Islamabad: March 15, 2017; Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has said that elected representatives of both the sides have a responsibility to build strong and meaningful relations between two neighbour countries. He expressed these views while talking to Indian Parliamentary delegation led by Mr. Shashi Tharoor, Member Lok Sabha who called on him in Parliament House, this evening. Ms. Meenakshi Lekhi, Member Lok Sabha and Mr. Swapan Dasgupta, Member Rajya Sabha were also present in the meeting. Both the sides met in an atmosphere of mutual cordiality, discussing a variety of issues, affecting the relations between the parliaments of the two countries.

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said that that dialogues and interaction between both the countries from all levels must be directed towards peace in the region.  He called for regular interaction between parliamentarians of Pakistan, and India for enhancing bilateral cooperation between the two parliaments. He stressed for exploring possibilities of joint collaboration between the National Assembly and Lok Sabha in Legislative Drafting, Rules of Business and other Parliamentary Practices.

While apprising the delegation about the formation of Parliamentary Friendship Group in the National Assembly of Pakistan the Speaker said that Parliamentary Friendship Group could play an important role in Parliamentary diplomacy and strengthening the relations between the Parliament.  He further informed that there are 90 Friendship Groups have been constituted in the National Assembly of Pakistan which are playing vibrant and active role in parliamentary diplomacy.  

Mr. Shashi Tharoor, Member Lok Sabha said that parliamentary diplomacy is an excellent way of bringing two nations more closer which amd already tied in cultural and historic bonds. The Indian Parliamentary delegation agreed for regular interaction between Pakistani and Indian Parliamentarians. They also discussed the working of Standing Committees especially Public Accounts Committee and   decided to mutually share the experiences and practices.