KARACHI: Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services (PIPS) has organised a three-day national training workshop on ‘Legislative Drafting’ in collaboration with Manzil Pakistan (a research think tank) and Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), at PIPS Islamabad.

Former Justice and renowned law authority, Shaiq Usmani is conducting the three days sessions, from Manzil Pakistan. Participants of the training represent whole Pakistan; members from legislation and drafting wing from federal and provincial assemblies. Talking to the participants Justice Usmani said, “it is necessary for the law to be clear, which can be easily understood; for this an understanding on how to draft law is highly important’.

Executive Director, in his opening remarks regarded the event as a ‘unique opportunity to examine legislation drafting from the lens of judiciary who adjudicates the laws in the court’. Khan termed the relationship with partners and collaborators for this national level exercise as ‘friends of PIPS’.

In a welcome note by Asim Siddiqui Vice Chairman Manzil Pakistan, showed great pleasure at culmination of a major project that Manzil Pakistan took after consultation with National Assembly. He also appreciated the role of PIPS in capacity building of parliamentarians and associated staff at federal and provincial level. Siddiqui also mentioned the recent task of Review of Legislative Framework in Pakistan with a pilot phase in process. He informed that an MoU is signed between PIPS and Manzil Pakistan to review selected laws not only to address the needs of our evolving socio-economic and socio-legal dynamics of this country but will culminate in reforming and supporting public’s access to justice.

David Thirlby Senior Programme Manager-Asia (WFD) said, “Legislation drafting is one of major concern that has been coming up on number of occasions so I am very pleased that this initiative came to ground.” He will be conducting session on post-legislative scrutiny on 2nd day of the event.—PR