SEMINAR ON CONSTITUTION, WORKING OF PARLIAMENT & PEACE, Monday 06 March, 2023

The Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) as part of it parliamentary studies initiatives with universities held a one day Seminar on Constitution as a Social Contract, Working of Parliament and Parliament and the Youth. Hon Ms Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Special Assistant to Prime Minister and MNA graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. The Seminar was held for faculty members and M Phil scholars and senior undergrad batch from Department of Economics, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Central Punjab (UCP), Lahore. Dr. Sidra Mariyam, Assistant Professor, led the delegation which was coordinated by Mr. Muhammad Farooq, Faculty Industry Liaison Officer. The event began with National Anthem, followed by recitation of verses from Holy Quran by Qari Anees ur Rehman. Ms. Fakiha Mahmood, Deputy Director (Research) PIPS, welcomed the participants and moderated a brief introduction.

Mr. Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka, Director General (Research), gave detailed presentation on “Constitution: guarantor of citizens’ rights and the Working of Parliament.” He highlighted the role of the Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan as a basic social contract between the state and citizens, and elaborated the main features of the Constitution. His presentation also highlighted the deeper linkages inherent among the executive as well as the parliamentary institutions and the essential functions of the Parliament – representation, oversight, legislation and overall policy review as well as guidance viz a viz budget. With the demonstration of a brief video clip he highlighted the role of the founding father, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, in making Pakistan an independent country on the political map of the world, and the sacrifice of all those who migrated from India to Pakistan following partition to make the biggest Muslim majority country. Mr Zaka reiterated the spirit of we agree to disagree and the safeguard and assurance of rights to minorities and the vulnerable without fail as the essence of Pakistan’s parliamentary democratic Constitution. Honorable Ms. Shaza Fatima Khwaja, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Youth Affairs/MNA, was the Chief Guest of the event. She gave an enthralling speech on “Parliament and Youth,” during the one day event. In a highly interactive manner she highlighted the challenges Members of Parliament face during the tenure as legislator. She dispelled many false images associated with MPs, and emphasized the participants to adopt a meaningful approach towards the national issues. In her capacity as the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister of Pakistan on Youth Affairs, she highlighted various youth programs designed to cater the needs of the younger population. She also highlighted the role of the Young Parliamentarians’ Forum in formulating a youth focused approach in legislation and other parliamentary functions. The event concluded with presentation of mementoes, and group photograph of the participants. A brief questions and answers session followed the individual presentations. Ms. Ayesha Tariq Khan, Assistant Director (Research) PIPS, played instrumental role in coordination of the event. Eng. Zahid Ashraf, Assistant Director (Information Technology) and Mr. Qasim, Assistant IT Officer, provided IT support. Session concluded with Pakistan Zindabad slogan by 30 participants.

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, WORKING OF PARLIAMENT & PEACE, Monday 06 March, 2023

@ Your Service