PIPS and MuP organized Parliamentary Roundtable on State of Economy and Annual Budget FY 2023-24 with Hon. Members of Balochistan Assembly on June 15, 2023.

Quetta (June 15, 2023): The Mustehkam Parliamaan EU-GIZ Project and the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) organized a Parliamentary Roundtable on State of Economy and Annual Budget FY 2023-24 on Thursday, June 15, 2022 in Quetta. As per tradition since 2013-14, the Institute continues to offer special research and technical assistance to MPs of federal as well as provincial legislators during the budget presentation and debate through the PIPS Economy and Budget Desk of the Research wing. The event was attended by more than 35 participants including 14 Hon MPs of Balochistan Assembly, parliamentary researchers and relevant officers from the Balochistan Assembly, experts on economy and public finance from academia.

The proceedings began with recitation of the blessed verses from the Holy Quran. The first session was facilitated by Secretary Balochistan Assembly Mr. Tahir Shah Kakar who covered the relevant provisions of Constitution and Assembly Rules pertaining to Annual Budget and the tools available to MPs for active participation in the Budget Session. He deliberated in detail on the procedures of cut motions as well as the due role of committees in PSDPs.

The second session was included a panel discussion on State of Economy and PFM in the context of Annual Budget 2023-24. The discussion was led by renowned economist and PIPS adjunct faculty member, Dr Wasim Shahid Malik who presented a comparative economic picture of provincial economies pointing out the weakness and strengths and henceforth presenting a way forward for an inclusive economic growth. Discussions focused on Pakistan’s debt situation and the 2023-24 budget, equipping parliamentarians with insights on fiscal obligations and the debt trap. He suggested that a specialized approach is required to employ the resources of Balochistan where sector/product specific R&D institutions should be established according to regional strengths/resources of different districts/divisions of the province. The other panelists in the session include Mr Aizaz Asif, Public Policy/PFM advisor of Mustehkam Parlimaan Project and Mr Salman Ishfaq PFM consultant of Mustehkam Parlimaan Project.

An interactive hour long Q&A session was facilitated by the panelists where the Hon Members discussed the different policy options for uplifting the economy in short run and long run. Mr Muhammad Rizwan Manzoor, (AD, Research) PIPS moderated the event. The organizing team was included Ms Fatima Khan Provincial Coordinator of Mustehkam Parlimaan Project, Mr Asif Abro Assistant PRC Officer PIPS, and the PIPS PRC Staffers Mr. Bilal and Mr. Shah Fahad.

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.

PIPS and MuP organized Parliamentary Roundtable on State of Economy and Annual Budget FY 2023-24 with Hon. Members of Balochistan Assembly on June 15, 2023.

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