The Ripah International University invited the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) Director General (Research) Mr Muhammad Rashid Mafzool Zaka as Guest of Honour at the 2nd Annual Leadership Development Retreat on August 31, 2022. The inaugural ceremony was attended by the Vice Chancellor Mr Hassan Zulfiqar Khan, Vice Chancellor Dr Anis Ahmed, Deans and Directors of all faculties at the University. A total of 75 participants including 50 individual delegates comprising high achievers from various disciplines BS mid-level students selected after a robust test and interview process attended the interactive hour long session on “Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah as Parliamentarian and Leader Par Excellence,” conducted by PIPS as part of the day one proceedings from 11 am to 1 pm.
Dr Zubair Safdar and Dr Sohaib Zafar, Head of Tarbihah Deptt, received and welcomed the Guest of Honour. Proceedings began with recitation of verses from the Holy Quran and the Naat e Rasool e Maqbool SAW. The Chancellor of the Ripah International Univerity welcomed the PIPS DG Research Mr Zaka to grace the inaugural ceremony. He reiterated the qualities of a true leader lies in integrity and honesty along with an untiring passion to contribute towards his or her well-articulated goal in life In his address Mr Zaka highlighted the Parliament as citadel of democratic pluralism. He expressed his pride that Parliament of Pakistan is the first and foremost Institution of the country which has the privilege of being presided by the Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah as the President and Hon Speaker. He shared anecdotes of history how Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah carried himself as an upright democrat throughout his 39 years as Member of elected legislatures where he always respected and listened to others views and stood for values of “ we agree to disagree,” to accommodate the opposition opinion. He also called upon the young generation to emulate Quaid’s vision of pluralistic democratic values where opposition and dissent is key to improving government’s policies and accountability of all institution by the Parliament strengthens state. Constitution is sacred document and manifestation of people’s aspirations and respect of Parliament and Constitution and following same in letter and spirit gives way to strong and mature nations and states. Mr Zaka reiterated that the Quaid e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah always remained sensitive to withdraw whenever he faced a situation of conflict of interest as he always sacrificed his interest for the above all interest of his nation and his passion to achieve independence for Muslims of the sub-continent. He always emphasized that happiness and prosperity of masses and the poor must be the top priority of the government
Mr, Zaka concluded his address with inspiring example of Islamic History in which the Companions Like Hazrat Bilal RA stood fast for Prophet Muhammad SAW message of truth to submit and sacrifice and Allah acknowledged them with final victory. The session concluded with Quaid’s quote: “Work, work and work only for satisfaction with patience, humility and serve thy nation.” Pakistan zindabad. Dr Anis Ahmed, country’s reputed scholar on social sciences and the Vice Chancellor of the Ripah International University spoke on the Ethically Conscious Leadership. Dr Anis Ahmed also shared that the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services and the Ripah International University are longstanding partner institutions who are committed to serve the nation. He eulogized the keen and consistent PIPS support in spreading and consolidation the discipline of parliamentary studies and research on working of Parliament in the country, He expressed the hope that PIPS will continue to provide the role of ridge between the academic and parliamentary domains. Dr Jawad Liaqaut, Head Ripah Leadership Program (RLT) presented the vote of thanks and the Ripah University emblem to the DG Research PIPS who shared set of publications of Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services with the Vice Chancellor and the faculty.