Orientation Programme for the Interns of The Senate of Pakistan.

July 8, 2019 FUNCTIONARIES, ORIENTATIONS, OUTREACH, YOUTH ENGAGEMENT

A two day Orientation programme was organized at Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services on July 8 & 9, 2019, in order to reinforce the functional capacity of the newly recruited interns of Senate of Pakistan. With the aim to inculcate comprehensive knowledge about the functions and working of senate, the programme commenced with the recitation of Holy Quran, followed by a round of introductions conducted by Consultant PDP, PIPS Ms. Roohiya Qazi, afterwards the participants shared their expectations from the internship programme. Joint Secretary (HRM) Senate, Mr. Asim Goraya in his welcome remarks stressed on the importance of youth outreach programmes and explained how the interns would gain hands-on experience about House business during their 2 months’ internship period. He urged the interns to make the most of this opportunity and assured the provision of guidance and assistance along the way.

In the first session, Mr. Iftikharullah Babar presented a through overview of Role, Functions and History of Senate of Pakistan. He informed the participants about the significance of Constitution and the Constitutional history of Pakistan. Later on, an introduction to Parliamentary oversight tools was also provided, whereby Mr. Iftikharullah Babar discussed various tools of oversight. He further discussed committee system while emphasizing that Parliament in plenary was parliament on public display while parliament in committee rooms was parliament at work.

Last session of the day was on Rules of Procedures and Conduct of Business in the Senate 2012 and Standing Orders, which was facilitated by Section Officer (Legislation) Senate Secretariat, Ms. Wajeeha Riaz. She informed the participants about the Framework of Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Senate and discussed summoning, prorogation and Quorum of the Senate. She further differentiated the three classes of Business including Government Business, Private Member’s Business and Senate Business. Later on, Ms. Wajeeha discussed at length the characteristics of Private Member Bill and Government Bill. The Legislative Procedure of Money Bill and Constitutional Amendment Bill were deliberated upon in the session as well. Lastly, Ms. Wajeeha highlighted the General Rules to be observed in the House by the Honourable Members.

On the direction of the Chairman Senate/President PIPS Board of Governors, the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS), has implemented a comprehensive set of measures aimed at ensuring fiscal discipline, operational efficiency, and responsible utilization of public resources, on the same lines as notified and adopted by the Senate and National Assembly Secretariats.

Under the new measures, the Institute has adopted a four-day working week (Monday to Thursday), while introducing a hybrid working model whereby 50% of staff will perform duties from the office and 50% will work remotely on a rotational basis. Employees working from home will remain fully accessible through digital communication platforms and may be required to report to the office on short notice, ensuring uninterrupted institutional functioning.

Significant steps have also been taken to promote energy conservation. These include a target of achieving up to 70% reduction in energy consumption through minimizing unnecessary use of electricity and ensuring that official meetings, trainings, and events are scheduled during daylight hours. Foreign tours are banned and international meetings are being held virtually.

In the transport section, PIPS has introduced strict measures to curtail expenditure and 70% official vehicles have been grounded as part of this initiative.

As part of broader austerity efforts, 20% reduction has been imposed on the non-ERE budget for the fourth quarter of the current financial year. The officers drawing a monthly salary of PKR 300,000 or more, shall surrendered two days salary or 5% to 30% salary on gross as per Federal Government decision.

The Institute has also discontinued all non-essential procurements with immediate effect. Official functions such as dinners and receptions will not be hosted, except in the case of visiting foreign delegations, and even then, strictly in accordance with austerity protocols.

These measures have been implemented with immediate effect and will remain in force until further orders.

Under the guidance of President PIPS Board of Governors, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, PIPS remains fully committed to maintaining its core functions of parliamentary support, capacity building, and research while contributing proactively to national austerity and sustainability goals.

Orientation Programme for the Interns of The Senate of Pakistan.

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