National Workshop on “Functions and Effectiveness of Parliamentary Committees” For Committee Chairpersons.

September 28, 2016 MEMBERS, SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS

A three-day workshop for Honorable Committee Chairpersons was held on “Functions and Effectiveness of Parliamentary Committees” at PIPS campus, from September 28-30, 2016. The objective was to enable the participants develop a better understanding of the Parliamentary Committees and to learn about best practices of committee system. The workshop was formally inaugurated by the Executive Director (PIPS), Mr. Zafarullah Khan, who welcomed the Honourable Chairpersons of Standing Committees, the Senators, the Members of the National Assembly, and the Provincial Assemblies of the Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkha, Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.

The workshop commenced on September28, 2016. The first session was on “the significance and role of Committees in the Parliament” by Honorable Senator, Syed Muzaffar Hussain Shah, which was quite interactive in nature. It was followed by a session on “Assessing Legislation in Committees” by Mr. Mohsin Abbas Syed, Senior Consultant, Ministry of Law & Justice, who thoroughly explained the topic. Last session on day one was facilitated by Honourable Senator, Mr. Farhatullah Babar on “Improving Parliamentary Performance through Committee Oversight”, which drew a lot of interest of the members.

On Day two (September 29, 2016), the first session was facilitated by Syed Fakhar Imam, Former Speaker, National Assembly of Pakistan, followed by an interactive session on “Fundamentals of Convening Public Hearings” by Mr. Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka, Director Research & I.T (PIPS). On day three (September 30, 2016) Mr. Zafarullah Khan, Executive Director (PIPS) took an informative session on “Best Practices of Holding Committee Meetings and Conflict Resolution”. The workshop ended with a vote of Thanks by Executive Director (PIPS), Mr. Zafarullah Khan, who also complimented Training wing and all faculty for their efforts.

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 “Functions and Effectiveness of Parliamentary Committees” For Committee Chairpersons.

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