National Workshop on “Federalism and Devolution of Powers” For the Honorable Members.

October 26, 2016 MEMBERS, SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS

A three-day workshop for the Honorable Committee Members was held on “Federalism and Devolution of Powers” at PIPS campus with the collaboration of KAS. The prime objective of the workshop was to enable participants understand the essence of federalism and the devolution of power to the provinces. The workshop was formally inaugurated by Executive Director (PIPS) by Mr. Zafarullah Khan, who welcomed the Honorable Senators, the Members of the National Assembly, and the Provincial Assemblies of the Balochistan, Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

On day One, participants got an opportunity to understand the essence of federalism presented by Honorble Barrister Zafarullah Khan. Honorable Senator Muhammad Ali Saif enlightened the participants with the Devolution of Power to the Provinces and its challenges. Dr. Pervaiz Tahir also explained the Fiscal Dimension of Federalism. On day two (October 27, 2016), the session was facilitated by Honorable MNA Ms. Marriyum Aurangzeb on the topic of “Achieving SDGs in a developed Polity”. During the Second Session, Honorable Senator Mr. Taj Haider discussed the Role of Functional Committee on Devolution. In the last session, Federal Institutional Design of Pakistan was discussed by Mr. Zafarullah Khan ED, PIPS. On day three Dr. Rasool Bakhsh Rais Professor Lums, gave an informative session on the relation between Federation and Provinces. Mr. Mohsin Abbas Senior Consultant, Ministry of Law and Justice, also contributed to the workshop and explained the topic of Professional Progress on Law Making Process. Role of CCI in the context of Federation and Provinces were also explained by the Secretary, Council of Common Interest Mr. Raja Muhammad Nadir Ali.

All the participants appreciated the productive session arranged by Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services. Certificates were also distributed among the participants at the end of day three by Executive Director (PIPS), Mr. Zafarullah Khan along with vote of thanks.

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.

National Workshop on “Federalism and Devolution of Powers” For the Honorable Members.

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