Building Capacities: New Member Orientation for the MPAs of the Provincial Assembly of Balochistan

The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) in collaboration with Mustehkam Parlimaan (MuP), an EU-funded project, hosted an orientation programme on March 8, 2024, at the Serena Hotel in Quetta. Tailored for the newly elected members of the Balochistan Assembly, the programme aimed to equip them with essential insight into their legislative responsibilities.

Coinciding with International Women’s Day, the Orientation was graced by Honourable Deputy Speaker, Begum Ghazala Gola, who showcased strong support for the newly inducted, especially women members of the Assembly. She paid rich tribute to the honourable women members of Parliamentary history of Pakistan.

Mr. Muhammad Anwar, the Executive Director of PIPS opened the session by warmly welcoming all participants. In line with the special day, he highlighted the crucial role of women in parliament and governance. He introduced the theme of women’s contributions to leadership and decision-making, encouraging the promotion of gender equality and women’s empowerment within the legislative framework. He congratulated the new members on their election and underscored the significance of their roles in shaping the future of governance.

Following this inspiring start, Dr. Syed Pervez Abbas, the Deputy Team Lead (MuP), conducted an informative session on parliamentary procedures, detailing the process of democratic governance. Ms. Rabeea Anwar, Joint Secretary Committees, the Senate of Pakistan, further engaged the audience with an interactive Q&A session, facilitating an overview of the Constitution of Pakistan and deeper understanding of legislative process. The discussions on the Rules of Procedure and significance of parliamentary oversight tools were then continued by Mr. Muhamamd Anwar, offering a clear guide on conducting assembly business effectively.

The programme concluded with a round-table discussion bringing together representatives from MuP, PIPS, and the Balochistan Secretariat. This discussion, praised by Mr. Tahir Shah Kakar, emphasized the successful orientation of the parliamentarians, marking the beginning of their legislative journey.

A dinner capped off the event, allowing for informal interactions and networking among the attendees. This orientation, held on International Women’s Day, not only prepared the new members for their tasks ahead but also celebrated the integral role of women in leadership and governance.

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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.

Building Capacities: New Member Orientation for the MPAs of the Provincial Assembly of Balochistan

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