PIPS Seminar on Int’ll Peace day 21st Sept., 2023– “Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah as parliamentarian,” at Riphah University

Islamabad, Sept., 21, 2023: To commemorate the international peace day the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) and the Riphah International University (RIU), G 7 campus, Islamabad, held a youth outreach seminar, titled: “Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah as parliamentarian and leader par excellence.” that was attended by 55 participants including faculty and students of department of International relations.

The proceedings started with the blessed name of the Allah Almighty. Prof Kashif Zaheer, Assistant Professor and In-Charge Student Affairs, RIU, welcomed the PIPS team comprising Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka, Director General (Reseearch) PIPS and Mr Qaiser Iqbal Librarian. He thanked PIPS for its support to enlighten RIU students and faculty members as part of Parliamentary Studies Program on working of Parliament, democracy and role of youth in peace building. Mr Zaka, Director General (Research) spoke as the key note Speaker and highlighted Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision for a progressive unity of diversity as well as the his lifelong commitment to fulfill the fundamental rights of protection of life, faith, property of all citizens especially the poor segments as the top priority of the government and the Parliament.”

Mr Zaka narrated with numerous anecdotes of life of the founding father how he stood for rights of minorities against draconian laws like Rowlatt Act against use of force by British government against peaceful demonstrations by Sikh Farmers. He also reiterated that the Quaid had qualities of empathy with the masses, minorities and the downtrodden, always standing by Rule of Law; siding with merit; practicing strict honesty and financial discipline; austerity in public spending; in addition to unwavering dedication and sacrifice for creation of Islamic Republic of Pakistan besides facing odds of personal health falling with each passing day in 1947-48.

Mr Zaka also shared that Allama Dr. Muhammad Iqbal, when asked to comment about the Quaid, depicted him in these words: Mr. Jinnah is rewarded with a unique quality that I do not see in any Muslim of the sub continent – He is incorruptible and unpurchaseable.” The famous historian H.V. Hodson endorsed the opinion and said that “not even his political adversaries ever accused Mr Jinnah of corruption or self-seeking. He could be bought by no one and for no price.” The Quaid always stood with honesty and fair play in politics, especially always reiterating his endorsement for fair and free elections. In 1946 elections Mr G.A. Allana who was the In charge of Muslim League’s electoral campaigning in Sindh was directed by the Quaid: “But remember one thing. I do not want to pay a single rupee to any voter as bribe to vote for us. That I will never adopt. I prefer defeat to winning elections by adopting dishonest and corrupt methods.”^[1]

Mr Zaka concluded his session with the famous quote of the Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah: THERE IS NO POWER ON EARTH THAT CAN UNDO PAKISTAN! Prof Kashif Zaheer, Mr Ehtisham and Mr Zahoor presented university souvenirs to team PIPS while Dir Gen shared two sets of PIPS publication for RIU library. The event underscored the importance of collaboration and dialogue among diverse stakeholders to promote peace, dialogue and national harmony in society. The contributions of the scholars, experts and youth will undoubtedly serve as valuable insights for policymakers, academics, and activists working towards a more inclusive and cohesive future for the nation. The team PIPS also visited the RIU library and reiterated the future cooperation of the two institutions towards consolidation of role of active youth to strengthen the democratic, constitutional and parliamentary tradition for a peaceful and progressive society.

[1] Dr K F Yusuf (ed.) op. cit. p. 316.

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 Seminar on Int’ll Peace day 21st Sept., 2023– “Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah as parliamentarian,” at Riphah University

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