National Parliamentary Workshop on “The Role of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in Effective Oversight”.

May 10, 2017 MEMBERS, SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS

Islamabad, May 10-12, 2017: 3-Day National Parliamentary Workshop on “The Role of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in Effective Oversight” inaugurated at Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services. Participants from all the Provincial Assemblies as well as the Legislative Assemblies of AJK & GB participated in the workshop. The event has been designed to optimize the performance of Public Accounts Committee for effective oversight function & the role provincial, legislative as well as parliament can play to ensure it.

The event inaugurated with the recitation of few verses from Holy Quran followed by a thorough introduction of participants & their inputs regarding improved functioning of PAC & the hurdles they have identified until now. While sharing his welcome remarks, Executive Director PIPS Zafarullah Khan deliberated that Audit in many countries has started becoming the fourth pillar of state. “Not only money but policy audits should also be conducted”, said Zafarullah Khan. Country Director Konrad Dr Lutz Weihweger also addressed the participants and enlightened them regarding the work they are engaged in Pakistan. He hoped that the 3-day workshop will result in valuable recommendations & additions to the entire process of PAC. Director Training PIPS Ms Samer Awais was the moderator of the day. Former Speaker National Assembly Fakhar Imam contemplated on the significance of PAC, their evolution & best practices in the House of Commons. While addressing the participants Fakhar Imam said that the role of PAC has been increasing since last 150 years. He thoroughly explained how the role of PAC has evolved over time and the grey areas needing improvement in its effective functioning. “Functions of PAC include transparency & independency”, said Fakhar Imam. He shared the best practices being followed around the world specifically focusing on the operational procedures & functioning in the House of Commons. The session was followed by a thorough Q/A session leading to a visit to National Assembly for witnessing PAC meeting. The 3-day workshop will conclude on May 12, 2017.

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.

National Parliamentary Workshop on “The Role of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in Effective Oversight”.

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