NATIONAL WORKSHOP ON INTER-PROVINCIAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING

November 17, 2021 CONFERENCES, EXCHANGE PROGRAMS, NATIONAL, OTHERS, OUTREACH

Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS), in partnership with the IP5 project (Support to Parliamentary Development in Pakistan), conducted a two-day National thematic workshop on “Inter-Provincial Human Trafficking in Pakistan” for the Honorable Members of the Federal and Provincial Assemblies, functionaries of FIA & Provincial Home Departments, from 17th -18th November 2021 at PIPS Campus Islamabad. The Workshop was organized with the objective to sensitize Honourable Members over the status of inter-provincial human trafficking in Pakistan, create awareness over crimes (sex trafficking, prostitution) related to inter-provincial human trafficking, scrutinize existing gasps within the legal framework.

The Programme commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Qaari Anees Ur Rehman. Director General, Parliamentary Development Programme and Coordination, PIPS, Ms. Samer Awais, welcomed the Honourable Members, workshop participants, and thanked Honourable member of National Assembly, Ms. Nafeesa Inayat Ullah Khattakh for initiating a workshop on this subject. She further hoped that this workshop will provide a platform to highlight key issues and the importance each stakeholder can play in eliminating crimes pertinent to interprovincial human trafficking. Senior Expert, Legislative Affairs, IP5, Ms. Nadia Batool apprised the participants of core areas of discussion in the two day event, to develop a holistic understanding of the challenges faced by Pakistan with reference to human trafficking, role of law enforcement agencies and effective implementation of the laws.

Key Panelists in the workshop comprised of Former DG FIA, Mr. Tariq Parvez, Civil society activist, Ms. Mossarat Qadeem, Officials from Provincial Home Department, FIA (Federal Investigative Agency) and Legislators concerned with the issue of human trafficking. Outcomes from the workshop included recommendations from the participants based on in-depth discussions that lead to a mutual agreement for a need to constitute a formal framework to address all legal challenges faced in interprovincial human trafficking. The workshop ended with a vote of thanks by PIPS.

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 WORKSHOP ON INTER-PROVINCIAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING

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