Seminar on UN General Assembly Simulation Session on Kashmir Issue – The Way Forward – Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services

Seminar on UN General Assembly Simulation Session on Kashmir Issue – The Way Forward

October 21, 2016 CIVIL SOCIETY, OTHERS, OUTREACH, YOUTH ENGAGEMENT

Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) as per its work plan engages Parliamentarians and their functionaries with youth and civil society. PIPS Research and IT wing and Iqra University, Islamabad Campus.held a UN General Assembly Session participated by around 200 students from 40 educational institutions across Pakistan. The three hour session was presided by Honourable Senator Farhat Ullah Babar. Commencing with National Anthem and recitation from verses of Holy Quran, Mr Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka presented the welcome note in which he highlighted the on ground situation that the indigenous struggle for self-determination by Kashmiri people in Indian Held Kashmir has added a decisive phase as more than 110 innocent people have been martyred and hundreds others injured including many turned blind due to pellet bullets fired at their faces by brutal 7 lac Indian troops. The session was moderated by Muhammad Rizwan Manzoor, Research Officer, PIPS.

Students from Iqra University, Quaid e Azam University, Islamabad, International Islamic University, Air University, Islamia College University Peshawer, Fatima Jinnah Women University, Bahria University, University of Agriculture Faisalabad,NUML and COMSATS (Peshawer), Swat University, Karachi University, FC College Lahore, BeaconHouse School System, Roots School, City School, NDU, NUST, Comsats (Abbottabad Campus), Headstart School Islamabad and University of Balochistan, Quetta, took keen part as delegates of different countries and Pakistan’s parliamentary parties in the absorbing simulation UN general assembly that recommended an earliest solution of Kashmiri people in accordance with resolutions of UNSC for a plebiscite to decide the right of self-determination by knowing the will of people.

The participants were touched and deeply moved by a documentary on Plight of Kashmiris in Indian Held Kashmir and Pakistan’s parliamentary diplomacy prepared by PIPS Research and IT Wing including Mr Muhammad Nazir Khan and Ms Tehseen Khalid, SRO. Honourable Senator Farhat Ullah Babar complimented the students for hot and comprehensive debate in the General Assembly. He praised PIPS for organizing such a befitting activity hosting 200 students from 40 top educational institutions of the country. He reiterated that this initiative will markedly help our youth understand the various dimensions of the Kashmir dispute on which Pakistan must continue its unflinching and unwavering diplomatic, moral and political support and its longstanding position of asking world community to deliver its commitments viz a viz UN SC resolutions for settlement of a dispute peacefully through a plebiscite to know will of Kashmiris for their right of self determination. Director Research & IT, PIPS, Mr. Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka, presented vote of thanks at the end of the Session. The memorable and keenly participated event remains one of the most packed and full house that concluded with the slogans of “Kashmiris Right of self determination zindabad!”

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 UN General Assembly Simulation Session on Kashmir Issue – The Way Forward

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