ISLAMABAD -UNS: Parliamentary Delegation of the People’s Majlis, Republic of Maldives, comprising members of Parliament Husnee Mubarak, Yoosuf Nasheed, Abdulla Shazeem, Secretary General and other high level officials of the People’s Majlis of the Republic of Maldives visited the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) in Islamabad today. The delegation was accompanied by Honourable Dr. Shaista Khan, MNA, Convener of the Pakistan–Maldives Parliamentary Friendship Group (PFG).
Mr. Asim Khan Goraya, Executive Director PIPS, warmly welcomed the delegation on bahalf of Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani President PIPS BoG and Chairman Senate. In his remarks, he emphasized that the ties between Pakistan and the Maldives are rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to democracy. He highlighted that parliaments of both countries mirror the aspirations of their people and, through institutions like PIPS, continue to strengthen their capacity to legislate effectively, ensure executive oversight, and represent citizens in an evolving world.
Introducing PIPS, Mr. Goraya explained that the Institute was envisioned as a dedicated research, training, and legislative development facility for the Parliament of Pakistan, and has since evolved into a recognized centre of parliamentary excellence, providing services to parliamentarians at the federal and provincial level. He noted that the visit provided an opportunity to exchange experiences, share best practices, and explore avenues for future cooperation in promoting good governance, inclusivity, and sustainable development.
Mr. Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka, Director General (Research), delivered a detailed presentation on the structure, mandate, and achievements of PIPS. He informed the delegation that the Institute is governed by a high-powered, cross-party Board of Governors, and has earned recognition as an international parliamentary seat of excellence by multiple global forums. UK Parliament placed PIPS in top tier of Parliamentary Research Mechanisms due to excellent services in last five years as compared with similar institutions in 183 countries. He informed institute has held more than 425 trainings and served 2000 plus researches to MPs, committees and caucus in addition to introducing Parliamentary studies in 17 universities as envisioned by Hon Sardar Ayaz Sadiq Speaker NA. Since 2019 institute hosted numerous international conferences and trainings of MPs and staff from Turkiye, Cambodia, and Zambia.
In his concluding remarks, H.E. Mr. Husnee Mubarak Member Majlis of Maldives, on behalf of Hon Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Speaker of the People’s Majlis, expressed gratitude to PIPS for the warm hospitality and insightful exchanges, terming the visit a valuable opportunity for enhanced parliamentary cooperation between the Maldives and Pakistan.
The MPs acknowledged PIPS as globally recognised seat of Parliamentary learning that can hold customised capacity building programs for MPs and staffers of Majlis of Maldives. Hon Dr Shaista Khan MNA reiterated that PIPS held absorbing sessions of budget and economy that are very useful and we look forward to hold youth sessions at the Institute utilising platform of Pak Maldives Friendship Group. Mr Asim Khan Goraya ED PIPS presented institute momento to Head of delegation and sets of PIPS publications to all worthy delegates. Event concluded with a group photo.
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