Seminar on Constitution Day.

April 10, 2014 OTHERS, OUTREACH, YOUTH ENGAGEMENT

“A constitution is imperative because it protects the rights of the citizens of a concerned nation, irrespective of their religion, caste, creed, sex or physical appearance,” it was stated by Ch Burjees Tahir, Minister of Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit Baltistan and Northern Affairs at the occasion of “National Constitution Day” Seminar on April 10, 2014 held at the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services.
The objective of the seminar was to develop awareness of the Constitution, its importance and functioning of Parliament among students, civil society and the youth. Students and faculty members of various universities and colleges not only attended the seminar, but few of them also participated in a debate competition to exchange their views about Constitution.Renowned parliamentarians Chaudhary Barjees Tahir (Federal Minister of Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit Baltistan), Senator Dr. Saeeda Iqbal, Senator Syed Zafar Ali Shah and Mr. Ali Muhammad Jan (MNA) shared their candid views to familiarize the youth with the concept of constitution as framework of the state and other relevant concepts through their key note speeches and by sharing their personnel experience. The Parliamentarians congratulated PIPS on holding the first ever Constitution Day to commemorate the 41st anniversary of the historic day of 10th April, 1973, when the National Assembly of Pakistan signed the unanimous Constitution of Pakistan.

Chaudhary Barjees Tahir (Federal Minister of Kashmir Affairs & Gilgit Baltistan) concluded the event by distributing mementoes among the honourable guests and the participants. Ms Amal Arif of Ripah University secured first position, Naima Binte Shahab from Fatimah Jinnah Women University git second position followed by Ms Madeeha Sayed from APCOMS in third in the declamation contest titled Constitution, reflection of people’s aspirations. The event was co organized by research and training wings of PIPS. Mr Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka, Director Research was the master of the ceremony while Ms Samer awais, Director Training, Mr Muzaffar A Mahar, Director HR and Mr Tahir Hanafi, A.S (PAC) were judges of the speech contest. All participants sang the national anthem to reflect the unity of Pakistan.

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.

Seminar on Constitution Day.

@ Your Service