Inauguration of PIPS Corner at Islamia College University Peshawar (ICUP), November 18th, 2025

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The Islamia College University Peshawar has established a dedicated PIPS Corner at the Begum Kalsoom Saifullah Khan Memorial Library, Department of Political Science, ICUP.

The inauguration ceremony of the PIPS corner was held at ICUP, Peshawar and was attended by Mr. Asim Khan Goraya, Executive Director, PIPS, as the Chief Guest
Mr. Goraya was warmly received by Dr. Amir Ullah Khan, Chairman, Department of Political Science, ICUP, on behalf of the faculty and students. The event was attended by the Vice-Chancellor Islamia College Peshawar Prof. Dr. Ahmad Ur Rehman Saljoqi, the faculty members, researchers, and students of the University.

In his inaugural address, Mr. Asim Khan Goraya expressed his gratitude to the Vice Chancellor and the University administration for their warm hospitality, stating that it was a great honor to visit one of Pakistan’s most historic and respected institutions of higher learning. He lauded Islamia College University Peshawar as a “cradle of knowledge” that has, since its founding in 1913, played a defining role in shaping generations of leaders and scholars who have shaped the intellectual and cultural landscape of Pakistan. “Islamia College has always stood as a foundation of learning and leadership,” said Mr. Goraya. He emphasized that academic institutions such as ICUP play a vital role in strengthening democracy by fostering critical thinking, tolerance, and public participation.

Highlighting the mandate and achievements of the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services, Mr. Goraya explained that PIPS established through an Act of Parliament in 2008 serves as the country’s exclusive research and learning institution for Members of Parliament. He shared with pride that the UK House of Commons in 2022 recognized PIPS among the world’s top-tier parliamentary research institutions, reflecting Pakistan’s growing commitment to evidence-based research.

Speaking about the new PIPS Corner, Mr. Goraya remarked, “This initiative embodies the partnership between Parliament and academia, bridging the gap between policy and practice. It will provide students with access to valuable books, publications, and research on legislation, governance, and parliamentary affairs, encouraging them to engage more deeply with democratic development.”

He further appreciated the leadership of Prof. Dr. Ahmad Ur Rehman Saljoqi, Vice Chancellor, ICUP, and the dedicated efforts of the Department of Political Science in facilitating this collaboration. “Education and democracy strengthen each other,” he concluded.

In his address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Ahmad Ur Rehman Saljoqi extended heartfelt gratitude to the Executive Director, PIPS, and his team for their valuable contribution and support. He appreciated PIPS’ continuous efforts to enhance knowledge, research, and democratic awareness among Pakistan’s youth and academia.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of souvenirs to the Chief Guest by Prof. Dr. Ahmad Ur Rehman Saljoqi and Dr. Amir Ullah Khan, who also honored Mr. Goraya with a traditional Chitrali Cap as a token of hospitality.

Following the inauguration, Mr. Asim Khan Goraya visited the historical Central Library, Khyber Union Hall, and Roose Keppel Hall of Islamia College Peshawar, expressing admiration for the institution’s rich legacy and architectural heritage.

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.

Inauguration of PIPS Corner at Islamia College University Peshawar (ICUP), November 18th, 2025

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