One day Orientation Programme for the Newly Elected Honorable Members of the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab 29th March 2024

March 29, 2024 MEMBERS, ORIENTATIONS

The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) in collaboration with the Mustehkam Parlimaan (MuP) – a project funded by the European Union, organised a one day Orientation Programme for newly elected members of the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab on Friday 29^th March, 2024 at Pearl Continental hotel, Lahore. The programme aimed to enhance the capabilities of legislators by facilitating collaboration and exchange of ideas among members. The objectives included familiarizing members with parliamentary procedures, providing insight into the legislative process, understanding committee functions, and emphasizing parliamentary outreach. The orientation was attended by more than 180 members of the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab.

The event commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran followed by programme overview by Ms. Samer Awais, D. G. PDP & C, PIPS. Mr. Farhatullah Babar, Former Senator, was then invited to conduct a session on Parliamentary Oversight. Mr. Babar highlighted the importance of transparency and accountability in government operations, emphasizing the role of parliamentary oversight tools. Afterwards, Mr. Usama Khawar, Advisor the Speaker PAP, was invited on the stage to give an overview of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. Mr. Khawar in his discussion, outlined the principles and the three main pillars of parliamentary democracy of the Constitution of Pakistan. Next session was facilitated by Mr. Muhammad Mohsin Khan Leghari, former MPA Punjab, who shared insights on parliamentary procedures and policymaking, while Mr. Aizaz Asif, Technical Lead, MuP discussed the Parliamentary Budgetary Process and Public Financial Management. Mr. Khalid Mehmood, Advisor to Speaker PAP, was invited on the stage to introduce Legislative Procedures. He emphasized on the core functions of the legislature, oversight, and scrutiny of government. He differentiated between Private Members’ Bills and Government Bills, citing limited research and drafting facilities as reasons for the low number of private bills. He also discussed rules of procedure and conduct of business as the exclusive powers of Parliament and Provincial Assemblies to make laws. Mr. Muhammad Anwar, Executive Director, PIPS, highlighted the powers and functions of Parliamentary Committees, emphasizing their role as oversight tools for policy implementation.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Zaheer Iqbal, Deputy Speaker of the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab followed by iftar dinner.

One-day-Orientation-Programme-for-the-Newly-Elected-Honorable-Members-of-the-Provincial-Assembly-of-the-Punjab-29th-March-202401

One-day-Orientation-Programme-for-the-Newly-Elected-Honorable-Members-of-the-Provincial-Assembly-of-the-Punjab-29th-March-202402

One-day-Orientation-Programme-for-the-Newly-Elected-Honorable-Members-of-the-Provincial-Assembly-of-the-Punjab-29th-March-202403

One-day-Orientation-Programme-for-the-Newly-Elected-Honorable-Members-of-the-Provincial-Assembly-of-the-Punjab-29th-March-202405

One-day-Orientation-Programme-for-the-Newly-Elected-Honorable-Members-of-the-Provincial-Assembly-of-the-Punjab-29th-March-202406

One-day-Orientation-Programme-for-the-Newly-Elected-Honorable-Members-of-the-Provincial-Assembly-of-the-Punjab-29th-March-2024047

One-day-Orientation-Programme-for-the-Newly-Elected-Honorable-Members-of-the-Provincial-Assembly-of-the-Punjab-29th-March-202408

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.

One day Orientation Programme for the Newly Elected Honorable Members of the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab 29th March 2024

@ Your Service