Orientation Programme for Interns of the National Assembly Secretariat (Batch – I), August 2nd – 3rd, 2023. – Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services

Orientation Programme for Interns of the National Assembly Secretariat (Batch – I), August 2nd – 3rd, 2023.

Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services organized a two day Orientation Programme for the first batch of Interns of the National Assembly Secretariat from 2^nd to 3^rd August 2023 at PIPS Campus, Islamabad. The Programme was attended by 110 interns of the National Assembly Secretariat. The purpose of programme was to acquaint the young interns with rudimentary knowledge of the Constitution of Pakistan and its framework, working of the Parliament as well as understanding the significance of Law making, Democracy and role of a Parliamentarian.

The Programme commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran followed by Programme overview by Ms. Samer Awais, Director General (PDP& C), PIPS. The first session of the Programme was facilitated by Mr. Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka (D. G. Research) PIPS on the working of the Parliament. This was followed by a session on the Constitution of Pakistan facilitated by Parliamentary Expert, Mr. Zafarullah Khan. The Constitution was further discussed at length by Democracy and Governance Expert, Mr. Ali Imran. The interns were apprised on Significance of Law making by Ms. Naveen Erum, Assistant Director (Legislative Drafting Council), National Assembly Secretariat. Day one of the training concluded with an overview on rules of procedure and use of oversight tools for effective governance succinctly explained by Mr. Muhammad Afzal Soomro Deputy Secretary (Legislation), National Assembly Secretariat.

Day two of the training commenced with an interactive session on the topic “A day in the Life of a Legislator”. Guest speaker, Honourable Senator Ayesha Raza Farooq highlighted the challenges, role and responsibilities’ a Parliamentarian deal with in their day to day working. Ms. Mahira Rafique, Deputy Director PMU, National Assembly Secretariat, facilitated a session on the significance of Parliamentary Research and the research products that are used in the Parliament. Whereas, Mr. Danish Bhutto Deputy Director PMU, National Assembly Secretariat, discussed the parliamentary etiquette and workplace communication during his session. Director Training & Capacity Development, Election Commission of Pakistan. Mr. Sajid Ali shed light upon the significance of democracy and elections.

Director General PDP, Ms. Samer Awais concluded the Orientation programme with farewell remarks, motivating 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 (Batch – I), August 2nd – 3rd, 2023.

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