Mr. Hafeezullah Sheikh, Special Secretary of the Senate of Pakistan, addressed the ASGP/IPU session in Geneva and outlined Pakistan’s progress in transforming its Parliament into a modern, resilient and citizen-centric institution. He highlighted practical measures that reflect a sustained commitment to sustainability and good governance.
Mr. Sheikh noted with pride that Pakistan’s Parliament is the first in the world to operate entirely on solar energy, a landmark achievement that underscores the Senate’s environmental priorities. The transition to full solar power was presented as a concrete example of Senate innovation and a model for public institutions across the region.
Under the guidance of the Hon. Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, former Prime Minister of Pakistan and founding President of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference, the Senate has also begun developing an AI-powered chatbot. This tool will allow Members of Parliament and staff to access legislative records, committee reports and debates instantly, improving responsiveness and streamlining parliamentary work while enhancing transparency in the lawmaking process.
Mr. Hafeezullah Sheikh also marked a personal milestone by addressing the ASGP/IPU session for the second time, becoming the first Pakistani officer to do so. He had earlier spoken at the forum in 2024, and to date only two Pakistanis have been invited to present at this distinguished platform, highlighting the growing international recognition of Pakistan’s parliamentary initiatives.
These forward-looking measures illustrate the Senate’s resolve to embrace technology and strengthen institutional transparency. By combining renewable energy leadership with digital solutions such as the AI chatbot, the Senate aims to set new global benchmarks in parliamentary innovation and public service delivery, reinforcing the role of Senate innovation in Pakistan’s democratic advancement.
