Outreach Sessions on Citizens Rights in Pakistan’s Constitution and Peace Building at International Peace Conference, Islamabad, with over 225 Delegates and Peace Ambassadors from Six Countries

August 8, 2017 OUTREACH, YOUTH ENGAGEMENT

An International Conference of youth leaders from six countries namely Afghanistan, Turkey, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nepal, Iran and Pakistan was held from August 4-9, 2017 in Islamabad by the Pakistan-US Alumni Network. Mr Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka, Director Research and IT, Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services was invited to conduct two sessions on Citizens Rights in Pakistan’s Constitution and Peace Building, at Three day International Peace Conference organised by Pak-US alumini Network participated by 225 delegates including 40 international delegates from Afghanistan, Turkey, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nepal, Iran. As per approved work plan by the Board of Governors, Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services is mandated to spread awareness regarding Parliament, Constitution and Democratic Tradition of the country and the PIPS sessions at the Conference were hailed as momentous initiatives for peace building and Constitutional Authority in Pakistan.

The sessions were participated by Full Bright Scholars, academicians, youth leaders, members of civil society, experts and professional from various public and private sectors of the country as well as the other five participating nations. National Experts who conducted absorbing sessions throughout the four days included Full bright Scholar East West Centre Dr Faryal Aslam, Development Communication specialist Ms Gulmina Bilal, Riaz Bajwa Public Policy Analyst, Police DIG and Humphry Scholar Mr Sohail Tajik, Mr Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka, founding Director Research and IT, Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services, Dr Farhan Zahid Peace Analyst, Mr Shahid Rehmat Executive Director YDF, Abdullah Dayo IVLP Frederic Ebert Stiftung, Gulalai Ismail Chairperson Aware Girls and Pakistan’s Squash Champion Ms. Maria Toorpakay Wazir.

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.

Outreach Sessions on Citizens Rights in Pakistan’s Constitution and Peace Building at International Peace Conference, Islamabad, with over 225 Delegates and Peace Ambassadors from Six Countries

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