National Assembly Hosts 10-Year Review of Parliamentary Studies Programme

Islamabad — Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq emphasized the need for robust collaboration between Parliament and academic institutions to promote democratic values, civic awareness, and national development during the inaugural session of the National Conference on Teaching, Research and Writing about the Parliament. The event marked the 10-year review of the Parliamentary Studies Programme and was held at the Parliament House.

Recalling the launch of the programme in 2015 under his chairmanship, Sadiq highlighted that 25 universities had initially committed to incorporating Parliamentary Studies into their curricula. Today, 17 universities actively offer courses on the Constitution, Parliamentary Studies, and related subjects, with faculty increasingly engaged in indigenous research on parliamentary processes.

“A true understanding of the Constitution and Rules of Procedure cannot be gained through cursory reading. It requires practical exposure and experience,” the Speaker remarked.

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also praised the National Assembly Internship Programme, initiated in 2013, which has provided thousands of students—particularly from underprivileged backgrounds—valuable exposure to legislative processes. He noted that interns often leave as ambassadors of Parliament and democracy after their immersive experience.

Highlighting institutional reforms, the Speaker cited measures to enhance transparency and merit within the National Assembly Secretariat, including limiting the Speaker’s discretionary powers in promotions, public disclosure of seniority lists, and opening Parliament’s doors for researchers, students, and citizens. He also proudly noted Pakistan’s National Assembly as the world’s first “Green Parliament,” powered entirely by solar energy, setting an example for sustainability and innovation.

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq welcomed several proposals from participants to further strengthen academia-parliament linkages, such as replicating the internship programme in provincial assemblies, launching a Parliamentary Journal, establishing digital archives, recognizing outstanding academic research, involving MPs in university governance, creating a research databank, and reviving the Student Ambassador Programme in collaboration with the Young Parliamentarians Forum.

He assured Parliament’s full support for advancing higher education initiatives and committed to working with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to assist universities in implementing Parliamentary Studies programmes. A follow-up meeting, planned for December 2025, will include representatives from provincial assemblies and regional legislative bodies to discuss these recommendations.

MNA Ms. Shaista Pervaiz, Convenor of the Parliamentary Taskforce on SDGs, praised the Speaker’s efforts in institutionalizing Parliamentary Studies and invited universities to collaborate on research and action toward the Sustainable Development Goals.

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MNA Ms. Nousheen Iftikhar, President of the Young Parliamentarians Forum Board, emphasized youth engagement in democratic processes, highlighting the role of Parliamentary Studies, internships, and fellowships in inspiring young people to view Parliament as a hub for innovation, research, and civic responsibility.

The conference saw participation from Vice Chancellors, Rectors, Provosts, Deans, and faculty members from over 25 universities across Pakistan’s four provinces, underscoring the growing synergy between academic institutions and Parliament.