PIPS Constitution Day Seminar reiterates dialogue, critical thinking and Optimism in Youth for National Cohesion

April 10, 2025 SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS

The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) Seminar reiterated need for promoting dialogue, critical thinking and Optimism in Youth for National Cohesion to mark the celebration of Constitution Day as per its decade old tradition. The Day long event started with National Anthem and recitation from the Holy Quran. Mr Asim Khan Goraya Executive Director PIPS highlighted the role of youth in peace building and national cohesion of the society across all federating units and people of all walks of life. Mr Muhammad Rizwan Manzoor moderated the inaugrual session as the enthralling day long seminar saw interactive participation of more than 80 faculty and students from Quaid e Azam University departments of Law and Strategic Studies, National Defense University, Riphah International University, Fauji Foundation College Jahaurabad and Concept System of Colleges and Schools Rawalpindi.

The inaugural session was followed by panel discussion addressed my Mr Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka, Director General (Research) PIPS, Mr Mukhtar Ahmed Ali Executive Director CPDI, Ms Saleha Shah DG NACTA and Prof Zubair Director Riphah International University, while Ms Tehseen Khalid Director Research PIPS moderated the main plenary. Mr. Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka, Director General (Research) stressed the need to focus of responsibility by the citizens and the youth towards promotion of dialogue, appreciating diversity and always taking the Constitutional way in promoting rule of law as well as nations march for excellence as envisaged in the personalities and accomplishments of the founding fathers of Pakistan. Mr Mukhtar Ahmed Ali ED CPDI inspired the audience towards positive thinking as country has progessed leaps and bounds socially, financially as well as in development of infrastructure ana and fulfilling of needs for the society. Mr Zubair Safdar Director Ripah International University endorsed the need to consolidate Constitutional spirit and dialogue amongst all poitical forces and amongst people in a balanced manner while accommodating eachothers aspirations and opinions. Speaking on the occasion Ms Saleha Shah DG NACTA defined the concept of prevention against violent extremism, which is best possible through social engagement and respecting the point of view of others.

A detailed question and answer session included queries from students as to how they can become ambassadors of peace in the society. Mr Zubair Safdar highlighted the need to re-create the spirit of democratic engagement in building intellectual discourse in an environment of mutual respect while Mr Mukhar Ahmad Ali and Ms Saleha condemned terrorist designs in tagetting soft targets such as poor people, innocent civilians and security personnel. Mr Zaka DG Research replying to a question highlighted the need to work, work and work for the mutual good of society in which focus must remain on self accountability and improving the cognitive thinking of individual towards character building, democratic dialogue and emphasizes on service to the nation. He stressed that the life of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah teaches us to be tolerant, always respect law of the land and forgive others so that we consolidate the tradition of “we agree to disagree,” to promote Constitutionalism. Ms Saleha also explained the Prevention Against Violent EXtremism policy approved by the cabinet in 2024 that expects youth to promote positive thinking and voluntary zeal to promote peace.

The head of academic delegations also spoke in panel three. Syed Adil Ali Shah MD Concept College Rawalpindi stressed the need to respect the Constitution in letter and spirit by all institutions and citizens to have rule of law and good governance in the country. He eulogised the parliamentary leadership that built and consolidated the Constitution as the consensus document of all fabric of society.

Principal of Fauji Foundation School Jauharabad Ms Shaista highlighted the need to follow the injunctions of Holy Quran that provides us a complete code of life based to fulfilling our duty to peace, tolerance and unity amongst each other as loyal citizens. She eulogized PIPS team for immaculately orgainzing seminar on such imperative national issue as part of Parliamentary Studies Program initiated in 2014.

Mr Alamzeb HoD QAU law department identified the need for the youth to focus on becoming responsible law abiding citizens and good human beings contributing in consolidation of a peaceful society that empathises for its downtrodden. All the speakers expressed the unwavering national resolve that Pakistan has a bright future as leader of nations and it will overcome to defeat all conspiracies of terrorism with national unity, perseverance and resilience of its vibrant youth all across the country.

Ms Tehseen Khalid Director Research PIPS summed up the key points identified by worthy panelists in addition to presenting vote of thanks and actions proposed by the three plenaries of the event. Mr Asim Khan Goraya congratulated the audience for interactive participation to make the seminar very absorbing making new ambassadors of peace and national cohesion. The Event concluded with the national slogan Pakistan Zindabad!

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 Constitution Day Seminar reiterates dialogue, critical thinking and Optimism in Youth for National Cohesion

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