One day Orientation Programme for the Newly-Elected Honourable Members of the National Assembly of Pakistan 17th April, 2024

April 17, 2024 MEMBERS, ORIENTATIONS

On April 17, 2024, the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS), in collaboration with Mustehkam Parlimaan (MuP), an EU-funded project, organized an orientation programme, specifically tailored for the newly elected members of the National Assembly of Pakistan at the PIPS, Islamabad. The programme aimed to furnish them with essential insights into their legislative responsibilities.

The inaugural session commenced with Ms. Samer Awais, Director General of the Parliamentary Development Programme and Coordination (PDP&C), providing an overview of the Institute. Mr. Muhammad Anwar, the Executive Director of PIPS, then officially opened the session by extending a warm welcome to all participants. He congratulated the newly elected members and emphasized the pivotal role they play in shaping the future of governance. Dr. Syed Pervez Abbas, the Acting Team Lead of MuP, also welcomed the honourable members during his opening remarks.

The programme continued with an informative session conducted by Mr. Muhammad Mushtaq, Special Secretary, National Assembly Secretariat, who provided an overview of the Constitution and Rules of Procedure relevant to the functioning of the Parliament. Mr. Muhamamd Anwar shed light on Parliamentary Oversight Tools during his session, followed by Mr. Aizaz Asif, Technical Lead of MuP, who conducted a session on the Parliamentary Budgetary Process and Public Financial Management.

The programme concluded with a session introducing the Parliamentary Forums, which was elaborated upon by Syed Shamoon Hashmi, Special Secretary (Special Initiatives), National Assembly Secretariat. This discussion, praised by Honourable members, underscored the successful orientation of the parliamentarians, marking the commencement of their legislative journey.

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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.

One day Orientation Programme for the Newly-Elected Honourable Members of the National Assembly of Pakistan 17th April, 2024

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