Certificate distribution: YPAs complete training

Parliamentary advisers to help MNAs with legal counsel, research.

Newly-inducted Young Parliamentary Associates (YPAs) received certificates for completing their training at the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) in a ceremony held at a local hotel on Thursday, according to a press release.

They were presented with certificates by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and European Union Delegation to Pakistan Chargé d’affaires Pierre Mayaudon.

Speaking on the occasion, Sadiq said, “YPAs are important, and the quality of their services and commitment to the parliament will impact the quality of democracy in Pakistan. The initiative is also a reflection of our joint belief and commitment to strengthening parliamentary democracy.”

Mayaudon was of the view that “More democracy, not less democracy, was the proper response given by the current leadership to the multiple challenges the country is facing. In a modest but still highly symbolic manner, the YPAs will contribute to the strengthening of democratic institutions.”

IP3 Team Leader Anitra Jankevica said, “To have the YPA helping the supreme bodies of policy formulation in the country will not only be an invaluable learning experience for the YPAs, but will help in law making, oversight and representative function of parliament.”

Published in The Express Tribune, August 23^rd, 2013.