefly highlighted the functions of Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services and responsibilities carried out under different wings of the Institute. She then proceeded on explaining the content design of the programme comprising core subjects; the constitution of Pakistan, legislative and non-legislative business carried out in the Parliament. She hoped that this day-long Seminar discussion would prove beneficial for enhancing knowledge of participants on the Parliament of Pakistan. Worthy Executive Director, Mr. Muhammad Anwer, in his welcome remarks, greeted the audience and apprised them on the understanding of the Parliamentary form of Governance. He expressed that there was no significant distinction between the legislative frameworks of Federal and Provincial Assemblies. He opined that the Parliamentary oversight tools of Government and procedures remained similar all over the world in a Parliamentary system.

Chief Guest for the Seminar, Deputy Chairman, Senate of Pakistan / Vice President BoGs, PIPS, Honourable Senator Mirza Muhammad Afridi, in his inaugural address welcomed the participants to the workshop.  He hoped that the young members will utilize this parliamentary platform in maximizing their awareness and understanding of the working of legislatures in the country. He further identified the significant role of a legislator in ensuring overall welfare of the society. Participants interacted with the Deputy Chairman, sharing their motivation behind becoming a member of YLP, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.   Honourable Senator expressed gratitude towards the worthy Executive Director and PIPS’ team for arranging this Seminar and remained hopeful for organizing further such events for the YLP, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Key areas discussed at length included a session on the Working of the Parliament comprising Introduction to the Constitution of Pakistan, House Business, and Oversight Tools, facilitated by Mr. Muhammad Anwer, Executive Director, PIPS.  For a detailed understanding on the Legislative Business, Mr. Muhammad Amir Khalil, Director Legislation, PIPS apprised the participants on a discussion on how a Bill becomes an Act. Mr. Abdul Nabi Solangi, Deputy Director Legislation, PIPS shed light on the significance, types, role and functions of Committees.

At the end of the seminar, YLP, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa President Mr. Naveed Ahmad presented shields to the facilitators, acknowledging them for their effort and contribution for the workshop. In his closing remarks, Executive Director, Mr. Muhammad Anwer thanked the YLP, KP President and encouraged the young members to stay determined in pursuing their dreams and ambitions towards becoming future leaders of the country.