Post Budget Orientation Seminar for Honorable Members of the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab, Lahore

June 16, 2021 MEMBERS, MEMBERS, ORIENTATIONS, SEMINARS & WORKSHOPS

The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS), in collaboration with Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) and National Endowment for Democracy (NED) organized Post Budget Orientation Seminar for Honorable Members of the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab on Wednesday, June, 16, 2021 at the Pearl Continental Hotel, Lahore. The seminar is the annual tradition of the Institute since 2012 where experts on Budget, Economy and Finance brief the Honorable Members regarding different contours of the Finance Bill, State of Economy and Tips for Reading and Analyzing the Budget Documents. The seminar was attended by over thirty participants including 20 MPs and 10 Parliamentary Functionaries.

The seminar formally began with the recitation of the Holy Quran. Director General (Research) PIPS, Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka moderated the event. He welcomed the Honorable Members and expressed gratitude to the Honorable Members for their continued interest to the PIPS knowledge sharing events as well as extending their trust to the PIPS Budget Desk Services through seeking research assistance in shape of verbal and written commentary on Budget related subjects. Hon Minister Punjab Syed Yawar Bokhari, Provincial Minister for Baitul Maal and social welfare graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

Mr. Inayat Ullah Lak, Director General (Parliamentary Affairs & Research), Provincial Assembly of the Punjab Secretariat, facilitated the first session where he explained the relevant provisions of Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business of the Punjab Assembly. He briefed the Honorable MPAs about stages and days allocated to each stage regarding the Finance Bill and types of cut motions presented by the members. Mr. Haider Abbas, Director General (Finance) PIPS presented an overview of the Annual Budget. He also presented a comparison between the Federal Budget and Provincial Budget of Punjab analyzing the Annual Budget Statements. He also briefed the Honorable Members regarding distribution of resources under NFC Award and the fiscal deficits in the recent years. He emphasized on ensuring efficient and effective utilization of budget allocations, performance audit and effective oversight through Standing Committees and recommended Budget Utilization Review by the Legislature quarterly to ensure value for money, transparency and accountability. Dr. Waseem Shahzad discussed Provincial GDP Growth Projections along with Punjab Growth Strategy. He briefed the Honorable Members about Pakistan’s GDP Growth Rate for the past 6 decades in comparison with the regional countries and the domestic and external debt situation. He emphasized on saving in addition to target-based budgeting and fiscal accountability. Mr. Mukhtar Ahmed Ali, Executive Director, CPDI, emphasized on making the budget process more extensively deliberated, transparent and accountable to the Parliament. He emphasized that instead of passing the Finance Bill in haste, it should be discussed in detail in the Parliament and in relevant committees. It is crucial to have pre and post budget debates to increase financial accountability and effective use of funds. The session was followed by a comprehensive round of questions and recommendations by the Honorable Members. Honorable Members from both sides of the isles acknowledged PIPS for a thorough and objective economy and budget analysis helping them in budget debate befittingly. The seminar ended with vote of thanks by Director General Research PIPS, Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka and group photo at 3 pm.

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.

Post Budget Orientation Seminar for Honorable Members of the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab, Lahore

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