Chairman Senate emphasizes enhance Pakistan-United Kingdom Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation

Islamabad, May 19, 2013 (PPI-OT): Chairman Senate Syed Nayyer Hussain Bokhari who was on a visit to London at the invitation of Baroness D’Souza, Speaker of the House of Lords, attended a round table meeting hosted by Baroness D’Souza. Among other dignitaries, members of the House of Lords, other parliamentarians attended.

Mike Gapes MP, Alan Haselhurst MP, Yasmin Qureshi MP, Earl of Sandwich John Montagu and Viscount John Slim were prominent. The Chairman Senate was accompanied by Mr. Iftikharullah Babar, Secretary General Senate and Syed Zulfiqar Gardezi, Deputy High Commissioner, says a press release received today from London.

The Chairman Senate during the discussion, highlighted the political progress in Pakistan including the recent general elections which were a milestone in Pakistan’s political and parliamentary history.

He also dilated on Pakistan’s role in the war on terror. Chairman Senate noted that Pakistan had so far lost over 47,000 lives and suffered an economic loss of US $ 78 billion in its fight against militancy. He underscored Pakistan’s commitment to combat the menace of terrorism and extremism. Discussing Pakistan-UK bilateral relations, the Chairman Senate thanked the British government for its continued support to Pakistan in the education sector. Parliamentary exchanges between the two sides were also discussed. The Chairman Senate called for enhanced inter-parliamentary cooperation between UK and Pakistan. He also stressed increased cooperation in other areas.

Lord Speaker and the British parliamentarians praised the success of Pakistan’s fair and transparent elections. They recognized the sacrifices of the people of Pakistan in the fight against terrorism and reiterated British support to Pakistan particularly in the education sector.

The Chairman Senate accompanied by Mr. Wajid Shamsul Hasan, High Commissioner, Mr. Iftikharullah Babar, Secretary Senate and Syed Zulfiqar Gardezi, Deputy High Commissioner also held a meeting with Dr. William F. Shija, Secretary General Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) at the CPA Secretariat. Secretary General Shija, applauded Pakistan on successfully holding general elections.

He briefed on the role of the Commonwealth particularly the CPA, in building bridges amongst its fifty four member states. The discussion also covered cooperation between CPA and the Senate of Pakistan. The Chairman extended an invitation to the Secretary General and CPA executive committee to visit Pakistan.

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