Impact of regime type on the role of National Assembly in foreign policy formulation of Pakistan: Analysis of the twin eras (2002-07 & 2008-13)

University of Gujrat

By: Fawad Ahmed

Supervised By:

Academic Level: Other

Abstract

As the world has become a global village today, individuals, institutions and states play an important role in making relations with other states. Being an elected institution of public, the role of parliament has become prominent. In the countries of third world, dictatorship and democracy are playing hide and seek. Whether there is military government or civil government, the rulers always influence different institutions in different ways and they themselves make decisions. The reason is that the law or constitution provides them limited power. The government and opposition have their own point of view in National Assembly. Being an institution of the public, national assembly fulfils its responsibilities keeping in view public opinion, national interest and economy. The military and civil rulers often influence this institution in special circumstances. The National Assembly sometimes accepts the pressure of these rulers but in some situations it does not come under pressure and plays its own role. If the national assembly is stable, it can play its role in making the country strong and ensures the rule of law. The cooperation between individuals and institutions can make the country strong and can make the country invincible.

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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.