Celebrating Contributions of Women Parliamentarians in Islamabad

March 6, 2019 MEMBERS, SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS

A Seminar on “Celebrating Contributions of Women Parliamentarians” was held at Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) in collaboration with the Senate of Pakistan to mark International Women’s Day 2019.The seminar was inaugurated by the Deputy Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan, Qasim Khan Suri. In his inaugural speech, he encouraged women to actively participate in every field of life and mentioned that there were several women in the parliament who had been elected on general seats, which provided a testimony that women were no less capable than men.Leader of the House in the Senate of Pakistan, Senator Shibli Faraz, while addressing the participants emphasized that women parliamentarians should be empowered by creating awareness for bridging the gender gap.Earlier, Senator Sana Jamali in her welcome address gave an overview of the productive role that women had played during the Pakistan Movement. She lauded the efforts made by the Parliamentarians in introducing reforms in the Elections Act to enhance women representation. Executive Director, PIPS, Zafrullah Khan, also spoke on the occasion and lauded the role of Senate in Women Empowerment where a total of 11 committees were headed by Women Senators.The keynote speakers from the parliament included Senator Sitara Ayaz, Senator Kulsoom Parveen, Members of the National Assembly Dr. Shazia Sobia, Abida Muhammad Azeem, Munawara Baloch, Shams-un-Nisa and Saima Nadeem. They shared their political journey and expressed their hope and firm resolve to actively contribute towards the political, social and economic sphere of Pakistan. They further expressed their hope that Pakistan would mature into an inclusive and pluralistic society.The seminar was attended by members of the Senate, National Assembly of Pakistan, women officers, students, civil society representatives and foreign dignitaries. The audience took keen interest in the seminar and lauded the contribution of women law makers in the political history of Pakistan.The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Senator Seemi Ezdi who appreciated the contribution of women in strengthening the democracy and their role in taking the country forward.

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.

Celebrating Contributions of Women Parliamentarians in Islamabad

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