PILDAT has launched its first Legislative Brief which is part of the PILDAT effort to help legislators in better understanding the background, significance and impact of the proposed legislations and thus make a more effective contribution to the legislative process resulting in better and more people-oriented legislation. The Legislative Briefs series, the first-of-its-kind in Pakistan has been launched under a broader PILDAT programme of People-Parliament Connect to engage citizens with their law-makers.

The key aim of the Legislative Briefs series initiated by PILDAT is to facilitate citizens� greater and informed participation in the parliamentary processes especially the process of making laws. The Legislative Briefs, presenting brief overviews of legislation in the Parliament at a time, will not only inform citizens and civic-groups about key components of a specific bill but encourage citizens to communicate their views on the legislations under consideration by the Parliament. This will try to address the current people-parliament disconnect.

During the term of the 12th National Assembly from November 2002 to the present, PILDAT emphasis had been on building the capability of legislators through Briefing Sessions, Orientation Courses and Briefing Papers on a variety of subjects before the Parliament and the four provincial assemblies. This work will continue during the term of the 13th National Assembly after its election.

In addition, PILDAT will now focus on bringing the people and the Parliament closer. The objective is that citizens should be more concerned and active about the collective issues, legislations and policies which come under debate in the Parliament. The Legislative Briefs, which will be produced both in English and Urdu, are a part of this new focus. We plan to issue around 24 legislative briefs in a parliamentary year. The first Legislative Brief covers the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Bill, 2007.