PIPS holds Constitution Day with faculty and students of Air University Islamabad, April 10, 2021

Working on its mandate to ensure public understanding of the Parliament and Constitution of Pakistan, Team PIPS organized the second session of the CONSTITUTION WEEK 2021 on April 10, 2021 (Saturday), which was attended by 42 students and faculty members from Department of Cyber Security, Air University of Pakistan to celebrate the 48^th Anniversary of signing of the Constitution of Pakistan on April 10, 1973: The three hours session was held online through Zoom. The event began at 11.18 am; Mr. Rana Jimshaid Asghar AD PIPS recited versus from the Holy Quran to commence the program while Ms. Fakiha Mehmood, Deputy Director (Research) moderated the session.

A brief introduction of PIPS, its working and milestones covered by the premier parliamentary institute, was given by Director (Research), Ms. Tehseen Khalid. Director General (Research) Mr. Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka, gave a two hour detailed interactive presentation on “Constitution, Parliament and National Progress – an indigenous narrative, followed by keenly participated Q & A session.” Prof Ms Umme Class Advisor at Air University and students of AU, “lauded PIPS for its professionally held session and passionate presentation of Imperative Nature of the Constitution of Pakistan and the Parliament’s role and enormous contribution towards achieving an egalitarian happy society for the people of our great country.” The students expressed their desire to future participation in PIPS seminars.

The key take-away by participants from the two nation-wide webinars were as follows:

As envisaged by the Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the founding fathers, Parliamentary Democracy as envisioned by the Constitution is part of Pakistanis DNA and remains an essential source of national unity across the beautiful diversity of the country.
The Nature of the Constitution of Pakistan rests on five key foundations – Islam, Parliamentary democracy, Welfare, Federal and Independence of Judiciary.
The Fundamental Rights enshrined in the Constitution emphasize fulfillment of human rights for every country-men no matter from majority or minority communities as it revolves around equal opportunities according to work for all for prosperity.
“We agree to Disagree,” is essence of parliamentary democracy, which makes, live and let live; fraternity, equality and brotherhood the strengths of our national discourse.
The Constitution of Pakistan makes the whole cabinet and all state institutions accountable to the chosen representatives of the people, that has historically always delivered much more in terms of national unity, happiness and prosperity in comparison to any aristocracy or dictatorial presidency.

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 holds Constitution Day with faculty and students of Air University Islamabad, April 10, 2021

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