MoU between Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) and Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP)

August 8, 2025 MOU

The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) and the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on August 8, 2025, at the PIPS campus in Islamabad, marking the beginning of a strategic partnership to foster institutional cooperation, joint research, and capacity building.

Under this MoU, both institutions agreed to collaborate on organizing joint educational events on topics of mutual interest, as well as share research data, publications, and expertise to strengthen evidence-based policymaking. The agreement also envisions the exchange of trainers, experts, and professionals, along with joint research projects.

Mr. Asim Khan Goraya, Executive Director PIPS, informed that PIPS provides research, capacity building and legislative services to the Honourable Members and the secretariat staff. He further said that through an amendment in PIPS Act in 2020, the Institute is also mandated to conduct training programs for civil servants on parliamentary affairs, and the Institute may arrange training sessions for CCP officers to enhance their understanding of Parliamentary knowledge. He hoped that such collaboration will not only build the capacity of CCP officials but also create avenues for continued professional development and knowledge exchange between the two institutions.

Mr. Salman Amin, Member CCP, while appreciating the efforts of PIPS in providing parliamentary knowledge and capacity building to the Honourable Parliamentarians, requested PIPS to arrange dedicated training sessions for CCP officers on the working of Parliament. CCP also desired that a slot in PIPS capacity building may be allocated so that Honorable Members may be orientated on the Competition Act. He further expressed interest in training CCP officers in batches to ensure broader institutional benefit.

Both sides reiterated their commitment to maintaining regular coordination and expressed confidence that the partnership would enhance policy discourse on competition, regulation, and governance while contributing to the development of informed, research-based decision-making in Pakistan.

The signing of this MoU marks a significant step towards building sustainable linkages between the two institutions, fostering mutual cooperation, and promoting the culture of knowledge-sharing for national development.

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.

MoU between Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) and Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP)

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