Seminar on SDGS and Environmental Legislation with Students Delegates of Government College University Lahore

October 23, 2019 OTHERS, YOUTH ENGAGEMENT

Working on its mandate to reach out to the general public for wider understanding and dissemination of the working of Parliament, Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services organized a Seminar on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Environmental Legislation for 30 delegates of GC University Lahore including faculty members and students of Department of Environmental Sciences on Wednesday, October 23, 2019.

The event began with National Anthem of Pakistan. Mr. Asim Khan, PIPS Young Parliamentary Officer recited verses of Holy Quran.

Ms. Tehseen Khalid, Deputy Director (Research), welcomed the delegates and conducted an interactive session on SDGs and its nexus to clean and green environment. She elaborated the basic functions of a Parliament including representation, legislation, oversight and budget. And deliberated on the role of parliament in implementing esteemed agenda of SDGs where National Assembly and all provincial and legislative assemblies are taking the active lead in close coordination with relevant ministries and departments. The second session was conducted by Mr. Abdul Nabi Solangi, Legislative Officer, PIPS and Mr. Wajid Aslam, Young Parliamentary Officer PIPS. Mr. Wajid gave an interactive talk on Overview of Existing Legislation on Environment. The presentation was followed by an interactive Q&A session in which students raised pertinent questions that were answered by the three worthy panelists.

Mr. Muhammad Rizwan Manzoor, Research Officer moderated the event held by Research and Legislation wing of the Institute and the organizing team also comprised of two vibrant Young Parliamentary Officers, Ms. Laraib Kiyani, and Mr. Asim Khan.

Dr. Mujdaba Baqar, Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Science gave vote of thanks. He thanked PIPS for organizing the Seminar and remaining always actively available to facilitate students in achieving knowledge on parliament. Ms. Tehseen Khalid, Deputy Director (Research) presented a set of PIPS publications to the Head of Delegation. Later on the delegation proceeded to the Parliament for an academic visit under facilitation of PIPS team where they visited the Senate and National Assembly Chambers and Senate Museum.

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 SDGS and Environmental Legislation with Students Delegates of Government College University Lahore

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