Delegates from Sindh Madressa-Tul-Islam University attend Seminar on Working of Parliament and PIPS.

Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services organized a Seminar on Working of Parliament and PIPS for delegates of Sindh Madressatul Islam University on January 28, 2019. Led by Dr. Syed Asif Ali, Dean Faculty of Information Technology, the delegation comprised of 20 faculty members including Dean Faculty of Management, Business Administration and Commerce, Director IT Administration, Chairperson Media and Communication Studies, and 50 students from multiple disciplines who have been selected under the University’s “National Leadership Program”.

Mr. Zafarullah Khan, Executive Director PIPS, welcomed the participants and presented a concise introduction of the role and functions of the Parliament in general as well as specifically in the context of Pakistan. By using multiple metaphors from various fields of knowledge he emphasized the importance of Parliament in ensuring peace and harmony in a society.

Mr. Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka, Director General (Research and Legislation) PIPS, gave detailed presentation on Constitution, Parliament and State-building. He began his presentation by paying tribute to Sindh Madressatul Islam University for being the alma mater of the great Leader Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. In a highly interactive manner he appreciated the aspirations of the people of Pakistan which have been aptly reflected in the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan 1973, including rule of law, education for all, peace, harmony, justice and fair play etc.

The session on Constitution, Parliament and State-Building concluded with Q&A session in which the participants were given the opportunity to raise the questions on the subject matter. The head of delegation, Dr. Syed Asif Ali, presented remarks on behalf of the Vice Chancellor Sindh Madressatul Islam University. He appreciated the manner in which intricate concepts were made simple to be understandable for the audience. He expressed the desire to continue such seminars in the future as well so that the youth can learn and play its role in constitutionalism and parliamentary democracy in Pakistan.
Mr. Muhammad Zaka presented a set of PIPS publications to the head of delegation. Dr. Syed Asif Ali presented mementoes and a set of publications from Sindh Madressatul Islam University. The event which was coordinated and moderated by Ms. Fakiha Mahmood, Research Officer PIPS, ended with group photo.

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.

Delegates from Sindh Madressa-Tul-Islam University attend Seminar on Working of Parliament and PIPS.

@ Your Service