Orientation Workshop for Newly Elected Members of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh

May 27, 2024 MEMBERS, ORIENTATIONS

The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) in collaboration with GIZ organized an orientation workshop for the newly elected members of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh on May 27, 2024, at Pearl Continental Hotel, Karachi. The workshop aimed to equip the new members with essential knowledge and skills regarding various oversight tools used in the plenary, committees, and subcommittees, as well as the significance of budget and financial oversight as outlined in the Constitution and Rules of Business.

The session commenced with the recitation of verses from the Holy Quran. Ms. Samar Awais, Director General of the Parliamentary Development Programme (PDP) Wing at PIPS, welcomed the participants. She highlighted the objectives of PIPS as a dedicated Parliamentary Institute and provided an overview of the workshop. While acknowledging the role of the Mustehkam Parlimaan Project (MUP) in strengthening democratic practices in Pakistan, she invited their Team Lead, Honorable Margie Cook for her opening remarks.

Ms. Margie Cook congratulated the newly elected members on their election to the provincial assembly and emphasized the crucial role of parliamentarians in promoting parliamentary democracy in Pakistan. She highlighted the importance of such orientation programs in enhancing the effectiveness of legislative functions.

The Chief Guest, Honorable Syed Awais Qadir Shah, Speaker of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh, inaugurated the workshop and shared his insights on the responsibilities of honorable Members. He stressed the importance of being the voice of the people and urged the members to ensure that discussions in the assembly are constructive and well-informed. He also highlighted the neutral role of the Speaker as the custodian of the house.

Former Speaker of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh, Honorable Nisar Ahmed Khuhro was specially invited to share his valuable experience as a seasoned parliamentarian. He spoke about the significance of point of order, the purpose of questioning on the assembly floor, and the importance of pre-budget sessions at length. He also praised PIPS for its training and research services for the parliamentarians and encouraged members to utilize the assembly library.

Mr. Aizaz Asif, the Technical Lead from MUP, provided an in-depth explanation of the budgetary process and public financial management. He discussed the systematic procedure of planning and formulating the budget statement, and highlighted the constitutional and procedural provisions related to budget making.

Former parliamentarian, Honorable Mohsin Leghari, elaborated on the importance of parliamentary committees, describing them as ‘mini legislatures’ essential for legislative functions. He emphasized that parliamentarians, whether from the treasury or opposition, are above the government, which is accountable to them.

The workshop concluded with a note of thanks from the PIPS, followed by a group photo session with the participants.

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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 Workshop for Newly Elected Members of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh

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