PIPS Session in National Conference on Inclusivity, Social Cohesion and Diversity

September 5, 2023 CONFERENCES, NATIONAL

Islamabad, Sept., 5, 2023: The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) was invited for expert panel session at the National Conference on Inclusivity, Social Cohesion & Diversity by FoRBLN and Resilient Women Network (RWN) that was attended by 155 participants including Hon Assiya Nasir, senior MP, Senator Ruksana Zuberi, Ms Sabeen Rizvi and Ms Sumaira Asghar, former MNAs, scholars from the Council of Islamic Ideology, the Islamic Research Institute, Quaid-e-Azam University, Higher Education Commisession, legal fraternity, research wing of the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services, MPAs from four provinces and students and youth activists.

Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka, Director General (Reseearch) PIPS spoke in the inaugural panel and highlighted Quaid e Azam’s vision as well as the core spirit of the 1940 Pakistan’s Resolution – “adequate, effective & mandatory safeguards for minorities and protecting their religions, cultural, economic political, administrative and other rights n interests in consultation with them,” He called upon the need to give the non-muslims 5% quota in govt officers cadre – education, health & services; Mr Zaka also emphasized continuous need of sensitization of government servants, police, media and MPs, through forums such as PIPS, Resilient Women Network and various training schools to enhance the spirit of Inclusivity, Social Cohesion & Diversity as envisioned by the founding fathers of Pakistan as integral part of Pakistan’s ideology. He stressed need for democratic culture where we “agree to disagree,” and “luve and let live.” He expressed the hope that MPs, Ulema, Faith leaders, academics, media & proud youth will form a united front to continue this mission. Mr Zaka concluded his session with the famous quote of the Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah: THERE IS NO POWER ON EARTH THAT CAN UNDO PAKISTAN!

Ms Fakiha Mahmood, Deputy Director (Research) and Ms Ayesha Tariq Khan Assistant Director (Research) also participated in the national conference while Ms Ayesha Tariq took the minutes of the event for PIPS. The conference was graced by the presence of the Federal Minister for Human Rights and Women Development, Mr. Khalil George, who served as the esteemed chief guest and distributed the conference souvenirs to the expert guests of the panel conference.

The event was based on two main sessions. The topic of the first session was “Inclusivity and Social Cohesion”. Ms. Noor Amna, HEC, Honorable Senator Engr. Rukhsana Zuberi, Mufti Gulzar Ahmed Naeemi, Principal Jamia Naeemia Islamabad, Bishop Irfan Jamil and Mr. Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka, Founder member and Director General Research PIPS) highlighted the importance of inclusivity and social cohesion in the Pakistani society. The topic of the second session was “Diversity and Social Cohesion”. Ms. Mossarat Qadeem, Ed Paiman Trust, Dr. Ikram ul Haq, Secretary Council of Islamic Ideology, Mr. Israr Ahmed Malik, Advocate Supreme Court, Dr. Shabana Fayyaz, Chairperson DSS QAU, and Dr, Amna Mahmood, Professor IIUI discussed the importance of acceptance in diversity and social cohesion. Honorable Ms. Asiya Nasir and Mr. Muhammad Zia ul Haq, Director General IIUI, gave concluding remarks in the closing session. Mrs. Surriya Asghar, Ex MNA and member FoRBLN, took the vote of thanks and formally closed the event. The souvenirs were distributed among the speakers by the chief guest.

The event underscored the importance of collaboration and dialogue among diverse stakeholders to promote inclusivity and social cohesion in society. The contributions of the scholars and experts will undoubtedly serve as valuable insights for policymakers, academics, and activists working towards a more inclusive and cohesive future for the nation. The Resilient Women Network can be commended for successfully convening this conference and fostering meaningful discussions on these crucial topics.

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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 Session in National Conference on Inclusivity, Social Cohesion and Diversity

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