National Workshop on Women in Political Leadership for the Honorable Women Members of the National Parliament and Four Provincial Assemblies

January 30, 2019 MEMBERS, SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS

Islamabad: January 30^th – 31^st 2019: A two-day National Workshop on “Women in Political Leadership” commenced at the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) in collaboration with TABEER-CDIP. The workshop was attended by Women Parliamentarians and Members of the four Provincial Assemblies.

The Conference was inaugurated by the Honourable Speaker, National Assembly of Pakistan, Asad Qaiser. In his inaugural speech, he said that Women Parliamentarians would be encouraged to be a part of Assembly proceedings as they were already playing a commendable role in the legislative process. He added that, “Together we could take this country to newer heights as long as there was an equal representation”. He also acknowledged the presence of women lawmakers on board. The Honourable Speaker further said that he was considering to introduce a backbencher’s day, in order to encourage the women parliamentarians to speak more often on the floor of the House.

The workshop was attended by almost 30 members of the Parliament. The participants attended various sessions on consensus building and meaningful participation in politics.

Executive Director, PIPS, Zafrullah Khan, in his welcome address said that, “Leadership is a multidimensional process and the best place to exhibit the leadership skills is the Parliament as it works on a multifunctional paradigm”. He also lauded the role of Women’s Parliamentary Caucus.

In his opening remarks Team Leader Tabeer- CDIP Amir Khan Goraya, expressed his wish for a more gender inclusive democracy in Pakistan.

The workshop was a two-day event for Women in Political Leadership to network & connect across parties to build consensus for greater National cause and to serve the people of Pakistan whom they represent.

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 Women in Political Leadership for the Honorable Women Members of the National Parliament and Four Provincial Assemblies

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