An interactive session on the critical subject of Summary Writing under the Rules of Business, 1973, and the Secretariat Instructions, 2021 was delivered by Mr. Farhan Aziz Khawaja to the participants of the 122nd National Management Course at the Pakistan Administrative Staff College on 25th March 2025. The session aimed to build a thorough understanding of the legal framework, procedural requirements, and essential skills required for preparing summaries for decision-making at the highest levels of government.
The lecture comprehensively covered the responsibilities of Secretaries under the Rules of Business and the Secretariat Instructions, detailing the distribution of work, disposal of business, and the procedure for inter-divisional consultations. Mr. Farhan elaborated on the structural components of a summary, including identification of the appropriate forum – be it the Cabinet, Cabinet Committees, the Prime Minister, or the President – while also highlighting common challenges encountered in drafting summaries. The session provided valuable insights into avoiding common mistakes such as procedural lapses, lack of consultation, and improper formatting.
The lecture was followed by an engaging question-and-answer segment where participants sought further clarification on various aspects of summary preparation, challenges in inter-divisional coordination, and presentation before Cabinet forums. The session was highly appreciated for its practical relevance and focus on enhancing the participants’ capacity to perform their official responsibilities more effectively.
