NA speaker calls for stronger academia–parliament linkages

ISLAMABAD: Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has underlined the importance of robust collaboration between Parliament and academic institutions to foster democratic values, civic awareness, and national development.

He was addressing the inaugural session of the National Conference on Teaching, Research and Writing about the Parliament, held at the Parliament House to mark the 10-year review of the Parliamentary Studies Programme.

Recalling the launch of the programme in 2015 under his chairmanship, the Speaker noted that 25 universities pledged to introduce parliamentary studies into their curricula. He commended Vice Chancellors, rectors, principals, and senior faculty for their continued partnership in building parliamentary literacy among students. “A true understanding of the Constitution and Rules of Procedure cannot be gained through cursory reading. It requires practical exposure and experience,” he remarked. He highlighted that today, 17 universities are offering courses on constitution, parliamentary studies, and related subjects, with faculty members and scholars increasingly engaging in indigenous research on parliamentary processes.

The Speaker highlighted efforts to transform Parliament into a hub for learning and civic engagement by opening its doors to researchers, students, and citizens through seminars, collaborative research, and structured learning programmes. Recent reforms include limiting the Speaker’s discretionary powers in staff promotions and publicly disclosing seniority lists.

He noted that the National Assembly became the world’s first “Green Parliament” by shifting entirely to solar energy, showcasing its role as a model institution. Welcoming proposals from participants, the Speaker supported replicating the National Assembly’s internship programme in provincial legislatures, strengthening academia–Parliament linkages—particularly through Standing Committees—and launching a Parliamentary Journal along with digital archives. He also backed the introduction of Best Thesis and Paper Awards, MP participation in university boards and syndicates, the establishment of a research databank accessible to academia and policymakers, and the revival of the Student Ambassador Programme in collaboration with the Young Parliamentarians Forum.