ISLAMABAD: Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has emphasised the role of parliament and parliamentarians in tackling challenges of climate change, sustainable development and socio-economic disparities. He said members of the Parliament were people’s representatives, entrusted by the Constitution with the great responsibility of empathising with the masses. Parliamentary work has become a specialised service that necessitates proficient and professional support from officers well-versed in cross-disciplinary concepts and practices, he said. The Senate chairman was speaking as chief guest at the inaugural session of the 10th Annual National Parliamentary Development Course at Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) on Monday. “You must take pride in the responsibility bestowed upon you to serve and provide technical assistance to the elected representatives. Your role is crucial in guiding the nation’s progress towards the well-being of its citizens, aiming for a secure, prosperous and happy future for our coming generations,” Mr Gilani remarked while highlighting the importance of the training course. He called upon participants to make full use of this robust and comprehensive training programme designed to advance understanding of the Constitution, the Parliamentary Rules of Procedure, and the Government Rules of Business 1973. He commended PIPS administration and team for their pivotal role in empowering parliamentary officers with relevant and practical knowledge. Mr Gilani hoped they will exploit this learning and networking opportunity towards a new destiny as professionals par excellence, offering quality-oriented services to parliamentary institutions. A highly diversified cohort of mid-career officers from the federal parliament and provincial assemblies, as well as legislative assemblies of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan and the parliament is participating in the course.