PIPS enthralling seminar on Working of Inclusive Parliament with GIU Lahore

February 27, 2025 SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS

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The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) organized an enthralling one-day informative seminar for the students of Green International University (GIU), Lahore, focusing on “Working of Inclusive Parliament and PIPS” for the students of faculty of Law, Green International University (GIU), Lahore on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at PIPS Islamabad. The event aimed to enhance students’ understanding of democratic institutions, legislative processes, and services provided by the PIPS to parliamentarians. Seminar was attended by around 80 participants including faculty Members led by Dean Professor Dr. Sami Ur Rehman Dean faculty of law, GIU, Lahore.

Mr. Tanzil-ur-Rahman Assistant Director (Research) moderated the session. Following the national anthem of Pakistan, the event commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Mr. Naveed Aman. Mr. Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka, Director General (Research), PIPS extended a warm welcome to the attendees. He welcomed the participants on behalf of the President PIPS BoG / Honourable Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani and Executive Director PIPS and PIPS Research Wing.

The first session, facilitated by Mr. Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka,DG (Research) PIPS, focused on the Topic “Working of Inclusive Parliament and Legislative process” He provided an in-depth overview of the parliamentary system in Pakistan. He explained the democratic framework and principles governing the Parliament, highlighting the role of elected representatives in lawmaking and governance. The session detailed the structure and functions of the National Assembly and Senate, along with the legislative process, including the introduction, debate, and passage of bills. Additionally, oversight tools such as Question Hour, Calling Attention Notices, and Parliamentary Committees were discussed, underscoring the Parliament’s role in ensuring accountability and public representation in decision-making processes.

In the second session Ms. Tehseen Khalid, Director (Research), PIPS, focused on the Topic “Working of PIPS and Research Services for MPs” She elaborating on the institute’s role in assisting parliamentarians through research and capacity-building programs. She explained how PIPS serves as an exclusive research and training facilities to the parliamentarians and functionaries. She highlighted the services offered to Members of Parliament, including research on demand, technical support in bill drafting, and legislative assistance. Public outreach programs involving academia, civil society, and youth were also discussed. Further she discussed about the various research tools such as infographics, briefing papers, position papers, and information packs that aid legislators in informed decision-making.

A dedicated Question & Answer session allowed students to engage with the speakers, seeking clarifications on research services, and the significance of parliamentary democracy. Their queries reflected keen interest and a desire to gain a deeper understanding of parliamentary affairs. Mr Zaka, DG Research PIPS, explained the newly approved Prevention Against Violent Extremist Policy (PVE) by the Cabinet and how standing committees and caucuses steer the agenda to promote peace, tolerance and social cohesion in the society. He reiterated that as youth of the country, we must believe and practice the democratic maxim: we agree to disagree as practiced and exemplified by the Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, which made him a towering statesmen of the century. Youth are catalyst of harmony and progressiveness who can volunteer with the Parliament to become ambassadors in the national drive of PVE.

Professor Dr. Sami-ur-Rehman, Dean of the Faculty of Law, GIU, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to PIPS for organizing an insightful session. The event concluded with a group photo with Mr Asim Khan Goraya, Executive Director, PIPS, who expressed his happiness on the quality of interactive session hosted by PIPS Research wing. The session concluded with the one voice slogan – PAKISTAN ZINDABAD and distribution of PIPS books to faculty members and students, followed by a visit to the Parliament House.

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 enthralling seminar on Working of Inclusive Parliament with GIU Lahore

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