PIPS sign MoU with Riphah University to promote academic and research linkages.

October 8, 2015 OTHERS

Riphah International University Islamabad (RIPHAH) and Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services-(PIPS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding of mutual cooperation at Islamabad. The MoU will facilitate to create a linkage between policy makers with credible research-based analysis for Parliamentary services to enhance research and development capacity of both of the organizations. The collaborative activities will be undertaken in the areas of common interest including; sharing of research data, articles, publications and information between Riphah and PIPS to complement respective needs of their researchers and faculty in assisting the parliamentarians in the country for effective law making process. Exchange of trainers, experts and professionals as facilitators in seminars and training programs, joint research activities, exchange of experts, faculty members, research scholars and students, exchange of academic material and information.

The MoU was signed by Prof Dr Anis Ahmad Vice-Chancellor, Riphah and Mr. Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka, Executive Director, PIPS. Speaking on the occasion both of the heads of the respective organization assured that this linkage will enhance the corporation between parliamentary organization and academia through their; capacities, expertise, technical know-how and infrastructure in the new changing world based on knowledge and research. The Executive Director presented a set of publications of the Institute to the Vice Chancellor to conclude the simple and impressive ceremony.

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.

PIPS sign MoU with Riphah University to promote academic and research linkages.

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