Roundtable Session on Diplomacy for Peace

January 24, 2025 Parliamentary Roundtable

A roundtable session on Diplomacy for Peace was held on January 24, 2025, at Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS), Islamabad. Dr. Osman Gültekin, UNESCO Chair on Cultural Diplomacy, Governance and Education delivered a key-note lecture on the significance of cultural diplomacy and education in particular international education in projecting soft image in the international community. The session was attended by officers/officials from Research, Legislation and PDP wings of this Institute.

The session commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran. Mr. Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka, Director General (Research) PIPS extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guest and provided an overview of the institute’s functions as a center of excellence in the domain of parliamentary research in Pakistan. Mr. Zaka apprised the guest about the services rendered by the Research Wing of PIPS.

Dr. Osman Gültekin commenced his presentation by introducing himself and outlining his research. He focused on the concept of “Soft Power” and its importance in shaping a positive national image in the comity of nations. He underscored strategies that countries can employ to leverage Soft Power as a means of positive image building. The presentation of Dr. Gültekin further elaborated the development and multi-faceted nature of relationship between international education and international politics, positing that international education serves as a conduit for Soft Power and is closely linked to the promotion of peace. His presentation included a historical overview of the internationalization of education and emphasized the growing recognition of its significance.

Following the lecture, the floor was opened for questions. Participants actively engaged in Q&A session, raising inquiries about the concept of brain-drain and its implications. Questions also focused on Pakistan’s education system, particularly in the growing fields of medicine and engineering, and their potential to attract international students. Additionally, participants discussed the strategies that Pakistan and other developing Muslim countries should consider to capitalize on the trend of regionalization in international education, as well as the associated positive and potential negative impacts of this emerging trend.

At the end, Mr. Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka gave vote of thanks and expressed his gratitude to Dr. Osman Gültekin for joining the roundtable session and sharing his work.

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.

Roundtable Session on Diplomacy for Peace

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