Women Member parliamentarians from Pakistan, United Kingdom and Afghanistan to participate in 3-day dialogue in Islamabad

Islamabad, February 19, 2014 (PPI-OT): A three day dialogue between women parliamentarians of Pakistan, United Kingdom and Afghanistan will start on 20th February, 2014 in Islamabad. The dialogue is being organized by Women Parliamentary Caucus (WPC) in collaboration of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA-UK Branch) with an aim to foster bilateral relations between the Women MPs besides strengthening their role in legislatures and broadening the understanding of issues impacting women across their respective countries.

The British and Afghan delegates would arrive in Islamabad on 20th February, 2014. During the course of their stay in Islamabad, the Women MPs would ponder upon the issues and impediments with emphasis on gender component with focus on Education, Maternal Healthcare and Socio-Economic Development.

The UK delegation is being led by Lord Speaker of the House of Lords Baroness D’Souza whereas Dr. Golalai Nur Safi, MP would be leading the Afghan delegation. The Pakistani delegation would comprise Women Members of the National Assembly and Senate.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza, the Parton (WPC) will inaugurate the dialogue in Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services (PIPS), Islamabad by delivering a keynote address. The Federal Ministers for National Health Services and Regulations and Education have been invited to give the participants, an insight of the government policies and initiatives in respect of healthcare and education in Pakistan.

It may be recalled that WPC was established when Dr. Fehmida Mirza was the Speaker of the National Assembly. Under her able leadership, the Caucus had been actively engaged in building networks with colleagues from friendly countries besides initiating landmark pro-women and children legislation in the Pakistani legislature.

The WPC and CPA-UK Branch considering the importance of promotion of women in all spheres of society to be fundamental for socio-economic development and political empowerment embarked upon the Parliamentary Partnership Program in year 2012. The current dialogue is the continuation of that program.

For more information, contact:
Karamat Hussain Niazi
Secretary
National Assembly of Pakistan
Parliament House, Islamabad
Tel: +9251 922 1082 -83
Fax: +9251 922 1106