Seminar on Working of Parliament and PIPS Services for Students of St. Mary College Rawalpindi.

January 23, 2019 OTHERS, OUTREACH, YOUTH ENGAGEMENT

Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services hosted a delegation of 10 faculty members and 80 intermediate students of pre-medical, pre-engineering and ICom. in the Seminar on “Working of Parliament and PIPS Services” on Wednesday, 23rd January 2019. The visit culminated out of the desire on the part of senior management of the College to impart of knowledge of parliament and its working to the young generation.

Executive Director PIPS, Mr. Zafarullah Khan, welcomed the participants and presented an introduction of the aims and objectives of the supreme legislative institution i.e. Parliament. Keeping in view the academic background of the participants he highlighted multiple metaphors to communicate the various aspects of Parliament in simple and understandable language.

Mr. Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka, Director General (Research & Legislation), conducted a detailed interactive session on “Working of Parliament and PIPS Service”. He reiterated the inspirations of Pakistan’s founding fathers, Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal, who envisioned a welfare state dedicated to provide quality standards of life to its citizens irrespective of any religious, cast or creed.

During his talk he underscored the fundamentals of Constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan 1973. He said that the constitution of Pakistan rests of four fundamental principles i.e. Islamic, federal, welfare and parliamentary democracy with independent non partisan judiciary. The Session concluded with Q&A segment, in which participants were provided with the opportunity to raise questions on subject matter.

Mr. Farhan Habib, faculty St. Mary College, presented remarks as the Head of Delegation St. Mary College. He lauded the efforts of PIPS faculty to impart knowledge about parliament and constitution. He paid special tribute to all the great parliamentarians of Pakistan who worked tirelessly to build the nation on solid footings. He termed PIPS session as par international standards that make the youth feel proud to visit a parliamentary institution of such stature.

Executive Director PIPS, Mr. Zafarullah Khan, presented shield to the Head of Delegation. The event ended with group photo which was moderated by Ms. Fakiha Mahmood, Research Officer PIPS.

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 Working of Parliament and PIPS Services for Students of St. Mary College Rawalpindi.

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