Islamabad, A workshop titled Parliamentary Interface: Learning Experience of Provincial Assembly Secretariats began at the National Assembly of Pakistan, aiming to strengthen dialogue and cooperation among national and provincial legislative bodies. The event, jointly organized by the National Assembly of Pakistan and Mustehkam_Parlimaan, focuses on discussing crucial issues that influence the parliamentary and legislative agenda.

According to National Assembly of Pakistan, the workshop provided participants with a comprehensive overview of the National Assembly’s functions, procedures, and the committee system. Mr. Muhammad Mushtaq, Special Secretary (Legislation) of the National Assembly, led various sessions, offering detailed explanations of the legislative process, including how bills are introduced, reviewed, and passed.

Senior officers from the National Assembly and Provincial Assemblies of Balochistan, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are actively engaging in this knowledge exchange. The Executive Director of the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS), Mr. Muhammad Anwar, contributed valuable insights, emphasizing collaborative learning to promote best parliamentary practices.

The workshop included a Q and A segment, where officers from Provincial Assemblies sought clarifications on discussed topics. Participants were also taken on a guided tour of the National Assembly, including the National Assembly Hall, Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, Sustainable Development Goals Secretariat, Library, Media, and various departments. This tour provided them with an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of different units within the Secretariat.

In the final session, participants from Provincial Assemblies recommended organizing similar programs, workshops, and seminars. This would facilitate meaningful global exchanges among stakeholders and governance experts, enhancing governance at both national and provincial levels.

The session concluded with expressions of gratitude from the officers, who appreciated the opportunity provided by the National Assembly Secretariat to visit the institution and gain valuable insights into its functions and procedures.