In a dedicated effort to strengthen legislative efficacy and governance in Sindh, the MustehkamParlimaan (MuP) Project organized a New Members Orientation Programme. This initiative, funded by the European Union and jointly implemented by GIZ and the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) in collaboration with the Provincial Assembly of Sindh, aims to equip newly elected Honourable Members with the essential knowledge and tools required for effective governance.
The orientation session was facilitated by Mr. MohsinLeghari, a former parliamentarian, and Mr. AizazAsif, Technical Lead of MuP. These sessions covered vital aspects such as rules of procedures, parliamentary oversight tools, parliamentary budgetary processes, public financial management, and the functions of parliamentary committees. Additionally, former Speaker of the Sindh Assembly, Mr. Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, shared his valuable experiences and insights on effective parliamentary work. Chief Guest Hon’ble Syed AwaisQadir Shah, Speaker of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh, expressed his gratitude to GIZ, PIPS, and the EU-funded MustehkamParlimaan project for organizing this essential orientation session.
“The Sindh Assembly, being the primary assembly of Pakistan, holds a significant responsibility. As members, it is imperative that we come prepared and committed to our duties. We must embrace bipartisanship to ensure the progress of our province. Every piece of legislation should aim for the betterment of our people. Throughout my tenure, I will strive to involve every member in debates, ensuring that opposition members have ample opportunity to speak, even more than the treasury benches. Our collective efforts are essential in upholding the principles of democracy and serving our constituents effectively,” stated Speaker Shah. The programme saw participation from over 90 members, including the deputy speaker, ministers, and other parliamentarians, providing a platform for collaborative learning and the exchange of ideas.
This orientation signifies a significant step towards fostering a culture of democracy, transparency, and accountability within Pakistan’s parliamentary system. The MustehkamParlimaan project supports parliamentary democracy in Pakistan by investing in the capacity building of the National Assembly, the Senate, and the four Provincial Assemblies. The project aims to enhance effective legislation, strengthen policy and budgetary oversight, and improve representation. Additionally, it supports the development of young parliamentary associates, contributing to more robust legislative processes and improved governance outcomes in the province of Sindh.
