Briefing on Working of the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services For the Probationary Officers of the 52nd Common Training Programme (CTP)

January 2, 2025 COURSES

The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) has organized a two-day briefing session for the 244 probationary officers and 12 faculty of the 52nd Common Training Programme (CTP) from the Civil Services Academy (CSA) Lahore, Scheduled on January 1^st and 2^nd, 2025, at the PIPS Auditorium Hall. These sessions were designed to offer a comprehensive understanding of PIPS’s structure, functions, and its critical role in advancing parliamentary excellence. Each day was designated for a specific group of officers, with a structured agenda designed to maximize engagement and learning. The program began with the National Anthem followed by the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran by Qari Anees ur Rehman. Mr. Taj Muhammad Deputy Director (CB&D) PIPS, welcomed the participants and moderated a brief introduction of the event.

Executive Director, Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS), Mr. Asim Khan Goraya warmly greeted the probationary officers. Highlighting the Institute’s commitment to excellence, he expresses the pride in hosting the future leaders of Pakistan’s Civil Services, who are poised to play a crucial role in shaping the governance and administrative framework of the nation. Mr. Goraya highlighted the importance of understanding Parliamentary systems and strengthening collaboration between civil servants and legislative bodies as essential for effective governance.

Subsequently, Mr. Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka, Director General (Research), delivered a comprehensive briefing on the evolution, structure and working of PIPS, functions of Parliament and Parliamentary Committees. He explained the Essential functions of the Parliament which includes; representation, oversight, legislation and overall policy review and passing of budget. He explained that PIPS serves as a dedicated platform to support the Parliament of Pakistan by offering specialized research, legislative and capacity building programs for the Parliamentarians and Parliamentary staff. Highlighting its organizational framework, Mr. Zaka explained the roles of various wings of the institute, including Research, Legislation, Parliamentary Development Program (PDP), and Capacity Building & Development (CB&D) Wing. He elaborated on how PIPS pays an important role of serving as a bridge between the parliament and the general public and civil society. Through its cutting edge research and capacity building events the Institute enhances the effectiveness of Parliamentary proceedings and Parliamentary committees. Mr. Zaka also highlighted the Institute’s initiatives to promote parliamentary excellence, through international best practices in workshops, seminars, and public awareness campaigns. He emphasized the significance of fostering a symbiotic relationship between the civil service and the legislative branch, urging participants to value the impact of informed decision making in their roles. A dedicated Questions & Answers session provided participants with an opportunity to engage directly with the speakers. The event concluded with presentation of mementoes, and group photograph of the participants. Later on, Worthy Executive Director PIPS, Mr. Asim Khan Goraya presented the souvenir to Dr. Faisal Zahoor, Director (CTP), Civil Services Academy, Lahore.

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.

Briefing on Working of the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services For the Probationary Officers of the 52nd Common Training Programme (CTP)

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