On 8th March 2026, a consultative meeting was held at the Office of the Secretary, KP Assembly to discuss the proposed WASHNet thematic workshop for parliamentarians titled:
“Strengthening Shared Value Partnerships: Parliamentarians and Communities Working Together for Sustainable Development.”
The meeting was attended by Ms. Shazia Tehmas, MPA, Mr. Waqar Shah, Secretary, KP Assembly, and Nosheen Malik, Senior Coordination Officer WASHNet. The session focused on shaping a structured, long-term capacity-building program for parliamentarians rather than a one-off engagement.
Mr. Waqar Shah welcomed the initiative and emphasized the importance of a sustained approach to enable parliamentarians to perform their roles effectively. Key focus areas highlighted included budget planning and financial oversight, communication and public engagement skills, and strengthening linkages with communities.
Ms. Shazia Tehmas echoed the need for a long-term framework, emphasizing the transformative impact of capacity-building, particularly for female parliamentarians. She stressed that such programs would enhance strategic planning abilities, support resource mobilization beyond government funding, and strengthen community engagement roles.
Way Forward:
- Develop a comprehensive, long-term capacity-building framework for parliamentarians.
- Launch the initial workshop as a pilot leading to sustained engagement.
- Include modules on budget planning, communication skills, and resource mobilization.
- Ensure targeted inclusion and empowerment of female parliamentarians.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continuity, recognizing the proposed workshop as a strategic step towards empowering parliamentarians to work collaboratively with communities for sustainable development.