Karachi: The Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat convened a meeting at the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA) in Karachi, chaired by Senator Rana Mahmoodul Hassan, to evaluate institutional initiatives and discuss governance and public sector reform efforts. The committee emphasized the need for a detailed briefing from the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) on critical power sector issues.

According to Senate of Pakistan, the session was attended by Senators Saleem Mandviwalla, Amir Waliuddin Chishti, and Atta-ur-Rehman, who participated via video link. NIPA’s Director General, Dr. Syed Saif Ur Rehman, provided an overview of the institute’s training programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing the capacity of public sector officers. These include the Mid-Career Management Course and Senior Management Course, which focus on administrative effectiveness and policy implementation.

Dr. Saif Ur Rehman highlighted the incorporation of Artificial Intelligence training into NIPA’s curriculum to align with international standards. New modules cover AI in Governance, Ethical Use of AI, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Blockchain, and Future Technologies, preparing civil servants for the digital era.

The committee also reviewed NIPA’s collaboration with the Government of Sindh on officer training and capacity building. Senator Rana Mahmoodul Hassan lauded NIPA’s efforts to integrate modern technologies into its programs, committing ongoing support for the institute’s initiatives and emphasizing sustainable practices.

Moreover, the committee underscored the importance of research and policy-oriented training for governance improvement. It requested progress reports on NIPA’s research projects and training programs for effective oversight.

During the meeting, NEPRA’s absence of senior leadership was noted, and the committee called for a comprehensive briefing on privatization, circular debt, and pending power projects to ensure reliable electricity supply.