Knowledge Sharing National Parliamentary Roundtable on Sustainable Development Goals.

November 2, 2017 MEMBERS, SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS

The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services and National Assembly SDGs Secretariat organized a knowledge sharing round table consultation on Sustainable Development Goals held at PIPS and National Assembly SDGs Secretariat on the 2nd and 3rd November, respectively. The consultation was attended by more than 50 participants including 25 Honorable Members of the Parliamentary SDGs Taskforce, members from provincial and legislative assemblies, and 30 dignitaries from the fields of human rights, economics, health, education and population. The panelists highlighted various challenges and policy options regarding the progress and implementation of Sustainable Development Goals in all parts of the country. Honorable Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, National History and Literary Heritage, and Convener National SDGs Parliamentary Taskforce Ms. Marriyum Aurangzeb chaired the occasion.

The first day of the conference included a knowledge sharing session on SDGs situation and challenges in respective administrative units of Pakistan, chaired by Hon. Ms. Marriyum Aurangzeb followed by a panel discussion in which convener of the SDGs taskforce from each assembly shared their progress and initiatives regarding Sustainable Development Goals. Mr Zafar ullah Khan, Executive Director PIPS gave the welcome remarks and highlighted the role of SDGs taskforce and PIPS support to them. MPAs Ms Azma Bokhari, Convener SDGs Taskforce in Provincial Assembly of Punjab, Mr Fida Muhammad Khan (GB Assembly), Mr Abdus Sattar MPA Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ch Javed Akhter MLA (AJK) and Hon Speaker Ms Rahila Hameed Khan Durrani (Balochistan) Convener also spoke on the occasion. Moreover, Databook on SDGs, a publication of PIPS, was officially launched on the day by Convener National Parliamentary Taskforce on SDGs, Ms. Marriyum Aurangzeb along with fellow members and Conveners of the Taskforce. The MPs appreciated the research and analysis support by the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services especially to the SDGs parliamentary taskforces.

The first session was followed by a talk on SDGs Progress and Implementation by Mr. Ali Kemal, Economic Advisor SDGs Planning Commission. Also included in the day’s agenda was a thematic panel discussion on women-led social development initiatives in Pakistan. The panel included Ms. Mehnaz Akber Ali, President PARWAAN and Ms. Seemin Ashfaq, Director Communications, Population Council who talked about “Early Childhood Care and Education” and “Population Challenge and Policy Options for Pakistan,” respectively. Honorable Speaker Balochistan Assembly, Ms. Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani chaired the session while Director Research and IT Mr Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka moderated the sessions two and three. PIPS held the absorbing round table with the support of Konrad Adenauer Stiftung. The participants congratulated Parliamentary SDGs taskforce and PIPS organizing team for their effort in hosting the roundtable.

Taking the discussion further, day two of the conference included an address by the Deputy Representative UNICEF, Ms. Cristian Munduate on “Population related health, education and WASH deprivations affecting children.” Honorable Speaker GB Legislative Assembly, Mr. Fida Muhammad Nashad chaired the session moderated by Mr Zafarullah Khan, ED, PIPS. The address was followed by a brainstorming session to devise a way forward on SDGs in which recommendations were collected from every House and Honorable Ms. Marriyum Aurangzeb herself chaired the session. Furthermore, a discussion was held on devising an agenda and planning for the National Parliamentary Conference on Population and Fundamental Rights to be held in fall 2017. A 10-days period was given to all the provincial and legislative assemblies to submit their respective proposals regarding the agenda of the conference, according to the customized needs of their provinces to the SDGs taskforce and PIPS who will provide expert assistance on demand. The session concluded with a vote of thanks from Mr. Zafarullah Khan Executive Director PIPS followed by the presentation of a copy of group photo to all participating members as a souvenir by Ms Marriyum Aurangzeb, Minister of State for Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage and Mr Fida Muhammad Nashad, Speaker, Gilgit Baltistan Assembly.

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.

Knowledge Sharing National Parliamentary Roundtable on Sustainable Development Goals.

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