Parliament needs to be assertive, Robust Role in Responding to Public Needs: Saleem Mandviwalla

Islamabad, February 19, 2019 (PPI-OT): Parliament has to play a more assertive role in the changing regional and global scenario, said Deputy Chairman Senate Saleem Mandviwalla while interacting with 5-member Parliamentary delegation of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association-UK at the Parliament House on Tuesday. He said that Parliament in Pakistan is alive to the needs of the people. The delegation comprised of Naz Shah, MP and Leader of the delegation, Faisal Rashid, MP and Lord Rogan Deputy Speaker of House of Lords, Jon Davies Chief Executive CPA UK and Umamah Basit programme officer, CPA-UK.

Both sides also exchanged views on matters of mutual interest and enhancing bilateral cooperation. Deputy Chairman Senate said that we can learn from each other’s experiences and expertise through enhanced cooperation. He briefed the delegation about the working, performance, composition, constitutional role and functioning of the Senate.

Deputy Chairman Senate further said that women are playing a very active role in national politics and more women are contesting elections on general seats besides the reserved seats. He observed that more inculcation of democratic ideals and customs in the society would pave the way for active participation in the democratic process and Pakistan strongly supports efforts aimed at fostering democratic institutions.

Senator Saleem Mandviwalla termed institutional collaboration between the Senate and CPA as vital for inter-parliamentary ties and said that capacity building and strengthening the committee system for effective oversight role is an area where there is huge scope for establishing linkages. Chief Executive CPA-UK welcomed the proposal.

The delegation later on visited Gali-e-Dastoor and Senate Museum. They were briefed in details about the constitutional journey and democratic struggle of the country. Members of the delegation took keen interest in briefing. Senator Rubina Khalid was also present during the meeting. She also welcomed the delegation and called for more close collaboration between the Senate and CPA.

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