A History of Formation and Working of the Punjab Legislative Assembly, 1946-1955: An Historical Perspective

UNIVERSITY OF THE PUNJAB

DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY &PAKISTAN STUDIES

By: Kalsoom Hanif

Supervised By: Prof.Dr.Muhammad Iqbal Chawla

Academic Level: PhD

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Abstract

This study seeks to explore institutional history of Punjab Legislative Assembly 1947-55. Focus would be on evolution and building of this institution in newly formed country. Achievements and failures of the Punjab Legislative Assembly would be focused in the context of institutionalization. Three main indicators durability, autonomy and differentiation have been borrowed from Kevin T. McGuire’s and Huntington’s institutionalization and would be applied. Electoral politics in Pakistan will be analyzed because in the Election of 1950 many anomalies and injudiciousness committed will be brought into focus. Political dismemberment and instability in the Institution of Punjab Legislative Assembly which affected the social and economic process in early years of Pakistan would be evaluated. The study aims at to answer the main question, whether external or external forces are the main determinants of the performance of the Assembly. While answering the history of institutionalization in Pakistan from 1947-1955 would be explored. Moreover the interrelationship between Legislative assembly and other institutions of Pakistan such as bureaucracy, judiciary, and army would be examined. Much work has been produced to highlight the role of various institutions such as military, bureaucracy, political parties in politics of Pakistan but historian generally ignored the significant role of the legislature as an institution. Although in modern democratic scenario it is playing key role to protect and promote democracy.

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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.