Orientation Programme for Interns of the National Assembly Secretariat 24th to 26th August 2022 at PIPS Campus Islamabad

FUNCTIONARIES, ORIENTATIONS, OUTREACH, YOUTH ENGAGEMENT

Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services organized a three day Orientation Programme for the second batch of Interns of the National Assembly Secretariat from 24^th to 26^th August 2022 at PIPS Campus, Islamabad. The Programme was attended by ninety six interns of the National Assembly Secretariat. The purpose of the programme was to familiarize and acquaint the young interns of the National Assembly Secretariat with basic understanding and knowledge of the functions of the Parliament, the concept of democracy and importance of effective governance.

The Programme commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran followed by Welcome remarks by Ms. Mariam Ahsan, Deputy Director (PDP), PIPS where she requested the participants for a brief round of introductions. The first session for the Programme was convened by Justice (R) Muhammad Raza Khan on the fundamental working of the Parliament and its functions. This was followed by a session on Understanding the Constitution of Pakistan and fundamental rights by Parliamentary Expert, Mr. Zafarullah Khan. The Constitution was further discussed at length by Democracy and Governance Expert, Mr. Ali Imran. The day ended with an overview of the rules of procedure and use of oversight tools for effective governance explained by Additional Secretary, National Assembly Secretariat, Mr. Muhammad Mushtaq.

Sessions on Parliamentary Ethics and the research products were explained on day two of the orientation. The sessions were facilitated by National Assembly Secretariat staff Ms. Mahira Rafique, Deputy Director PMU, Mr. Danish Bhutto Deputy Director PMU and lecturer from Quaid e Azam University Mr. Muhammad Fahad Amin.

On the last day of the Orientation, Honourable Member National Assembly of Pakistan, Ms. Shahida Akhtar Ali held an interactive session with the Interns on the topic “A day in the Life of a Legislator”. She highlighted the challenges, role and responsibilities’ a Parliamentarian faces in their day to day working. Director General PDP, Ms. Samer Awais concluded the Orientation programme with farewell remarks for the participants. She encouraged the young interns to keep working hard towards building a prosperous future for the country.

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.

Orientation Programme for Interns of the National Assembly Secretariat 24th to 26th August 2022 at PIPS Campus Islamabad

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