Specialized Training on Conference Management and Parliamentary Protocol & Social Graces For Officers of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh Secretariat Provincial Assembly of Sindh, Karachi.

December 30, 2025 EXCHANGE PROGRAMS, Training

The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) commenced a Specialized Training on Conference Management and Parliamentary Protocol & Social Graces on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, for officers of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh Secretariat. The four-day training is being conducted in preparation for the 7th CPA Asia and 2nd Joint CPA Asia & South-East Asia Regional Conference 2026, hosted by the Provincial Assembly of Sindh in Karachi. The programme aims to strengthen institutional capacity in parliamentary protocol, conference management, and professional conduct to ensure effective, well-coordinated, and internationally compliant parliamentary engagements.

The training formally began with the recitation of the Holy Quran. In opening remarks
Mr. Muhammad Habib Samejo, Special Secretary, Secretariat of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh welcomed the participants to the training programme. He appreciated the support of the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) for arranging the training for the preparation of the 7th CPA Asia and 2nd Joint CPA Asia & South-East Asia Regional Conference 2026. A programme overview was given by Mr. Taj Muhammad, Director PDP Wing, PIPS, setting the context and objectives of the initiative. The opening day featured an in-depth session on Parliamentary Protocol and Mannerism for Members of Parliament, conducted by Mr. Tariq Bin Waheed, Senior Director General (Protocol/IPR), Senate Secretariat. The session focused on established parliamentary decorum, ethical conduct, and procedural discipline essential for effective parliamentary functioning.

On Wednesday, December 31, 2025, participants will receive specialized guidance on the etiquettes of serving official receptions and dinners, covering seating arrangements, service order, and formal conduct. This will be followed by a session introducing the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and the themes of its 2^nd Regional Conference, led by Mr. Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka, Director General (Research), PIPS. The day will conclude with a session on parliamentary etiquettes by Syed Shamoon Hashmi, Special Secretary (Special Initiatives), National Assembly Secretariat.

The training will continue on Thursday, January 1, 2026, with a session on Essential Guidelines for Holding International Parliamentary Conferences, facilitated by Mr. Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka, followed by a practical session on Conference Preparation Checklists: Do’s and Don’ts, conducted by Dr. Khurram Shahzad, Deputy Director (Protocol), PIPS, focusing on best practices and common pitfalls in conference management.

On the concluding day, Friday, January 2, 2026, participants will attend a session on Administration and Automation in Conference Management, facilitated by Mr. Muhammad Nazeer Khan, Director General (IT), PIPS, highlighting the role of efficient administration and digital tools in enhancing institutional effectiveness. The programme will conclude with closing remarks by Team PDP, PIPS, reaffirming the commitment to strengthening parliamentary professionalism and conference management capacities.

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.

Specialized Training on Conference Management and Parliamentary Protocol & Social Graces For Officers of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh Secretariat Provincial Assembly of Sindh, Karachi.

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