PAKISTAN INSTITUTE FOR PARLIAMENTARY SERVICES (PIPS) AND FATIMA JINNAH WOMEN UNIVERSITY (FJWU) SIGNED A MOU

December 2, 2025 EXCHANGE PROGRAMS, MOU, YOUTH ENGAGEMENT

Islamabad, December 2, 2025 – The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS), Islamabad, and Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU), Rawalpindi, formalized a strategic partnership through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at PIPS on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025. The collaboration marks a significant milestone in advancing cooperation between academia and the legislature, fostering research, learning, and evidence-based policy engagement in Pakistan.

The signing ceremony was graced by Mr. Asim Khan Goraya, Executive Director PIPS, who warmly welcomed Professor Dr. Bushra Mirza, Vice Chancellor FJWU, and her distinguished team comprising Dr. Ishrat Siddiqa Lodhi, Director ORIC; Prof. Dr. Sarwat Rasul, Dean Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences; Dr. Saima Ashraf Kayani, Chairperson, Department of International Relations; Ms. Mahwish Rabia, Research Officer ORIC; Ms. Sidra Salam, Assistant Director ORIC; and Ms. Naqeeba Malik, FJWU alumna. The PIPS delegation included Mrs. Samer Awais, Director General (Capacity Building & Development), Mr. Syed Waqar Abbas Shah, Director, PIPS and Mr. Muhammad Hanif Khan Nasar, Deputy Director, PIPS.

In his welcome remarks, Mr. Goraya highlighted that the signing of the MoU reflects PIPS’s continued efforts to build bridges between academia and the legislature and to promote informed policymaking grounded in research and analysis. He expressed that PIPS, established in 2008 through an Act of Parliament, serves as the premier national institute providing research, training and legislative support to Members of Parliament and Staff of the National Assembly, Senate, the Provincial Legislatures and the Legislative Assemblies.

Mr. Goraya emphasized that the MoU with FJWU embodies a shared vision of knowledge exchange, collaborative research, and educational enrichment. Our mission at PIPS has always been to strengthen the democratic process through informed lawmaking, effective oversight, and meaningful representation, he remarked. This collaboration connects scholarly insight with practical policymaking and establishes a dynamic exchange between intellectual and legislative spheres He further explained that the partnership provides a framework for joint academic and policy initiatives, including the organization of seminars, conferences, and training programs; collaborative research and publications on governance and parliamentary practices; and outreach activities to connect students and faculty with Members of Parliament and policy experts.

Recognizing FJWU’s pioneering role as Pakistan’s first women’s university, Mr. Goraya commended its longstanding contribution to women’s empowerment and leadership in education. Empowering women through education, research, and leadership training is integral to strengthening parliamentary democracy, he stated. He also emphasized that signing the MoU is only the first step, and the true measure of success lies in its realization through sustained engagement and follow-up activities.

In her remarks, Professor Dr. Bushra Mirza, Vice Chancellor FJWU, lauded the partnership as a timely initiative that bridges theoretical learning with practical exposure. She emphasized the importance of connecting faculty and students with real-world parliamentary processes and interactions with legislators. This collaboration will not only enhance research, capacity building and academic excellence but will also open new pathways for our students to engage in meaningful policy work. She expressed to look forward to a productive and enduring relationship with PIPS that advances knowledge, capacity building and national development.

The event concluded with an exchange of memorabilia and publications between the delegations of PIPS and FJWU, symbolizing the start of a mutually rewarding partnership.

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.

PAKISTAN INSTITUTE FOR PARLIAMENTARY SERVICES (PIPS) AND FATIMA JINNAH WOMEN UNIVERSITY (FJWU) SIGNED A MOU

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