Karachi, December 18; PILDAT designed and delivered a Training session in collaboration with the International Republican Institute on How to be an Effective Committee Member focused exclusively towards enhancing capacities of women MPAs of Sindh Assembly.
Mr. Tariq Hussain Mahar, Assistant Secretary PAC – Provincial Assembly of Sindh gave his opening remarks briefing on Rules of Standing Committees of Sindh. He also gave an overall comparison of these Rules with other Provinces.
Addressing the participants, Mrs. Mehtab Akbar Rashdi, Former MPA, said women are playing an important role in parliament. She encouraged an active participation in committees. She said that due to a progressive mindset, Sindh has comparatively more effective committees. An effective committee member can play more effective role than an individual member of assembly as Committees are given more empowerment. To be an effective member, one should have a grip on subject / department. She concluded the talk by saying that members of committees are more effective in holding departmental accountabilities too.
Senator Quratulain Marri, Former MPA said that primary role of the parliament is the legislation which can come through the committees. She laid stress on taking an active part in committees. She said committees help in giving an individual say, so one should raise their voice. She added that to be an active and effective committee member, one should also ask a lot of legit questions.
The training concluded with an intense question and answer and discussion session by MPAs. Members of Sindh Assembly who participated in the training included Ms. Rabia Khatoon, MPA, Ms. Rana Ansar, MPA, Dr. Seema Zia, MPA, Ms. Adeeba Hassan, MPA, Ms. Rabia Azfar, MPA, Ms. Mangla Sharma, MPA, Ms. Shahana Afsar, MPA, Ms. Tanzeela Umi Habiba, MPA, Ms. Shamim Mumtaz, MPA, Ms. Shehnaz Begum, MPA and Ms. Nusrat Abbasi, MPA.
