Orientation Session on Role and Functions of PIPS for Students of Project, Model CCI .

February 22, 2018 FUNCTIONARIES, ORIENTATIONS, OUTREACH, YOUTH ENGAGEMENT

Debating Federalism” Thursday, February 22, 2018: Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) organized an Orientation Session on Role and Functions of PIPS for the students of Hanns Seidel Foundation Project “Model CCI: Debating Federalism” on February 22, 2018 at its main Campus in Islamabad. The all Pakistan delegation of University students and faculty members included 46 representatives from QAU, NUML, NDU, NUST, COMSATS, BZU Multan, Islamia University Bahawalpur, University of Sargodha, Fatima Jinnah Women University, University of the Punjab, IBA-Sukkur, University of Karachi, SBBU Nawabshah, University of Peshawar, SBBU Sheringal, University of Haripur, University of Turbat, SBKWU, BUITEMS Quetta, and University of Balochistan.

The event began with the National Anthem and the recitation of the Holy Quran. Executive Director PIPS, Mr. Zafarullah Khan welcomed the participants and gave an orientation of the role and functions of Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services. During his talk he highlighted the youth related initiatives taken by PIPS so far including the internship programs and Parliamentary Studies program. He emphasized the importance of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and underscored some of its basic principles. Making a comparison with other state institutions like judiciary and civil/military bureaucracy he lamented that the process of impeachment of politicians has become an easy task in Pakistan.

A highly interactive Q&A session followed the keynote speech in which students asked questions covering broad range of themes from political process to federalism. The students expressed their concern over the lack of understanding of the Constitution even among the educated class of the country and recommended compulsory teaching of constitution at the university level. Executive Director PIPS presented PIPS memento to the head of delegation, Mr. Omer Ali, National Programme Coordinator Hanns Seidel Foundation. The event was moderated by Ms. Fakiha Mahmood, Research Officer PIPS. The Orientation session ended with the vote of thanks and group photo.

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 Session on Role and Functions of PIPS for Students of Project, Model CCI .

@ Your Service