Inter Parliamentary Workshop on Protection and Promotion of Human Rights

December 4, 2018 MEMBERS, SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS

Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) in collaboration with Democracy Reporting International (DRI) and SUBAI Pakistan organized a two-day Inter Parliamentary Workshop on “Protection and Promotion of Human Rights: The Role of Provincial Assemblies” on December 4^th & 5^th, 2018 at PIPS Campus Islamabad.

The event was attended by Honorable Members and Secretariat Officers of the Provincial and Legislative Assemblies of Pakistan. The programme began with the recitation of Holy Quran, followed by welcome speech by the Executive Director PIPS, Mr. Zafarullah Khan. Welcoming remark were given by Country Representative DRI, Mr. Javed Malik and Team Leader SUBAI, Mr. Christopher Shields. Director General PDP & IT PIPS, Ms. Samer Awais shared the Program overview and conducted a round of introductions which was preceded by inaugural speech by the Honourable Chief Guest, Dr. Shireen Mehrunnisa Mazari, Minister of Human Rights who stressed on the importance of timely implementation of legislation. She talked about the contradictions found in specific articles of the Constitution of Pakistan and certain laws regarding the age of child which have to be looked upon to comply with the provisions of International Convention on the Child Rights. She felt privileged that unlike some western states, Pakistan allowed its non-Muslim citizens to exercise their rights on personal issues within the State. She also talked about missing persons issue and stressed on resolving the matter legally.

The first session of the day was on “Understanding Fundamental Rights in the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan.” Executive Director PIPS, Mr. Zafarullah Khan differentiated human rights from fundamental rights and discussed the three generations of human right. He further talked about human rights framework of federal, provincial and legislative units. The session was then preceded by a lecture on “International Human Rights Mechanisms and Pakistan’s Obligations” by Vice Chairperson, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, Mr. Kamran Arif. This session was later joined by Country Representative Human Rights Watch, Mr. Saroop Ijaz, who spoke about Legal Framework of Human Rights at National and Provincial level in Pakistan. The day ended with a panel discussion on the Overview of Institutional Framework facilitated by Chairperson Commission on the Status of Women, Ms. Fauzia Viqar and Member NCHR, Chaudhry Mohammad Shafique.

Day two of the National Workshop commenced with a discussion on “Role of Members in Promotion of Human Rights” by Honourable former Senator, Mr. Afrasiab Khattak. Last session of the day was facilitated by Mr. Zafarullah Khan on “Using Parliamentary Oversight Tools for protection and promotion of human rights. The workshop concluded with a vote of Thanks by the Executive Director PIPS, Mr. Zafarullah Khan.

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.

Inter Parliamentary Workshop on Protection and Promotion of Human Rights

@ Your Service