Orientation Programme for the Short-Term Interns of the National Assembly of Pakistan.

July 23, 2018 FUNCTIONARIES, ORIENTATIONS, OUTREACH, YOUTH ENGAGEMENT

The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) organised a two-day Orientation Programme for the Short-term Interns of the National Assembly of Pakistan from July 23- 24, 2018. The participants of the Orientation Programme included interns of the National Assembly of Pakistan and PIPS. The programme aimed at acquainting the participants with the Constitution of Pakistan, working of the Parliament and the Importance of Vote.

The program was inaugurated by the Executive Director PIPS, Mr. Zafar ullah Khan followed by round of introductions and program overview by Ms. Samer Awais, DG-PDP & I.T, PIPS. First session of the day was about the Parliament of Pakistan, which was facilitated by Justice Muhammad Raza Khan(R). He discussed at length legislative bodies in Pakistan. Special Secretary, National Assembly of Pakistan, Mr. Qamar Sohail Lodhi. Was next to speak who, in an interactive session talked about the Constitution of Pakistan. The afternoon session was facilitated by Executive Director PIPS, Mr Zafarullah Khan who spoke about the significance of Democracy and Federalism. The day ended with a lively discussion on the importance of vote in upcoming elections.

On day two, Mr. Muhammad Fahd Amin, Legislative Consultant, PIPS, facilitated a session on the Legislative Process, which entailed information about the stages a legislative proposal or bill has to undergo, before being signed off as an Act and becoming a law in the country. Second session of the day was about the importance of Parliamentary Research and its products. DG-Research & Legislation, PIPS, Mr. Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka, facilitated the session and explained the concept of Parliamentary research; how was it different from other research products and other research products being used by honourable parliamentarians, e.g., Parliamentary briefs, position papers, research briefs. Last session of the programme was facilitated by Joint Secretary, National Assembly of Pakistan, Syed Shamoon Hashmi, on Parliamentary Etiquette, Communication and Code of Conduct. The session ended with Q/A session in a charged and vibrant environment as young students asked some burning questions. The day ended with a vote of thanks by PIPS.

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 the Short-Term Interns of the National Assembly of Pakistan.

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