Islamabad, The Senate of Pakistan, in collaboration with Mustehkam Parlimaan, organized a Parliamentary Interface event today at the Parliament House, aiming to enhance the learning experience of the Provincial Assemblies Secretariat with the Senate Secretariat.

According to Senate of Pakistan, the event offered insights into the Senate’s structure, legislative processes, parliamentary research, and its overall function. Mohammad Qasim Samad Khan, Secretary Senate, welcomed the delegation from the provincial assemblies. The event featured presentations by Haris Rehman, Principal Secretary, and Muhammad Zubair Thaheem, Joint Secretary, detailing the Senate’s structure, electoral college, functions, reforms, and key initiatives.

Rafi Ullah, Joint Secretary of Legislation, briefed the participants on international best practices in the workings of the Upper House, covering topics like Senate proceedings, legislative roles, accountability, and policy guidance. The session also focused on enhancing the Senate’s relevance, especially regarding powers related to money bills.

Muhammad Azam, Deputy Secretary Legislation, discussed new practices in the Senate, including public petitions, participation in International and Women Parliamentarian Congresses, and the role of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).

Ms. Iffat Mustapha, Director of Research in the Senate, engaged with participants on the scope of parliamentary research in their provinces, highlighting its evolution and significance in aiding parliamentarians and various departments.

The participants were also given tours of the Senate Museum, Library, Hall, and Data Center, receiving detailed briefings on each.

Mir Shai Mazar Baloch, DG Coordination/PDU/Library, emphasized the Parliamentary Interface’s role in fostering connections between Provincial Legislative units and the Senate. He briefed on the Parliamentary Development Unit’s (PDU) role in introducing innovations and acquiring resources for the Senate Secretariat.

Iffat Mustafa reiterated the importance of effective collaboration between legislative drafting units and parliamentary research units in producing quality legislation.

The event concluded with Special Secretary of the Senate, Major (R) Syed Hasnain Haider, addressing the delegation’s queries and summarizing key insights from the visit.

Karachi, The Consul General of South Korea, Yi Sung ho, met with Governor Sindh Kamran Khan Tesori at the Governor House to discuss opportunities for enhancing bilateral relations, investment, and trade between South Korea and Pakistan.

According to Sindh Governor House, Governor Sindh highlighted the longstanding and growing bilateral relations between Pakistan and South Korea. He encouraged South Korean investors to invest in various sectors in Pakistan, assuring them of the government’s full support. The Consul General expressed the willingness of South Korean investors to engage in diverse sectors and commended the public welfare measures in place.