AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Islamabad: Commonwealth (CW) Secretary-General Mr. Kamalesh Sharma called on Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly in Parliament House, this morning. The discussion between Speaker National Assembly and Secretary General (CW) focused broad range of issues related to the enhancement of relations and cooperation between Pakistan and Commonwealth.
Dr. Fehmida Mirza appreciated the support of Commonwealth for strengthening of democracy in Pakistan. She said that the incumbent parliament comprised of diverse progressive forces who were actively contributing towards the betterment of the masses which has been clearly substantiated by the unanimous passage of more than ninety bills and 18th, 19, and 20th constitutional amendments.
She said that in order to carrying forward Shaheed Leader’s policy of reconciliation, opposition has been given chairs of the Public Accounts Committee and other important standing committees. She said that nascent democracy in the country inherited numerous challenges for which support of the friendly countries was imperative. She agreed for building linkages between the democratic nations for strengthening of relations and sharing best practices.
Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that she had a strong persuasion that parliaments and parliamentarians could building bridges of understanding and friendship between their respective nations. In realization of her persuasion, she said that she had activated friendship groups with all the friendly parliaments which had been widely acclaimed and reciprocated in other parliaments.
She said that her visit to India in 2010 had given impetus to the existing bilateral relations. She said that forthcoming visit of Indian Lok Sabha Speaker along with her delegation would further revitalize relations between parliaments of both the countries.
Mr. Kamalesh Sharma said that Commonwealth has always been supportive of strengthening of democracy and democratic process in Pakistan and would continue its unwavering support in that regard. He said that passage of 20th Amendment will be another feather in the cap of the incumbent parliament which will ensure an Independent Election Commission, transparent and credible next general election in the country.
He also ensured Commonwealth support for gender mainstreaming, encouraging participation of youth in the national development, socio-economic development in Pakistan besides institutionalizing support for capacity building of legislators through Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services. He also suggested making the networking of Speaker of the Commonwealth States more active for knowledge sharing and cooperation between parliaments.
For more information, contact:
Karamat Hussain Niazi
Secretary
National Assembly of Pakistan
Parliament House, Islamabad
Tel: +9251 922 1082 -83
Fax: +9251 922 1106