Press Release Global Unity through Parliamentary Diplomacy: Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) Inaugurated in Seoul

April 11, 2025 Press Release

Chairman Senate of Pakistan/ President Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) BoG, Yousuf Raza Gillani, Elected as Founding Chairman
SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA — In a landmark advancement for international legislative collaboration, the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) was officially launched in Seoul, South Korea, with the participation of parliamentary leaders from across continents. The highlight of the event was the unanimous election of Chairman Senate of Pakistan/ President PIPS BoG, Yousuf Raza Gillani, as the Founding Chairman of ISC.
In his inaugural address, Chairman Gillani expressed deep gratitude and emphasized the importance of forging closer ties among parliamentary institutions to address pressing global challenges. He outlined a bold vision focused on regional cooperation, mutual prosperity, and upholding universally shared values.
“This platform represents not only a new chapter in international parliamentary diplomacy, but also a historic opportunity to reimagine our collective role in fostering global harmony, shared prosperity, and lasting peace,” Chairman Gillani stated.
He emphasized the need for unified parliamentary action in addressing issues such as climate change, water scarcity, renewable energy, inequality, and peacebuilding, and proposed the following initiatives:
• Formation of dedicated ISC task forces to address population dynamics, sustainability, and resource equity.
• Expansion of parliamentary leadership development networks to promote transparency, cooperation, and effective governance.
• Strategic collaboration with UN bodies, financial institutions, and international development partners.
• Promotion of legislative-led peacebuilding dialogues and cross-border conflict resolution frameworks.
• A commitment to sustainability-driven governance as a guiding principle for all member parliaments.
“ISC is not merely a gathering of legislative leaders; it is a living testament to our shared will to build bridges of understanding, elevate human dignity, and chart a common course toward global progress,” he added.
Awards Ceremony Honours Global Parliamentary Leadership
Following the session, a prestigious awards ceremony was held where Chairman Yousuf Raza Gillani presented commemorative awards to all 45 Speakers of Parliament who are founding members of ISC. The awards celebrated their contributions to democracy, legislative cooperation, and global solidarity in the face of shared challenges.
The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the unifying potential of parliamentary diplomacy and the commitment of ISC members to shaping a better, more cooperative future for all.
It is a true honour to have Chairman Yousuf Raza Gillani serve as the Founding Chairman of this historic forum — a moment of immense pride for Pakistan on the global stage in general and Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services in particular.

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.

Press Release Global Unity through Parliamentary Diplomacy: Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) Inaugurated in Seoul

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