Interactive Session on the Effectiveness of Parliament with Delegates of University of Education Lahore.

September 6, 2018 OTHERS, OUTREACH, YOUTH ENGAGEMENT

The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services hosted a delegation of 42 students and faculty members from the University of Education, Lahore, for the Seminar on ” Working and Effectiveness of Parliament as key State Institution” at its main Campus in Islamabad at 1200 hrs to 1400 hrs on Thursday, September 6, 2018. The students of Masters in Business Administration program represented of University. The event began with National Anthem and the recitation of the Holy Quran.

Mr. Zafarullah Khan, Executive Director PIPS, during his remarks highlighted the role and importance of Parliament. He also highlighted the contribution of entire political leadership in putting their efforts to set the country on the development trajectory and to strengthen the democratic tradition in the country despite various challenges emanating from the political instability.

Mr. Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka, Director General Research & Legislation PIPS, gave a comprehensive key note speech on the ” Working and Effectiveness of Parliament– a key State Institution.” In a highly interactive hour long session he engaged the students of history to develop understanding of the role and function of the Parliament of Pakistan. He deliberated on the the vision of the founding fathers of Pakistan who believed and practiced the democratic norms such as “we agree to disagree.”

Executive Director PIPS, Mr. Zafarullah Khan presented PIPS memento to the Head of Delegation, Mr. Dr Umar Saleem, faculty University of Education, Lahore. Ms. Fakiha Mahmood, Research Officer PIPS, moderated the session. The Seminar ended with vote of thanks by the Head of Delegation Dr Umar Saleem, who termed PIPS session as inspirational for the youth. A set of two publications was presented by Ms Tehseen Khalid, Deputy Director Research and Ms Saadia Bashir Deputy Director Legislation to the two faculty members of University of Education, Lahore. The students marked the session as par excellence and they thanked PIPS for providing us the hour and a half visit and interactive session along with provision of the Discover the Parliament of Pakistan book prepared at Research and Legislation wing of the Institute. The session concluded with group photo and slogan of PAKISTAN ZINDABAD.

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.

Interactive Session on the Effectiveness of Parliament with Delegates of University of Education Lahore.

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