PAPG BYlaws

ARTICLE – I :
 MEMBERSHIP
SECTION I :

MEMBERSHIP CLASSIFICATION
Membership in this Association shall consist of the following classifications:

  1. Active Members
  2. Honorary Members
  3. Juniors
  4. Students
  5. Associates

SECTION II : DEFINITION OF THE TERM ‘MEMBER’

Unless otherwise expressly provided in these Bylaws, the term “Member” shall refer only to Active and Honorary Members. Only members may hold office, vote in Association affairs, sponsor membership applications or refer to themselves as members of the association.

SECTION III : ACTIVE MEMBERS

Any person engaged in the practice or teaching of a geoscience may apply for active membership, provided the applicant holds a Bachelor’s Degree in an earth science from a college of acceptable academic standards and in addition, has had three (3) years of experience in the practice or teaching an earth science. Credit for experience can be counted as follows:

  1. Masters Degree: One (1) year
  2. Doctors Degree: Two (2) years

The Executive Committee may waive degree or current professional activity requirements if in its judgment an application bas adequate professional experience and has attained standing in the professions.

SECTION IV : HONORARY MEMBERS

Honorary Members shall be those Active Members of this Association which shall have contributed distinguished service to the cause of petroleum geology. Such determination shall be made by the Executive Committee. Honorary Members shall not be required to pay dues, but shall have all the privilege and advantages of Active membership in the Association.

SECTION V : JUNIORS

Any graduate with a major in a geoscience from a college of acceptable academic standards may apply for junior membership provided that:

  1. The applicant is engaged in Petroleum exploration or research
  2. The applicant is enrolled as a graduate student in a geoscience
  3. The applicant is engaged in teaching a geoscience

SECTION VI : STUDENTS

Any student majoring in a geoscience at a college of acceptable academic standards may apply for student membership

SECTION VII : ASSOCIATES

Any person not qualified for any other class of membership who is a graduate of a college of acceptable academic standards whose employment is associated with the geosciences, may apply for election as an Associate. The Executive Committee may waive degree requirements, if in its judgment an applicant has adequate professional experience, and has attained professional standing.

SECTION VIII : ELECION TO MEMBERSHIP

Every candidate for admission as an Active member shall submit a formal application on an application form authorized by the Executive Committee, signed by the applicant, and endorsed by not less than two members who are in good standing, stating the applicant’s training and experience and such other facts as the Executive Committee shall from time to time prescribe. The Executive Committee shall be the sole judge of the eligibility of the applicant for membership and the adequacy of the applicants’ qualification. If the Executive Committee after due consideration, judges that the applicants’ qualifications meet the requirements of the Constitution and these Bylaws, the committee shall cause to be published by suitable means, the applicants’ name and the names of the sponsors. If, after thirty- days have elapsed since such publication, no reason is presented why the applicant should not be admitted, the applicant shall be deemed eligible to Active membership and shall be notified of election to membership.
If an objection is raised within thirty days after publication, the Executive Committee shall reconsider the application.

SECTION IX : RESIGNATION

Any member of whatever classification may resign at any time from the Association; such resignation shall be in writing and shall be accepted by the Executive Committee.

SECTION X : LOSS OF MEMBERSHIP RIGHTS

Any member of whatever classification who resigns, or who forfeits membership for non-payment of dues, or who is expelled for ethical reasons ceases to have any rights in the Association and ceases to incur further indebtedness to the Association.

SECTION XI : REINSTATEMENT

Any person who ceased to be a member of whatever classification, who has resigned, or who has forfeited membership for non-payment of dues, unless expelled for ethical reasons, may be reinstated by unanimous vote of the Executive Committee, upon fulfillment of such requirements as may be established by the Executive Committee.

ARTICLE – I I : OFFICERSSECTION I : DESIGNATION

The officers of this Association shall be the following:

  1. Chairman
  2. Chairman Elect
  3. Secretary
  4. Joint Secretary
  5. Treasurer

SECTION II : CHAIRMAN

Unless otherwise expressly provided in these Bylaws, the term “Member” shall refer only to Active and Honorary Members. Only members may hold office, vote in Association affairs, sponsor membership applications or refer to themselves as members of the association.

SECTION III : VICE CHAIRMAN

The Vice-Chairman shall perform the duties of the Chairman in the absence or inability of the Chairman to serve. The Vice Chairman shall assume the office of Chairman in case of a vacancy for any cause in that office until the term of the elected chairman expires, after which the Chairman Elect shall assume office. The Vice Chairman shall perform such duties as may be assigned by the Chairman.

SECTION IV : CHAIRMAN ELECT

Honorary The Chairman Elect shall serve for one (1) year as such and in the following year shall assume the office of Chairman. The Chairman Elect shall have no administrative authority except as a member of the Executive Committee shall become acquainted with all the details of the office of Chairman and generally become prepared to serve as Chairman. The Chairman Elect shall be responsible for the preparation of the budget for the ensuing fiscal year for approval by the Executive Committee.

SECTION V : SECRETARY

The Secretary shall be responsible for recording the actions of the Executive Committee; shall keep possession of the corporate seal and affix the same and perform other duties as may be directed by the Executive Committee.

SECTION VI : JOINT SECRETARY

The Joint Secretary shall perform the duties of the Secretary in the absence of the Secretary, record the minutes of the meeting and perform other duties as may be directed by the Executive Committee.

SECTION VII : TREASURER

The Treasurer shall supervise the receipt of all funds and, under the direction of the Executive Committee, be responsible for all disbursements of funds of the Association; shall serve ex-officio as a member of the Finance Committee; shall give bond, the amount of which shall be determined by the Executive Committee; shall make the annual report as Treasurer, and perform such other duties as directed by the Executive Committee.

SECTION VIII : TERMS OF OFFICE

The Chairman, Vice Chairman and Chairman Elect, each as such, shall serve a one (1) year term and shall:

  1. Not succeed themselves in office. The Secretary, Joint Secretary and Treasurer, each as such, shall serve a two (2) year staggered term and shall not succeed themselves in office.
  2. The term of office shall commence on 1 July, following election.

SECTION IX : ELECTION OF OFFICERS

The officers shall be elected from among the members of the Association by means of secret ballot in the following manner. The Chairman shall appoint a nominating committee in March each year, composed of minimum three members from the Board of Directors to invite nominations from the members of the Association to determine those qualified to serve as officers of the Executive Committee. The nominating committee shall present the name of at least one candidate for each office at the forthcoming meeting of the Association.
The officers of this Association shall be elected by either of the following methods, as determined by the Executive Committee:
At the annual meeting, to be held in April each year, through secret ballot of the PAPG members present. By secret postal ballot of PAPG members. The Chairman shall appoint tellers who will count the ballots and announce the result. A plurality of all votes cast for an office is necessary for election. In case of a tie vote, the Executive Committee shall cast one additional deciding vote. Candidates who have been elected will immediately be notified and shall attend the next scheduled meeting of the Executive Committee to be held after 1 July.

SECTION X : VACANCIESA

vacancy occurring in the offices of Vice Chairman, Secretary, Joint Secretary or Treasurer, shall be filled by the Executive Committee.
A vacancy occurring in the office of Chairman or Chairman Elect shall be filled by majority vote of the Executive Committee and Board of Directors.

ARTICLE – I I I : EXECUTIVE COMMITTEESECTION I : EXECUTIVE AUTHORITY

The executive authority of this Association shall be vested in an Executive Committee composed of the following members:

  1. Chairman
  2. Chairman Elect
  3. Secretary
  4. Joint Secretary
  5. Treasurer

SECTION II : JURISDICTION

The Executive Committee shall have general executive control and management of the affairs and funds of this Association; these shall include, but not be limited to: designation of time and place of the annual meeting of the Association; supervision of election of officers and filling vacancies; determination of applicant qualification and classifications, accepting, creating and administering funds for purposes provided under the Constitution and Bylaws of this Association; appointing trustees to manage such funds; establishing such fiscal policies as may be appropriate; and performing such other administrative duties as required to accomplish the objects and purposes of this Association.
The Executive committee shall also serve as an appeal authority in all matters involving grievance proceedings. The Executive Committee shall have sole responsibility and authority for all matters involving the external affairs of this Association.

SECTION III : MEETINGS

The Executive Committee shall meet immediately before the annual meeting and at such other times during the year and at such places as designated by such Executive Committee and at the call of the Chairman.
Robert’s Rules of Order shall apply at all meetings. Notice by mail of at least five (5) days shall be given to the members of the Executive Committee prior to meetings, unless waived. A quorum shall consist of four (4) members. No proxy votes shall be allowed and no alternates may be appointed for absent members.


ARTICLE – I V : BOARD OF DIRECTORSSECTION I : JURISDICTION

The advisory function of this Association shall be vested in a Board of Directors. The Board shall have no executive authority, but shall report to the Executive Committee on all matters involving ethics and discipline referred to it. The Board shall conduct long range planning and undertake the necessary studies and investigations in connection therewith. It shall report to the Executive Committee on all matters involving constitutional review referred to it. The Board shall recommend to the Executive Committee nominations for Association officers and also honors and awards. The Board shall review the organization of the Association and the standing committee structure of the Association. It shall also undertake any special projects wherein guidance is requested by the Executive committee.

SECTION II : ETHICS AND DISCIPLINE

The Board of Directors shall serve as the investigative and interpretive authority for all questions of ethics and as the tribunal for all disciplinary actions against any member of the Association, regardless of classification.

SECTION III : LONG RANGE PLANNINGThe Board of Directors shall serve as a functioning long-range planning body to review the Association’s activities and recommend to the Executive Committee appropriate change of programs and policies.

SECTION IV : CONSTITUION REVIEW

The Board of Directors shall constantly review the Constitution and Bylaws and recommend to the Executive Committee appropriate amendments to meet the changing needs of this Association.

SECTION V : NOMINATIONS

The Board of Directors shall recommend suitable candidates for Association officers as provided in these Bylaws.

SECTION VI : HONORS AND REWARDS

The Board of Directors shall recommend recipients for all honors and awards which may be established by the Executive Committee.

SECTION VII : ADDITIONAL DUTIES

The Board of Directors shall be charged with reviewing relationships among the Association and other organizations in order to recommend adjustments which will benefit the Association and its members.

SECTION VIII : COMPOSITION AND TERMS OF OFFICE

The members of the Board of Directors shall each serve for three (3)-year terms in rotation. The members of the Board of Directors shall consist of the following:

  1. The immediate past Chairman and the two (2) former Chairmen who have served most recently or their designated representatives from their respective Executive Committees
  2. Not less than three (3) nor more than six (6) members of the Association appointed by the Executive Committee with at least one (1) but not more than two (2) of such members appointed each year
  3. Not less than four (4) nor more than six (6) eminent professionals of geoscience

SECTION IX : MEETINGS

Members The Board of Directors shall meet at least once each year during the annual meeting of the Association, and shall submit annual reports to the Executive Committee. Additional meetings may be held at the call of the Chairman. A quorum shall consist of a simple majority of members. Robert’s Rules of Order shall apply at all meetings. No proxies shall be allowed and no alternates for absentee members may be appointed. Mail canvases may be conducted when necessary for interim action requested by the Executive Committee.

SECTION X : PRESIDING OFFICER

The immediate past-Chairman of this Association shall serve as Chairman of the Board of Directors, unless, in the event the immediate past Chairman cannot serve, another member of the Board is elected by the Board of Directors, to serve. The Chairman shall appoint a Recording Secretary who shall keep minutes of each meeting.

ARTICLE – V : COMMITTEESSECTION I : STANDING COMMITTEES

Members The Executive Committee of this Association, shall have the authority to establish, maintain and dissolve standing committees of the Association. In like manner, the charge to each standing committee may be modified. A list of standing committees, the charge to each committee, and the names of the chairman, vice chairman, and committee members shall be published annually. The Executive Committee shall report to the members at its annual meetings as to the establishment or dissolution of any standing committees since the last meeting.

SECTION II : APPOINTMENTS AND TENURE

The Chairman shall appoint all committee chairmen, vice-chairmen, and committee members, and fill vacancies whenever they occur, except where otherwise specified in these Bylaws. The Executive Committee shall determine the number of members of each standing committee. The Executive Committee may remove any committee chairman, vice chairman, or member. The term of office of a member of standing committee unless otherwise provided in these Bylaws, shall be three (3) years beginning 1 July. Appointments of chairmen and vice chairmen shall be for one (1) year beginning 1 July. Members of standing committees shall serve in rotating terms, one third (1/3) for the members of each standing committee, unless otherwise provided, shall be appointed each year. Committee members shall be Active Member of this Association unless specifically authorized by the Executive Committee.

SECTION III : SPECIAL COMMITTEES AND DELEGATIONS

In addition to the standing committees, the Chairman may appoint, annually, such special committees and delegations as the Executive Committee may authorize. Members of special committees shall be appointed for a term of one (1) year only and the Chairman shall designate the committee chairman.

ARTICLE – VI : MEETINGS

The Association shall hold at least one (1) stated meeting of its members each year, at a time and place designated by the Executive Committee.

ARTICLE – VII : DUESSECTION I :

FISCAL YEARThe fiscal year of the Association shall begin on January 1st and end on December 31st for the calendar year.

SECTION II : DUES BENEFIT

The payment of annual dues for any fiscal year entitles the Active Members, Junior, Student or Associate to receive without further charge a copy of such periodicals as may be published by the Association for that year.

SECTION III : DUES SCHEDULING AND BILLING

The annual dues of members shall be payable in advance of the fiscal year in accordance with a schedule to be established annually by the Executive Committee provided that the dues shall not exceed the sums set forth below:

  1. Active: up to PKR 1000
  2. Honorary: None
  3. Junior: up to PKR 500
  4. Student: up to PKR 500
  5. Associate: up to PKR 1000

The annual dues of members shall be payable in advance of the fiscal year in accordance with a schedule to be established annually by the Executive Committee provided that the dues shall not exceed the sums set forth below:

  1. That dues are not refundable
  2. That members having previously obtained exemption under the former Life Member category shall not be required to pay dues
  3. That Juniors will be required to pay the same rate as Active Members after four (4) years as a Junior with the exception that a Junior enrolled as a full time student in a college of acceptable academic standards at the end of the four (4) year period may apply annually for an extension of dues payment at the Junior rate until full time enrollment ends
  4. That Students will be required to pay the same rate as Juniors after four (4) years of Student membership
  5. That the annual change in dues for Active Members cannot exceed twenty percent (20%), and that this annual change is non cumulative
  6. That a penalty to be established annually by the Executive Committee will be levied for each quarter year of delinquency beginning on 1 January.

A statement shall be mailed/ emailed to each Active Member, Honorary Member, Junior, Student and Associate before January 1st of each year, stating the amount of annual dues.

SECTION IV : ARREARS AND SUSPENSION

Any member of whatever classification whose dues are in arrears for more than sixty (60) days and for less than one (1) year shall be suspended from membership in the Association and shall not be entitled to the privileges of membership.

SECTION V : FORFEIT OF MEMBERSHIPAny member of whatever classification who is more than one (1) year in arrears in payment of dues shall forfeit membership in the Association and the member’s name shall be removed from membership rolls.

ARTICLE – VIII : AMENDMENTSSECTION I : PROPOSAL OF AMENDMENTS

Amendments to these Bylaws may be proposed by the following means:

  • Resolution by the Executive Committee
    1. Written proposal signed by fifteen (15) members of the Association

SECTION II: PUBLICATION OF AMENDMENTS

  1. The Executive Committee shall cause them to be published at least two (2) months prior to the annual meeting.

SECTION III : CONSIDERATION OF AMENMENTS

If any proposed amendment shall be acted upon favourably by two third majority votes, the Executive Committee shall arrange for a ballot of members by mail, fax or e-mail within sixty days and two-third majority favourable vote of the ballots received within sixty days of such mailing shall be sufficient to amend.

ANNEXURE: RESOLUTION FOR THE AFFILIATION, 0F THE PAPG WITH AAPG

The Executive Committee and the Board of Directors, hereby agrees with the terms and conditions as laid down in the Constitution and Bylaws, of The Pakistan Association of Petroleum Geoscientists (PAPG) which has been adapted from the Constitution and Bylaws of The American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG). The Committee understands that at present there is no need to have this Association registered under the laws of Pakistan. However this issue will be dealt with in due course of time.
The Committee and the Board of Directors also affirm that the formation of this association (PAPG) is very timely as there has recently been an exponential increase in the petroleum exploration and development activities in Pakistan and that this association will work for the larger interest of the profession of Geosciences in the country and towards meeting the ultimate goal of enhancing and channelizing different disciplines of Geosciences. This will be achieved in a better way by seeking the support from an internationally renowned organization like AAPG.

“Hence the Committee and the Board of Directors strongly recommends that PAPG be affiliated with AAPG.”