Provision of basic rights to the each child: collective responsibility says Convener Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights
Islamabad : 28th March 2023:Meeting of the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights was held under the Convenership of MNA Ms Mehnaz Akber Aziz. She reiterated that the National Plan on Child Protection must be owned to safeguard children’s rights.She also said that protecting children is the collective responsibility of each citizen. She said that bright future of the country is interlinked with provision of basic human rights to each children.
She also said , " National Action plan to be made by Government as the draft is already in Ministry of Human Rights and needs to be expedited." She also said that One strong oversight body is required for implementation of National Action Plan
The Caucus deliberated on reviewing the laws and policies regarding child protection and welfare. Hon Members Mr Qadir Khan Mandokhail and Ms Asiya Azeem stressed on the need to speed up the formulation of an action plan regarding wellbeing of children.
Chairperson National commission on Human Rights also briefed the Cacus meeting regarding basic constitutional provision to safeguard the basic rights of children

MNA Ms.Asiya Azeem inaugurates the Braille version  of the Constitution, designed by the Directorate General of Special Education

Islamabad: 22nd March 2023: MNA Ms Asiya Azeem inaugurated the Braille version of chapters of the constitution, designed by the Directorate General of Special Education, making it accessible to visually impaired individuals. Declamation, art, and painting contests for special children were also held as part of the event. Ms Asiya Azeem distributed prizes amongst the winners.

While addressing the event, Ms Asiya Azeem added that the constitution guarantees the provision of equal rights to all citizens and the Parliament of Pakistan is committed to ensuring that all citizens benefit from these provisions. The event received praise from the MNA, who commended the Directorate General of Special Education for organizing a successful program.
 
It is pertinent to mention that this event was organised in connection with golden jubilee celebration of Constitution which is being commemorated  across the country.

 ممبر قومی اسمبلی محترمہ آسیہ عظیم نے ڈائریکٹوریٹ جنرل آف اسپیشل ایجوکیشن کی طرف سے ڈیزائن کردہ آئین کے بریل ورژن کا افتتاح کیا

 اسلام آباد: 22 مارچ 2023:ممبر قومی اسمبلی آسیہ عظیم نے بدھ کے روز اسلام آباد میں سے آئین کی گولڈن کے انعقاد کے سلسلے میں  ڈائریکٹوریٹ جنرل آف اسپیشل ایجوکیشن کی جانب منعقدہ پروگرام میں شرکت کی۔اس موقع ان نے ڈائریکٹوریٹ جنرل آف اسپیشل ایجوکیشن کی جانب سے ڈیزائن کردہ آئین کے بریل ورژن کا افتتاح کیا۔

ڈیزائن کردہ آئین کے بریل ورژن کے افتتاح کا مقصد بصارت سے محروم افراد تک رسائی کو ممکن بنانا ہے۔تقریب میں خصوصی طور پر اہل بچوں کے لیے ڈیکلیمیشن آرٹ اور پینٹنگ کے مقابلے بھی منعقد کیے گئے۔ محترمہ آسیہ عظیم نے مقابلے جیتنے والوں میں انعامات تقسیم کیے۔

 تقریب سے خطاب کرتے ہوئے محترمہ آسیہ عظیم نے کہا کہ آئین تمام شہریوں کو مساوی حقوق کی فراہمی کی ضمانت دیتا ہے اور پاکستان کی پارلیمنٹ اس بات کو یقینی بنانے کے لیے پر عزم ہے۔انہوں نے کہا کہ پاکستان کے تمام شہری ان مواقع سے مستفید ہوں۔ تقریب کے تمام ممبران کی طرف سے سراہا گیا جنہوں نے ایک کامیاب پروگرام کے انعقاد پر ڈائریکٹوریٹ جنرل آف سپیشل ایجوکیشن کو سراہا۔
 
 واضح رہے کہ یہ تقریب آئین کی گولڈن جوبلی تقریب کے سلسلے میں منعقد کی گئی تھی جس کو ملک بھر میں منایا جا رہا ہے 

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March 20th, 2023: SDGs Secretariat of the National Assembly is organizing an All Stakeholders Conference in collaboration with British Council tomorrow on March 21st 2023, from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM at the Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services, Islamabad.
The event aims to explore the needs, potential, and aspirations of young people globally. The 2023 report desires to recognize and understand shifts in how young people in Pakistan view the post-pandemic world in the present day.
The speakers at the event will include the Honorable Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam, Convener of the SDGs Task force / Special Assistant to PM, and Mr. Amir Ramzan, Country Director British Council Pakistan. The chief guest of the event will be Hon. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, SAPM Youth Affairs.
A highlight of the conference will be the thematic sessions on, "Employment, Education and Engagement" which will provide a platform to Parliamentarians, Government representatives, academia, research institutions, CSOs, youth organizations and practitioners who have interests in youth-related policy topics. This event will consult these stakeholders and produce policy briefs for the Government to mainstream youth voices and their demands in policy making.
The dialogue will serve as yet another example of the SDGs Secretariat’s commitment to its ongoing efforts for youth empowerment, development and inclusivity.

Golden Jubilee of the Constitution 1973: Advisory Committee approves media strategy for golden jubilee celebrations

National Assembly Hall in the State Bank building to be restored to its former glory and declared as National Heritage: NA Advisory Committee
Golden Jubilee celebration of Constitution to be kicked off from 23rd March 2023
Advisory Committee of the Parliament to oversee the preparations for golden jubilee celebrations of the Constitution 1973 in its fourth meeting approved media strategy for the celebrations. The Committee also condoned designs for the commemorative stamps and coin. Moreover, the meeting thoroughly reviewed the progress made with respect to construction of constitutional monument, restoration of its old National Assembly Hall at the State Bank building, Islamabad, special messages by PTA as well as status of declamation contests being carried out at educational institutes across the country.
Ms. Marriyum Aurangzeb, Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting while sharing details of the media strategy to cover the commemoration said that all departments of the ministry including PTV, Radio Pakistan, DEMP, PID, EP Wing, PEMRA had planned certain activities related to the celebrations. Some of which were airing of special programs, documentaries, podcasts, exhibitions, quiz contests, mushairas, publications of articles, news supplements etc, she added. It was shared that all activities would be given ample coverage on print, electronic and digital media both in private and public sphere with special emphasis on regional channels. The Chair of the Committee Senator Mian Raza Rabbani and other Members lauded the comprehensive strategy and also gave their input, where required, to make it more inclusive and comprehensive.
Federal Minister for Finance Mr. Ishaq Dar apprised the Committee that matters related to restoration of old Assembly Hall at the SBP building had been addressed, and hopefully would be completed in few months’ time. The Committee proposed to declare the said Hall as  national heritage. Moreover, he also shared sample designs for the commemorative coin, one of which was approved by the Committee. The Committee lauded the speedy response of the Minister with respect to dedicated tasks.
Additionally, the meeting also took cognizance of the; reports of the Sub-Committees on Education and Declamations, construction of constitutional monument, finances related to the event among others.

 قومی اسمبلی سیکرٹریٹ

Youth in Pakistan; sure recipe for bright future of country says MNA/SAPM Romina Khursheed Alam

Youth must make realistic goals and work hard to achieve these goals; Convener Parliamentary task force on Child Rights/MNA Mehnaz Akbar Aziz

Islamabad: 13/03/2023 SAPM/MNA Ms Romina Khursheed Alam  stressed on youth to keep struggling for making and achieving high goals which can lead the country on the path of progress and development. She also expressed her hope that youth of the country would continue to play proactive role for development of democracy and progress of country. She also emphasized on  Youth to keep themselves abreast about fundamentals of Constitution and basic functions of parliaments.she also advised youth not to be victim of disinformation and propoganda. She also said that  Pakistani parliament is green Parliament, it is one of fourth which has Children Cacus in parliament and  only Parliament which has parliamentary taks force on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She expressed these views while addressing as Chief guest at seminar on Commonwealth Day, 2023 "Forgoing a Sustainable and Peaceful Common Future" in Islamabad today.

MNA / Convener Parliamentry Cacus on Child Rights Mehnaz Akbar Aziz said that peace in society is interlinked with proactive role of Youth in every social affair. She also said that young generation should realize about importance of clarity of objectives and should work hard to achieve these goals. While emphasizing  the importance of working for nation , she said that youth in Pakistan has all the potential to change the fate of nation.

On the occasion, Mr. Syed Shamoon Hashmi Additional Secretary (SI)  also addressed the participants. He said, " youth need to realise their potential and serve nation wholeheartedly." He also said that youth in Pakistan must dissociate themselves from propoganda and war of disinformation. He also said that the role of academia and intelligentia is pivotal for progress of country. The seminar was attended by large number of intelligentia and students from across the country.

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 PRESS RELEASE

*Localisation of SDGs key to attain 2030 goals, NA Speaker*


 *Biggest problems can be solved by collective thinking and wisdom; Raja Pervaiz Ashraf*

* Dialogue among all stakeholders is essential for stability and development; Romina Khurshid Alam*

Islamabad; February 16, 2023; Speaker National Assembly Raja Parvez Ashraf said that a solution to a difficult problem can be found by consulting and sitting together. He said that our religion also emphasizes the need for consultation among ourselves to find solutions to problems.He added that the purpose of forming the federal, provincial and local governments is the welfare of the common man and to solve their problems. He expressed these views while addressing the participants of the National Dialogue on Sustainable Development Goals organized by SDGs on Thursday.

Federal Ministers, Speaker Gilgit-Baltistan, Members of Provincial and Legislative Assemblies, Local Government Officials, Civil Society and Media representatives participated in large numbers in the National Dialogue. The one-day national dialogue was organized with the support of the Task Force on SDGs of the National Assembly and the EU project LEAD FOR SDGs.

Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervez appreciated the gathering of elected representatives from national, provincial and local levels on one platform, by convener SDGs Parliamentary Task Force Rumina Khurshid Alam, and said that, local governments should solve the problems faced by the common man. It is the best platform and the participation of the representatives of the local governments in this dialogue is a very appreciative and appropriate. He emphasized on continuous coordination between the national, provincial and local governments to solve the problems facing masses.

He said that only  political workers can change the destiny of any country. He said that there is a very minor difference between social worker and political worker, as both work for the welfare of people by solving their problems. He said that in making the country's budget, political and social workers, local bodies and provincial assemblies mist give their suggestions. He emphasized the need to strengthen the Union Councils and said that the strength of the democratic system lies in strengthening the governments at the local level. He said that the role of local governments is of key importance in achieving the goals of SDGs 2030.

Ms.Romina Khurshid Alam, Convener SDGs Task Force, while addressing the participants of the event, said that for democratic stability in the country, there must be dialogue between all stakeholders. She said that for civilian supremacy, all political parties will have to sit on the negotiation table. She emphasized the need for the Speaker National Assembly to organize talks for political stability and strengthening of democracy. She said that local governments have an important role in achieving the goals of sustainable development, most of the problems of the people can be solved by local governments. She added that  it is not possible to achieve the development of goals without empowering the local governments.

Abdul Majeed Khan, Minister Local Government Azad Kashmir,  Khawaja Farooq Ahmed and other participants informed about the local issues while addressing. They suggested that communication among all the units must be restored on a priority basis to achieve the goals of the SDGs.

Speaking at the event, Gilgit-Baltistan, Finance Minister said that efforts have been made to complete the goals of SDGs despite limited resources. He said that our country is blessed with immense natural resources and beauty. He said that due to the lack of infrastructure in Gilgit, Baltistan, Azad Kashmir and other tourist places of Pakistan, the tourism sector is being affected. He emphasized the need to strengthen the governments at the federal, provincial and local levels.He said that political stability is necessary to achieve the goals of SDGs. He appreciated the organization of national dialogue on SDGs.

February 15, 2023: National Parliamentary Taskforce on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs Secretariat) of the National Assembly is organizing National Speakers Dialogue, tomorrow, February 16th, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, at the Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services, Islamabad. The event is organized in partnership with Leadership, Empowerment, Advocacy and Development (LEAD) a project supported by the European Union.

The event is organized to bring together Members of National, Provincial and legislative assemblies, local Government Ministers, leaders of local governments and the policy makers from the all the provinces of Pakistan. The ultimate output expected from the Dialogue is to set the stage for the National and Provincial Task forces on SDGs to perform their effective role in the achievement of SDGs by facilitating the local governments to plan, execute and monitor the progress.

The keynote speakers at the event will include the Honorable Federal Minister for Economic Affairs Division of Pakistan, Mr. Ayaz Sadiq, Honorable Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam, Convener of the SDGs Task force / Special Assistant to PM, and the provincial ministers. The honorable Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, Mr. Raja Pervez Ashraf will be the chief guest at the ceremony.

A highlight of the dialogue will be panel discussions on, "Pakistan’s Commitment to SDGs Localization" which will provide a platform for parliamentarians and local councils to examine the practices and policies of the vision and strategy regarding localization.

The panelists will also discuss the significant role of Parliamentary oversight in strengthening Local reporting on SDGs and assess stakeholders’ commitment to carrying out review & reporting as a vehicle for the Localization of SDGs, as well as the importance of meaningful participation in the political process.

This event will offer an opportunity for Parliamentarians to share their experiences and struggles, and work to promote the localization to local leadership positions.

The convention will be open for media with the opportunity to interview Parliamentarians and local government representatives and gain valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities for improving engagement of National, Provincial, and Local Parliaments and processes for cascading localization in Pakistan.

The National Speakers Dialogue serves as yet another example of the SDGs Secretariat’s commitment to its ongoing efforts to empower local leadership positions

Monday, 13th February 2023
The Embassy of RO Korea, Islamabad

Convener Pakistan-RO Korea Parliamentary Friendship Group, Mr.  Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh, MNA, met with the H.E Mr. Suh Sangpyo, the Ambassador of RO Korea to Pakistan.

Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh said that Pakistan highly value its relations with the Republic of Korea and such meetings could play a pivotal role in promoting parliamentary diplomacy, people to people contacts and promoting parliamentary relations through parliamentary exchanges. He hoped that existing bilateral relations between two countries will be strengthened further through mutual cooperation and understanding.

Convener Pakistan-RO Korea PFG appreciated the assistance and support from the RO Korea during massive flooding that caused severe damage in different areas in Pakistan.

While talking about the Pakistani skilled and unskilled youth, he suggested the Ambassador that government of Ro Korea considers to hire the skilled workforce and IT Professionals from Pakistan. He added that Korean companies can further invest in Pakistan’s market, especially in the fields of business, communication, energy, infrastructure and Information Technology. He further suggested to lay out a plan for the skilled workers visas especially for Pakistan.

Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Pakistan H.E Mr. Suh Sangpyo said that ROK also considers Pakistan one of its close friends and an important economic partner. He said that Korean investors are keen to explore and further invest in Pakistan for the mutual benefit of both countries.
Both sides agreed to focus on strengthening bilateral institutional collaboration; enhance frequency of exchange of delegations further increasing high level contacts and exploring new avenues of cooperation.

 February 12, 2023: As per details, Women's Parliamentary Caucus (WPC) of the National Assembly will be organizing National Convention of Women Parliamentarians, tomorrow, February 13, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, at the Pakistan National Council of Arts, Islamabad. 

The panelists will also delve into the significant role women play in strengthening democratic norms and bringing peace to society, as well as the importance of women's meaningful participation in the political process.

Islamabad, Pakistan: The Parliament House will be hosting a ceremony to commemorate the 50 years of unsung heroes of democracy in Pakistan on Monday, February 13,2023 at 3 p.m., in the front lawn of the Parliament.

 قومی اسمبلی سیکرٹریٹ

The first virtual meeting between the parliamentary friendships groups of Pakistan and Uzbekistan was held on Thursday, 9th February, 2023 at Parliament House, Islamabad. From Pakistan side, the meeting was chaired by Ms. Shahida Rehmani, Convener Pakistan-Uzbekistan Parliamentary Friendship Group (PFG). From Uzbek side, Ms. Zulaykho Akramova chaired the meeting. The two sides discussed matters pertaining to bilateral cooperation.

Ms. Shahida Rehmani, Convener Pakistan-Uzbekistan expressed her desire to expand cooperation with Pakistan in multiple areas including trade, defence, education, regional connectivity and people -to- people relations. She stated that Tashkent and Islamabad have been bounded by historic caravan roads, industrial linkages, and integration connections.

Ms. Zulaykho Akramova, Chairperson Uzbekistan-Pakistan Inter-Parliamentary Group mentioned that Parliamentary Friendship Groups of both countries could play a pivotal role in promoting parliamentary diplomacy, people to people contacts and augment parliamentary relations. She assured that existing bilateral relations between two countries will strengthen further through mutual cooperation, understanding and interactions at all levels. She expressed her commitment to revive the traditional cooperative partnership through improved connectivity to boost bilateral ties.

Members from both sides underscored the huge existing opportunities for cooperation in the fields of trade, investment, science and technology. Both sides agreed to focus on new activities of the Intergovernmental Joint Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation, and other joint institutions.

7th Feb, 2023. The first meeting of the Parliamentary Advisory Committee on the commemoration of the golden jubilee of the 1973 Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan was held today in the Parliament. The meeting was attended by prominent parliamentarians and government officials, and was convened by Senator Main Raza Rabbani, the Convener of the committee.
The Convener, while addressing the meeting, highlighted the significance of the Constitution and the reasons for commemorating it. He expressed that the committee would work diligently to pay tribute to the pioneers of the Constitution and to engage the public with the document's history and significance.

The  National Assembly’s Additional Secretary for Special Initiatives Syed Shamoon Hashmi provided an overview of the proposed activities and events aimed at commemorating the Constitution, including photo exhibitions, book displays, painting exhibitions, a three-day international convention, focus discussions, seminars, and other educational and cultural activities.

During the meeting, the Convener and the members of the committee appreciated the Secretariat's efforts and put forth valuable suggestions for the commemoration of the Constitution. Ex-Senator Farhatullah Babar proposed a national commemoration that includes all segments of the society, a wreath-laying ceremony at the democracy monument at Parliament, and an event to recognize and honor all those involved in the making and protection of the Constitution.
Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ms. Marriyum Aurangzeb suggested integrating the Constitution into the educational curriculum through legislation, a nationwide quiz competition regarding the Constitution, and utilizing digital media to raise awareness among the masses. MNA Engr. Sabir Hussain Kaim Khani proposed spreading awareness through mobile messages, while Ms. Wajiha Qamar suggested utilizing digital spaces to engage citizens. Mr. Zafarullah Khan, a special invitee, also made valuable contributions during the meeting.

In his comments, Convener Main Raza Rabbani proposed holding a joint sitting of the Parliament with reference to the Constitution, printing and distributing pocket-sized copies of the Constitution, and organizing a two-day convention. He also endorsed the suggestion of a monument and the integration of the Constitution into the educational curriculum after consulting relevant stakeholders.

The committee decided to continue its deliberations on all the proposed suggestions and to design a roadmap based on the inputs received. The next meeting of the committee is scheduled for February 21, 2023.
 

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 ATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

Press Release

Islamabad, 18 January 2023: The call on of the Belgian Parliamentary delegation with the Members of the National Assembly’s Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs held yesterday in the Parliament House, Islamabad, under the Chairmanship of one of the Members of the Foreign Committee - Mr. Ahmed Hussain Deharr, MNA.

Ahmad Hussain Daharr, MNA, of the Pakistani National Assembly, welcome the Belgian delegate and stated that Belgium and Pakistan had warm relations based on a common commitment to democracy, pluralism, and trust. Pakistan had consistently demonstrated its readiness and commitment to upholding both its constitutional and international commitments for a more secure, environmentally friendly, peaceful, and progressive world.  Pakistan had always supported the peaceful and diplomatic settlement of all international problems. He made these remarks while speaking with Belgian legislative representatives during a meeting in Parliament.  He also mentioned Flood affected areas in Sindh to express solidarity with flood affected people. Peace should be available to everyone and everywhere, not just to a select few. Pakistan can provide professionals like engineers, technicians, computer scientists, and other skilled manpower in areas where there is a shortage in Belgium.  There is huge scope for cooperation in the higher education and research sector.  Pakistani students are opting for Belgian universities, for higher studies.  We need to put more focus on this important aspect.  Pakistan was struck by the most devastating floods last year.  The damage caused was unprecedented.  More than 33 million people were affected.  The international community also expressed solidarity with Pakistan at the international conference on climate resilient Pakistan held in Geneva last week, and came up with generous pledges for rehabilitation and reconstruction work in a climate resilient manner. Pakistan has demonstrated consistent political commitment to fully implement the GSP Plus related international conventions. Improving relations with India has been a priority for Pakistan. India’s illegal and unilateral actions of 5 August 2019 in the IIOJK seeking to effectuate demographic changes and sabotaging the internationally recognized disputed status of the Kashmir dispute were a huge setback to our efforts to build regional peace. Pakistan is disappointed to learn about the suspension of university and higher education for female students in Afghanistan. We strongly believe that every man and woman have the inherent right to education in accordance with the injunctions of Islam.

The parliamentary delegation from Belgium Parliamentary Delegation comprised of Ms. Allessia Claes, Senator /Chairperson of the Belgium-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Group ,Mr. Karl Vanlourve, State Senator Mr. Philippe Courard, PS, State Senator , Mr. Georges Dallemagne, Les Engages,  Member of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives and Senior officers of Belgium Parliament has come to Pakistan on a week-long visit at the special invitation of the Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf.  The visit was intended to further promote parliamentary cooperation between the two sides in a bid to provide all necessary support to maximize gains in trade and promote people-to-people contacts.

Ms. Allessi Claes thanked the Committee Members profusely for the invitation and offered sympathy for the flood victims. She underlined the importance of letting the world know the real narrative of Pakistan, which battled valiantly against all odds to become a stable, tranquil, and peaceful nation. She and her colleagues would unquestionably serve as Pakistan's ambassadors in Europe and work to promote the nation as much as possible.

The Call on was attended by Mr. Nawab Sher, MNA; Mr. Muhammad Khan Daha, MNA; Mir  Ghulam Ali Talpur, MNA; and Mr. Abu Bakar, MNA.

 National Assembly Secretariat
Directorate General of Media
Press Release

Islamabad:17th January 2023: The convener of the Parliamentary Task Force on Sustainable Development Goals Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam has said that the National Assembly of Pakistan is the first parliament in the world which is paying special attention to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. She  said that  the SDGs Secretariat was established in the National Assembly of Pakistan in 2016 and also in the Legislative Assembly of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly, including the four provinces. She expressed these views during a meeting with the Belgian parliamentary delegation headed by the Chairperson of the Belgium-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Group Ms. Alicia Claes.

Convener of SDGs Romina Khurshid Alam has also  said that the Parliamentary Task Force for Sustainable Development Goals established in the National Assembly of Pakistan is working on achieving 17 sustainable development goals in the country. A two-day national dialogue was also  organized in which the parliamentary delegations including the speakers of the four provinces, the Legislative Assembly of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and the Gilgit-Baltistan Assembly participated. The process is set.

She said that Pakistan was also badly affected by the recent devastating floods and people's houses and standing crops were severely destroyed by this flood.  She said that the world has to move forward for the rehabilitation of the families affected by the recent devastating floods and cooperate with Pakistan in this difficult situation.

Alicia Claes, Chairperson of the Belgium-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Group in the Belgian Parliament, congratulated Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam for organizing a successful two-day national dialogue on SDGs. Expressing regret over the losses, she assured all kinds of cooperation from the Belgian government.

Islamabad  16th January, 2023 ;  SDGs Secretariat, National Assembly of Pakistan in collaboration with the All Pakistan Chinese Enterprises Association (APCEA) is organizing the launch of a report titled “APCEA Sustainable Development Report 2022” on January 17th, 2023 at Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services, Islamabad, Pakistan.

The report would  provide a comprehensive overview of the CPEC projects in Pakistan, while highlighting the contribution of the CPEC in the implementation of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals Agenda.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a significant strategic imperative that has received attention both in Pakistan and around the world. CPEC’s continuing second phase has shifted its emphasis to the Pakistani education industry, economics, infrastructure, and sustainability including the opening of technical education institutions and the initiation and expansion of student exchange programs.

The event will be attended by Parliamentarians, Government Officials and members of the All-Pakistan Chinese Enterprises Association.

*Belgium Parliamentary Delegation led by Senator Ms. Allessia Claes visiting Pakistan from 16th January to 21st January 2023*


Islamabad: 15th January 2023; Upon Special invitation of Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervez Ashraf , Belgium Parliamentary Delegation led by Ms Allessia Clots Senator/Chairperson of Pakistan-Belgium  Parliamentary Friendship Group is officially visiting Pakistan from 16th January to 21st January 2023.

This visit will serve as a tool to strengthen bilateral ties between both nations and further strengthen  parliamentary cooperation  between  the two countries. Furthermore , new avenues of cooperation in trade and business  would be also explored during this visit.

Belgium Parliamentary Delegation comprises of
Ms. Allessia Claes, Senator /Chairperson of the Belgium-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Group ,Mr. Karl Vanlourve, State Senator
Mr. Philippe Courard, PS, State Senator , Mr. Georges Dallemagne, Les Engages,  Member of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives and Senior officers of Belgium Parliament.

Beside having call on with Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervez Ashraf , the Belgium Belgium Parliamentary Delegation would also held meeting with Chairman Senate. The delegation would also held meeting with  Convener parliamentry task  Force on SDGs and chairperson Women Parliamentary Cacus in Parliament Hous.

 Furthermore, the Parliamentary Delegation would call on Governor Punjab in Lahore. This will also  visit Texpak ( Belgium Company) in Lahore & Badshahi mosque.

Later on, the Belgium Parliamentary Delegation  would visit Karachi. Where it will have call on meeting with Chief Minister Sindh . The parliament delegation would also visit Leprosy centre of MALC Karachi
and flood affected areas in  Sindh to express solidarity with flood affected people.

 *بیلجیئم کا پارلیمانی وفد سینیٹر محترمہ ایلیسیا کلیس کی قیادت میں 16 جنوری سے 21 جنوری 2023 تک پاکستان کا دورہ کر رہا ہے*


 اسلام آباد: 15 جنوری 2023؛  اسپیکر قومی اسمبلی راجہ پرویز اشرف کی خصوصی دعوت پر بیلجیئم کا پارلیمانی وفد 16 جنوری سے 21 جنوری 2023 تک پاکستان بیلجیم پارلیمانی فرینڈ شپ گروپ کی چیئرپرسن محترمہ ایلیسیا کلیس کی قیادت میں پاکستان کا سرکاری دورہ کر رہا ہے۔

 یہ دورہ دونوں ممالک کے درمیان دوطرفہ تعلقات کو مضبوط بنانے اور پارلیمانی تعاون کو مزید مستحکم کرنے کے لیے انتہائی اہمیت کا حامل سمجھا جا رہا ہے۔اس دورے کا مقصد دونوں ممالک کے مابین تجارت اور کاروبار میں تعاون کو مزید فروغ دینا ہے۔

 بیلجیم کے پارلیمانی وفد میں بیلجیئم پاکستان فرینڈ شپ گروپ کی چیئرپرسن محترمہ ایلیسیا کلیس کے علاؤہ  مسٹر کارل وینلوور، اسٹیٹ سینیٹر مسٹر فلپ کورارڈ، پی ایس، اسٹیٹ سینیٹر، مسٹر جارجز ڈیلمیگن، لیس انگیجز کے علاؤہ بیلجیئم چیمبر آف ریپریزنٹیٹوز کے رکن اور بیلجیئم پارلیمنٹ کے سینئر افسران بھی وفد میں شامل ہیں۔

 بیلجیئم کا پارلیمانی وفد اسپیکر قومی اسمبلی راجہ پرویز اشرف کے علاؤہ چیئرمین سینیٹ صادق سنجرانی، قومی اسمبلی کی قائمہ کمیٹی برائے خارجہ امور کے ممبران، پارلیمانی وویمن کاکس کی ممبران، قومی اسمبلی میں پائیدار ترقی کے اہداف ایس ڈی جیز کی کنوینر رومینہ خورشید عالم سے بھی ملاقاتیں کرے گا۔ علاوہ ازیں پارلیمانی وفد لاہور میں گورنر پنجاب سے ملاقات کرے گا جس کے بعد وفد لاہور کے مشہور مقامات اور بادشاہی مسجد میں ٹیکسپاک (بیلجیم کمپنی) کا بھی دورہ کریں گے۔

 بعد ازاں بیلجیم کا پارلیمانی وفد کراچی کا جائے گا جہاں وہ وزیر اعلیٰ سندھ سے ملاقات کرے گا۔پارلیمانی وفد (ایم اے ایل سی) کراچی کے جذام مرکز کا بھی دورہ کرے گا،اور سندھ میں سیلاب سے متاثرہ علاقوں میں سیلاب سے متاثر ہونے والے خاندانوں سے اظہار یکجہتی کے لیے بھی جائے گا۔
 

Islamabad: 13th,  January 2023; National Assembly Secretariat has  banned entry of unauthorized Social Media Influencers, Youtubers, Tiktokers in the precincts of Parliament House.

It is pertinent to mention that this decision was taken in the context of an incident of misbehavior with Hounourable Parliamentarians by some unauthorized youtuber/social media influencers at Gate No.1 of Parliament House on 23rd December 2022. These Youtubers entered in the precincts of Parliament House without authorized entry.

The  same incident was also conveyed to President Press Reporters' Association (PRA) to seek PRA stance in this regard. The PRA formally conveyed that it is only responsible for its members and PRA detached itself from youtubers and social media influencers. Furthermore, PRA also decided to ensure ban on entry of unauthorized individuals in in the Press Gallery and Press Lounge of the House.

It was, further, also decided by National Assembly Secretariat that entry of only those reporters, journalists, Media personnel would be allowed who are associated with Accredited Media Organizations along with Valid Registration card of concerned Media organisation. Social Media influencers who are interested to cover the proceedings of  the House may accredit themselves with PID and have valid session card for entry in the Parliament House.

2022 witnessed record number of legislation for the welfare of common people

2022 proves as NA historic years in following principles of parliamentary diplomacy and outreach as its chief tools to further the cause of Pakistan

The year 2022 would ever be remembered as it was the first time in the history of Parliament that the doors of national assembly were opened for three days to marginalized segment of the society like women, children, minorities and transgender to celebrate the diamond jubilee of the House. The 1st ever parliamentary caucus on Children was also formed due to special concern of the Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervez Ashraf. Parliamentary diplomacy has been the chief hall mark to highlight the challenges of climate change as the House hosted IPU seminar to fight the case of climate justice for the country which culminated as the world adopted ‘ loss and damage fund’ in COP-27. Furthermore, 2022 remains prominent year in the history of politics when record number of legislation were enacted for the welfare of common people. It was also the first time that social media of national assembly was made proactive to fill the space between people and their representatives.
The National Assembly Secretariat has performed extraordinarily in the field of legislation in the year 2022. 47 Government Bills were passed in the National Assembly from January 2022 to December 2022 and 15 Private Member Bills were passed, so far 38 Bills have become Acts of Parliament. The prominent legislation done by National Assembly include   Election Bill, Rahmatul Alameen Authority Bill, National Highway Safety Bill, Pakistan Medical and Dental Council Bill, Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, Export and Import of Pakistan Bill, National Accountability (Second Amendment) Bill, Pakistan Tobacco. Bill, Anti-Dumping Duties Bill, Capital Development Authority Bill, Martyrdom Bill, Petroleum Bill, Foreign Investment and Local Government Elections Bill in Islamabad are included.

While in the year 2022, 25 resolutions were also passed in the House on various issues. Apart from this, the National Assembly Secretariat received 3751 questions from the members out of which 1004 questions were answered. In the year 2022, a total of 183 attention notices were received out of which 71 were tabled in the House and 43 were discussed. In the year 2022, a total of 82 privilege motions were received out of which 45 were sent to the relevant committee.
Furthermore, 124 motions were received under Rule 259 of 2007 Rules and Procedures in the House out of which 32 were tabled in the House. Apart from this, the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament, Standing Committees and Parliamentary Committees remained extraordinarily active for supporting the House to perform its legislative role. These committee also remained active to enhance parliamentary oversight and to ensure accountability. The committee also ensured to take up the issues of public importance as its chief priority.

The year 2022 has been the first year in the history of Pakistan when it has crossed important milestones as on the occasion of Diamond Jubilee celebration   the doors of the parliament were opened for the first time for the public, in which women, children, and minorities, former and current members of Parliament participated. He said that people belonging to the most downtrodden sections of the society were invited to the Diamond Jubilee celebrations and were seated in the seats reserved for the members of Parliament. These Diamond Jubilee celebrations were well praised by the public and it was a child's speech in Parliament which was viewed by 6 million people on Twitter and for the first time Parliament's Twitter account remained top trending.

A two-day seminar of the member countries of the IPU Asia Pacific Region on the achievement of SDGs was also held on 13 and 14 September 2022 at the Parliament House, Islamabad. In the seminar, the delegates of the member countries were made aware of the worst flood disaster in Pakistan. Is. IPU Asia-Pacific region countries were asked to present an emergency resolution at the IPU General Assembly in Rwanda.

With the efforts of Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervez Ashraf, a resolution was presented in the IPU General Assembly meeting held in Rwanda to establish a fund for countries affected by climate change. In order to fulfill the gap between common people and parliament.

The social media of National Assembly has been at the forefront and proactive in its outreach. It was ensured that all parliamentary news were made promptly accessible. It also played its role to cull the trend of fake news culture in society.
 

 قومی اسمبلی سیکرٹریٹ

 National Assembly Secretariat

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Islamabad: 15th December 2022; First Deputy Speaker of Libya House of Representatives Mr. Fawzi Al-Taher Al Nuwairi called on Chairman Public Accounts Committee ( PAC) Mr. Noor Alam Khan at Parliament House today.

Chairman PAC Mr. Noor Alam Khan said that Libya and Pakistan enjoy cordial and brotherly relations. He also said that the visit of the Libyan Parliamentary delegation would further strengthen ties between both nations." He further invited the President of Libya for an official visit to Pakistan. He also expressed gratitude for taking care of Pakistani manpower in Libya.

Chairman PAC also asked for the initiation of direct flights from Libya to Pakistan and from Pakistan to Libya. He said that this initiative would facilitate a large number of Pakistani diaspora serving in Libya. He said that Pakistan has a skillful population who can play a pivotal part in the progress of both countries.

SAPM/ MNA Muhammad Junaid Anwar was also present at the meeting. He warmly welcomed the Libyian Parliamentary delegation visit to Pakistan. He said that Pakistan and entire Muslim Ummah are facing the challenges of islamophobia, and it is time that they stand and step forward together against all conspirators and propagandists.

Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Poverty Alleviation Mr. Faisel Kareem also briefed the delegation regarding the basic components of the Benazir Income Support Programme and other initiatives to protect the vulnerable segment of society.

First Deputy Speaker of Libya House of Representatives Mr. Fawzi Al-Taher Al Nuwairi expressed gratitude for a warm welcome. He said that   Pakistan and Libya have a long history of bilateral friendly relations and Parliament to parliament contacts between the Parliaments of both countries would strengthen ties between both nations.

 National Assembly Secretariat

Directorate General of Media

Press Release

1st ever meeting of Pak-Kazakhstan Parliamentary Friendship Group held in Parliament House

Enhancing Parliament to Parliament contacts key to regional development: Convener  Pak-Kazkhastan PFG

Islamabad; 12th December 2022;
The first-ever meeting of the Pakistan-Kazakhstan Parliamentary Friendship Group (PFG) was held in Parliament House Islamabad. In the meeting, the matters pertaining to promote parliamentary relations and enhancing mutual ties were deliberated upon in detail.

While talking about the vast potential of investment and trade in Pakistan, the Federal Minister and Convener of the Pak-Kazakhstan Friendship Group, Ms. Shazia Marri asked the members of the Kazakhstan parliamentary delegation to explore opportunities for trade and investment for mutual development. She said that the two countries have ample opportunities to promote cooperation in tourism, trade and other economic sectors, which can be utilized for the development and prosperity of the people of both countries. She also emphasized the need to ease the conditions of visa policy in both countries to promote public relations among the common people of both countries. She said that enhancing people-to-people contacts are vital to promote harmony in both countries and it will also increase mutual trade and investment will increase. She, further, stressed the need for the initiation of a student exchange programme which requires simplification of the conditions of admission policy in the universities of the two countries in this regard.

She expressed confidence that the  Relaxation of the admission policy for students would enable students from both countries to benefit from each other's experiences. She congratulated the people and government of Kazakhstan on the National Day of Kazakhstan which is being celebrated on December 16.

Describing the recent visit of the parliamentary delegations of Kazakhstan as of immense importance, she said that the recent visit of the parliamentary delegation of Kazakhstan will prove to be an important precursor in the relations between the parliaments of the two countries.

The members of the parliamentary delegation of Kazakhstan highlighted the effectiveness of the Pak-Kazakhstan Friendship Group and described this platform as key to enhance the contacts between the parliaments of the two countries. Emphasizing the exchange of parliamentary delegations in both countries, the members of PFG said that parliamentarians of both countries can play an important role in making bilateral relations more stable. They said that Kazakhstan attaches great importance to its long-standing friendly relations with Pakistan and desires to expand them further. He thanked the people and parliament of Pakistan for the warm welcome and hosting of the parliamentary delegation of Kazakhstan in Pakistan.

The meeting of Pak-Kazakhstan PFG was attended by MNAs Miss Zeb Jaffar, Dr. Nisar Ahmed Cheema and Ms.Farrukh Khan.

Ms. Zeb Jaffar, MNA and Convener of Pakistan- Norway Parliamentary Friendship Group (PFG) met with H.E. Mr. Per Albert Ilsaas, Ambassador of Norway to Pakistan on Friday, 9th December, 2022 at 1130 hours at the Norwegian Embassy, Islamabad. The two sides discussed matters pertaining to bilateral cooperation.
Convener Pakistan- Norway PFG, Ms. Zeb Jaffar, said that Pakistan had long standing relations with Norway and looking forward to further strengthening ties. She underscored Pakistan’s desire to build a broad based, substantive and long-term relationship with Norway in all fields.
Ms. Zeb Jaffar appreciated the Norwegian government for providing timely assistance for the flood affected people in Pakistan. She emphasized the need for the two countries to work together to address the adverse effects of Climate Change.
Ms. Zeb highlighted the need to enhance contacts between parliamentarians of the two countries to further strengthen bilateral relations.She also expressed her desire to expand cooperation with Norway in multiple areas including trade, education, technical education, artificial intelligence, exchange programs, IT Sector, renewable energy, and people -to- people relations.
Ambassador of Norway to Pakistan, H.E Per Albert Ilsaas agreed to focus on strengthening bilateral institutional collaboration; enhance frequency of exchange of delegations as well as increasing high level contacts and exploring new avenues of cooperation

 

Islamabad: 6th December 2022:  Convener SDGs Ms Romina Khurshid Alam has said that both Sri Lanka and Pakistan share same challenges like climate induced emergencies, poverty and other socio-economic challenges. She said that achieving SDGs win-win for both countries. Convener National Parliamentary Taskforce on SDGs Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam expressed these views in a meeting with Sri Lankan delegation led by Sri Lanka State Minister of Finance Mr. Priyanatha at Parliament House.

Sri Lanka State Minister of Finance Mr. Priyanatha at Parliament House expressed solidarity with people of Pakistan who have been facing devastating impacts of recent floods in Pakistan. He said that mutual cooperation and unanimous approach essential to transform regional socio-economic challenges into opportunities.

Convener SDGs Ms Romina Khursheed Alam also sought cooperation of Sri Lankan for student exchange Programme & Enhancing business to business contacts between both countries. She also pointed out that the health sector in Pakistan can learn a lot from success stories of Sri Lankan Health sector especially in the area of training the world's best Mid wives. The meeting was attended by MNA Ms.Zahra Wadood and Senior officers of Parliamentary Task Force on SDGs.

Later on, Sri Lankan delegation also visited National Assembly Hall.
 

Islamabad: 1st December 2022; Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Youth Affairs and Convener Pakistan-Japan Parliamentary Friendship Group and members of the said group held a meeting with the H.E Mr. WADA Mitsuhiro Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan.

Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja warmly welcome the Japanese Ambassador and assured him of Pakistan’s full support to further strengthen the bilateral relations between the two countries.

Members Pak-Japan PFG mentioned that Pakistan highly valued its relations with Japan and such meetings could play a pivotal role in promoting people-to-people contacts and parliamentary relations through parliamentary exchanges. They hoped that existing bilateral relations between the two countries will be further strengthened through mutual cooperation and understanding.

Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja highlighted that Pakistan had huge potential for investment in various sectors and reiterated the full support of the Government of Pakistan to the potential Japanese investors in various sectors. She said that Pakistan was a country with 68 percent of the population comprising youth. She proposed Japanese Ambassador to work together on enriching the youth with modern vocational and technical skills as advancement in modern technology has advanced all sectors including agriculture, textile and manufacturing. She suggested the Ambassador to establish Japanese language learning institutes/ centers in Pakistan.

H.E Mr. Mitsuhiro Wada Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan congratulated the Special Assistant to Prime Minister and Convener Pakistan-Japan PFG Ms. Shaza Fatima Khawaja on the completion of 70 years of Pak-Japan diplomatic relations. He underscored that Japan attached immense importance to its relations with Pakistan and desired to further diversify those ties through active parliamentary diplomacy. He agreed to focus on strengthening bilateral institutional collaboration; enhance the frequency of exchange of delegations further increasing high-level contacts and exploring new avenues of cooperation.

MNAs Ms. Shaista Pervaiz Malik, Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam, Ms. Zeb Jaffar, Rana Iradat Sharif Khan, Kesoo Mal Kheeal Das, Mehnaz Akber Aziz, Nadeem Abbas and representatives from Ministry of foreign Affairs and Ministry of Commerce attended the meeting.

 Türkiye, Pakistan to boost cooperation at all levels

Thursday, 24th November 2022

Turkish Embassy, Islamabad

Ms. Shaista Pervaiz Malik, MNA and Convener of Pakistan- Türkiye Parliamentary Friendship Group (PFG) met with H.E. Mr. Mehmet Paçacı, Ambassador of Türkiye to Pakistan on Thursday, 24th November, 2022 at 1430 hours at Turkish Embassy, Islamabad. The two sides discussed matters pertaining to bilateral cooperation.

Ms. Shaista Pervaiz Malik, MNA said that Pakistan and Türkiye have distinct history of shared religious and cultural traditions. She condemned the explosion on Istanbul's Istiklal Street and expressed deepest condolences to the brotherly people of Türkiye at the loss of precious lives.

She expressed her desire to expand cooperation with Türkiye in multiple areas including trade, defence, education, tourism, exchange programs, women issues, sports and people -to- people relations. She underlined the need for enhanced interaction between the parliamentarians and people of both the countries for further cementing the fraternal relations between the two countries. She also thanked Türkiye's leadership for its principled support on Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

Ms. Shaista Pervaiz Malik appreciated recommendations to deepen trade and economic linkages between two brotherly countries. She also discussed ways and means to achieve the target set by the both countries to take bilateral trade to USD 5 billion in next three year.

H.E. Mr. Mehmet Paçacı, Ambassador of Türkiye to Pakistan agreed to focus on strengthening bilateral institutional collaboration; enhance frequency of exchange of delegations as well as increasing high level contacts and exploring new avenues of cooperation.

Islamabad: 22nd November 2022: Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (WPC) in collaboration with Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) is  organizing  a National Conference of Women Parliamentary Caucus on 24th of November 2022. The aim of the conference is to promote the meaningful role of Women Parliamentarians in peace building and sustainable development. National Assembly Speaker  Raja Pervez Ashraf will grace the event as Chief Guest. The Speaker will also inaugurate the National Coordination Forum for Federal and Provincial Women Parliamentary Caucuses.

The representatives from the Senate of Pakistan, the National Assembly, and members of all four Provincial Assemblies including the members Legislative Assembly of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan will participate in the Conference and will join the breakout sessions. Ms. Shahida Rehmani, Secretary Federal Women Parliamentary Caucus, will deliver a welcome address to officially commence the National Conference along with an opening speech by Ms. Asiya Nasir, President of Resilient Women Network.

The National Conference comprises of  two sessions. The first session will be moderated by Ms. Aisha Ghaus Pasha, Minister of State for Finance and Revenue on the agenda “Confronting Biases for Inclusive Democratic Processes: Creating Spaces for Substantive Role of Women Parliamentarians”. Former Secretaries of Federal WPC, Members National Assembly and German Ambassador to Pakistan will participate in this session.

Subsequently , the second session will commence under the moderatorship of Syeda Shehla Raza, Minister for Women Development Department, Sindh. In the second session, members of Provincial Assemblies will deliver speech on the “Role of Women Parliamentarians in Securing Peace and Social Cohesion”.

The National Conference will be concluded with a closing statement by Secretary Federal WPC Ms. Shahida Rehmani.

 National Assembly Secretariat 

 The Pakistan Parliamentary delegation led by Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social safety Ms.Shazia Marri is currently visiting Iceland for participation in the "Fifth Annual Reykjavík Global Forum Women Leadership” scheduled from November 8th -10th, 2022.
 
The delegation of Pakistan held a bilateral meeting with Ms. Silvana Koch who is the President and Founder of Women Political Leaders (WPL). Ms. Silvana stated that the Forum’s mission is to provide a platform where women leaders discuss and share ideas and solutions on how to further advance society, increase gender equality and promote and positively develop the number of women in leadership positions.

Ms. Shazia Marri, Head of Pakistan delegation acknowledged the mission of WPL to increase both the number and the influence of women in political leadership positions. She also appreciated the sincere efforts of WPL to invite extraordinary women participants from different sectors of life across the globe.

MNA Ms. Shaista Pervaiz while discussing the significant role of women in any society, renewed her commitment to continue
to work for the empowerment of women and improvement in gender parity around the globe. She added that political parties in Pakistan mostly pick women indirectly on reserved seats through a gender quota in Parliament. It limits women legislators’ power and influence. She mentioned that now it's time to take steps to move away from symbolic representation for women to have more female politicians in influential decision-making positions.

Ms. Silvana reaffirmed the commitment of WPL to accelerate the progress toward the equality of women.

Ms. Shazia committed to continue to find innovative ways to bring women’s leadership into the spotlight and inspire future generations.

Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, Convener Pakistan-German PFG and Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister, with the status of Minister of State and Convener SDGs Secretariat met with the Head of the Asia and Pacific Department, Mr. Mirco Günter, and the Desk Officer for Pakistan, Mr. Benjamin Reichenbach and Dr. Niels Hegewisch, Country Director of FES Pakistan today. The two sides discussed matters pertaining to bilateral cooperation and exchanged views on the regional situation.

Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah said that Pakistan attaches immense importance to its relations with Germany and would like to further strengthen through collaboration in diverse sectors. He suggested that both countries should focus on strengthening bilateral institutional collaboration; enhance frequency of exchange of delegations further increasing more high level contacts and exploring new avenues of cooperation. He was of the view that regular interaction between Parliamentarians, business and other delegations would further cement ties between the two friendly countries.

Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah acknowledged the generous German assistance for social sector development and during relief/rehabilitation in Pakistan.

Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam briefed about the working of SDGs Secretariat and mentioned that the German political foundations could play an important role in facilitating bilateral exchange and providing platforms for substantive discussions on many key political issues especially climate change.

Head of the Asia and Pacific Department, Mr. Mirco Günter appreciated the role of Pakistan to facilitate the international community in evacuation of a large number of people from Afghanistan.

 National Assembly Secretariat

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2nd Batch of Tadveen - a legislative drafting course in the National Assembly of Pakistan commences  

The second Batch of Research Associates of Law Graduates across the country have been inducted in Tadveen - a Legislative Drafting Course in National Assembly. Meanwhile, Certificates regarding completion of the Tadveen Course were also distributed among participants.
The Participants of 1st Batch said that this program was an opportunity for in-depth learning of legislative process and working in the supreme institution of Pakistan i.e. National Assembly of Pakistan.
On the occasion, Additional Secretary Special Initiative National Assembly Syed Shamoon Hashmi welcome the participants of the 2nd Batch of Tadveen. He also said that such courses' basic objective is to bridge the gap between the public and legislatures. He also stressed the need to have public responsive and research bases legislation for the relief of common people. Additional Secretary (Legislation), National Assembly of Pakistan Mr. Muhstaq Ahmed also briefed the Participants regarding the basic components of the course.
Later on, the participants of Tadveen visited National Assembly Hall.
 

 Pakistan's resolution for the global climate fund remains a close call at IPU

 قومی اسمبلی سیکرٹریٹ

 National Assembly Secretariat
Directorate General of Media
Press Release
 
Pakistan Parliamentary delegation presented resolution to establish  global fund to combat climate change  at the IPU General Assembly meeting

Islamabad, October 13, 2022: Message Received from Kigali, Rwanda, Pakistani Parliamentartary delegation presented  the resolution at IPU general Assembly for the establishment of global fund for the rehabilitation of flood victims and combating climate change.The resolution was presented by Senator Farooq H. Naik.

The 145th General Assembly of the IPU is being held in Kigali (Rwanda). Delegations from 178 parliaments around the world are participating in the meeting.

Senator Farooq H. Naik briefed the participants  about the devastation caused by the recent devastating floods in Pakistan. He also  appealed to the participants of the meeting to support the resolution presented by Pakistan.  He also said that if  the resolution   is  approved, it would pave the way for the establishment of a global fund to deal with climate change. The release of funds will help developing countries deal with climate change.

It is pertinent to mention that Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervez Ashraf held meetings with diplomats from IPU geopolitical groups to garner their support. The Speaker apprised the diplomats of the plight of the flood-affected Pakistani people and asked the parliaments of their countries to support the resolution sent by the National Assembly of Pakistan.

The Pakistani parliamentary delegation present in Rawanda also met the delegations of the member countries of IPU and appealed for support to  resolution presented in the General Assembly session of IPU.

موسمیاتی تبدیلیوں سے نمٹنے کے لیے عالمی فنڈ کے قیام کی قرارداد آئی پی یو کی جنرل اسمبلی کے اجلاس میں پیش

اسلام آباد، 13 اکتوبر، 2022: روانڈا کے شہر کیگالی سے موصول ہونے والی اطلاعات کے مطابق سیلاب متاثرین کی بحالی اور موسمیاتی تبدیلیوں سے نمٹنے کے لیے عالمی فنڈ کے قیام کے لیے پاکستان کی قومی اسمبلی کی جانب سے بھیجی گئی قرارداد پاکستانی وفد نے انٹر پارلیمانی یونین (آئی پی یو) کی جنرل اسمبلی کے اجلاس میں پیش کردی۔ قرارداد سینیٹر فاروق ایچ نائیک نے پیش کی۔
آئی پی یو کی 145 ویں جنرل اسمبلی کا اجلاس کیگالی (روانڈا) میں منعقد ہو رہا ہے۔ اجلاس میں دنیا بھر کی 178 پارلیمانوں کے وفود شرکت کر رہے ہیں۔

سینیٹر فاروق ایچ نائیک نے آئی پی یو کے جنرل اسمبلی کے شرکاء کو پاکستان میں حالیہ تباہ سیلاب کی تباہ کاریوں سے آگاہ کیا۔ انہوں نے اجلاس کے شرکاء کو پاکستان کی جانب سے پیش کردہ قرارداد کی حمایت کی اپیل کی۔ قرارداد کی منظوری کی صورت میں موسمیاتی تبدیلیوں سے نمٹنے کے لیے عالمی فنڈ کے قیام کی راہ ہموار گی قرارداد کی اور ترقی یافتہ ممالک کی جانب سے ترقی پذیر ممالک کو موسمیاتی تبدیلیوں سے نمٹنے کے لیے فنڈز کی فراہمی ممکن ہوگی۔ فنڈز کے اجراء سے ترقی پذیر ممالک کو موسمیاتی تبدیلیوں سے نمٹنے میں مدد ملے گی۔  

قرارداد پر حمایت حاصل کرنے کے لیے اسپیکر قومی اسمبلی نے آئی پی یو جیو پولیٹیکل گروپس کے سفارتکاروں سے ملاقاتیں کیں۔ اسپیکر نے سفارتکاروں کو سیلاب میں گھرے ہوئے پاکستانی عوام کی مشکلات سے آگاہ کیا اور اپنے ممالک کی پارلیمانوں کو پاکستان کی قومی اسمبلی کی جانب سے بھیجی گئی قرارداد کی منظوری کے لیے حمایت کے لیے آمادہ کرنے کے لیے کہا۔رونڈا میں موجود پاکستانی پارلیمانی وفد نے بھی آئی پی یو کے ممبر ممالک کے وفود سے ملاقاتیں کیں اور آئی پی یو کی جنرل اسمبلی اجلاس میں پیش کردہ قرارداد پر حمایت کی اپیل کی

 National Assembly Secretariat 

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Breakout Session on 'Promoting equal Education and Decent work ' in 3rd IPU Seminar “Asia-Pacific is home to 55 percent of world’s youth and three-quarters of NEET in Asia Pacific region is females” says Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Youth Affairs Ms. Shaza Fatima Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Youth Affairs Ms. Shaza Fatima on Tuesday, while moderating the Session on Promoting equal Education and Decent work during the Third IPU Asia-Pacific Region Seminar on Achieving SDG Goals apprised that 55 percent of the global youth is living in Asia-Pacific region among NEET youth in the region three-quarters  are females. She further said that in 2019 around 13.8 percent of the youth in the region was unemployed compared to the global average of 13.6. She said that one out of every four young employees was earning under 3.20$ per day and forced to work under extreme poverty. Ms. Shame Fatima also apprised the session about the increasing trend of Public Private Partnership and Entrepreneurship in Pakistan.

Moreover, reliance on traditional education has created the gap in the technological advanced world. A mismatch in skillset and rapidly changing world direly needed attention of policymakers’ in the region. Policymakers were required to ponder upon structural reforms, professional, technical and vocational training programs to help the youth and ensure a future with provision of decent work opportunities.

She said that natural disasters like recent floods and Covid-19 outbreak had contributed to worsen the situation in Pakistan. She said that there were multiple factors responsible for prevailing unemployment. Most important is disconnect between skillset and labor market. We did not have a conducive working environment especially for women who comprised half of the country’s population.
She further said that members of Parliaments had an important role in achieving SDG goals given our parliamentary functions to legislate, represent and oversee the executive and our right to spend public money.  
She was followed by Mr. Zahid Akram Durrani Deputy Speaker National Assembly who further enlightened the session that Goal 4 of the SDGS 2030 demanded for promotion of lifelong learning for everyone along with inclusive and equitable education for everyone. We parliamentarians were providing with roadmap to work on promoting quality education and provision of decent work opportunities as per international development agenda. He further said that youth should be provided with pertinent skillset backed by technical and vocational training to compete with labor market standards. Along with working on promoting quality education governments should also need to come into collaboration to reform the labor market as well to fully enforce labor laws and improve social security.
Senior Programme Officer, International Labor Organization Ms. Rabia Razzaq also addressed the session. She emphasized upon equal provision of internet access to rural areas so that healthy competition in the market may be promoted.

Parliamentary Secretary for Human Rights Syeda Nausheen Iftikhar headed a session on “Women at the centre of Development Agenda” at the Third Regional Seminar for the Asia-Pacific Region Parliaments on Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. UN Women Representative to Pakistan, Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Dr. Nafisa Shah, Ms. Kishwer Zehra, Dr. Aisha Ghaus Pasha,  Representative from Parliamentary Caucus Ms. Shahid Remain and Federal Ombudsman on harassment  Ms Kashmala Tariq were members for the plenary discussion.
In her opening remarks she apprised the session that Women’s right to work and rights at work are hampered in Asia-Pacific Region by high levels of informal and vulnerable employment. She said that women made up nearly 40% of the workforce in 20 developing Asian Countries but only 14.4%  of them held senior managerial positions compared with the global average of 27.9%.
Ms. Kashmala Tariq , while addressing the session shared that Pakistan was leading on the anti harassment front. In the last four year we have resolved 5000 cases and even suspended high officials including an ambassador posted in Europe and a Police Officer against harassment charges. Pakistan was the first country who started women representation on reserved seats and now 30% of the parliament is made up of women. She emphasized that IPU should focus more on promoting women representation in parliaments on General Seats through open competition at par with men. She said Pakistan is at par with the developed world when it comes to women empowerment efforts made by a country. Pakistan has launched a state of the art website for women to reach out to authorities for redressal of their complaints.
The UN representative of Pakistan on Women gave a detailed presentation highlighting the plight of women who suffered during recent floods and steps taken by Pakistan to help women participating in the legislation process.
Representative for Women Parliamentary Caucus Ms Shahid Rehmani while addressing the session said that  Caucus took Multics steps to ensure rights to women, transgender and persons with special needs. She said 70% of the business of the parliament is run by women.
 
Ms. Aisha Gaus Pasha, State Minister on Financial Affairs, achieving SDGS would depend on gender equality and women participation. If we were equally treated our income development would be 20% higher. Countries could really move forward to develop economically without women coming forward. Though our ranking was low on the gender equality index but trend was up, women were coming out in numbers as women economists, doctors, pilots and women politicians. Important part was to have a legal framework to provide security and the right kind of legislation would help to create the environment  that would motivate women to come forward to make them feel safe in the labor force and working. Financial inclusion is the area we have to come up with ideas to engage them. Parliamentarians can make serious changes by making laws and oversight role to see if those laws are fully administered by 60% of the Asia-Pacific population.
Delegates from Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Iran  gave comments, shared their views and steps taken by their respective governments to ensure women empowerment. They all resolved to work in close collaboration to make Asia-Pacific a region ensuring a safe and inclusive future for all sections of the society.

 

A session on Building resilience to preserve our common future moderated by Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed was held at the Third Regional Seminar for the Asia Pacific Region Parliaments on Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
Federal Minister for Climate Change Senator Sherry Rehman started the session by stating that in the gigantic calamity of climate change the utmost issue is climate justice; there should be reparations given to countries that are suffering from effects of climate change caused by excessive emissions of the Global North.
Explaining the situation in Pakistan, she said Sindh experienced seven times (7x) the average rainfall in August this year. She further elaborated that 2022 has been the year of multiple climate change catastrophes starting off with heat waves resultantly melting a great number of glaciers in Pakistan's North to inflicting desertification in huge regions of River Indus delta. More than 6000 roads and 200 bridges have been ripped apart and we still are evaluating the actual on-ground damage. Pakistan is facing the brunt of overconsumption in the west and we want to raise this argument at not just the UN but also at COP 27. Many parts of Asia Pacific will face the same damages in the coming years especially those not adapting to climate resilience. We're seeing a situation where all international platforms, including the UN, are perturbed. While reparations are difficult but compensation will be at the center of our climate agenda.
Under these circumstances SDGs are humanity's best hope. SDG-13, which underpins climate action, is of high importance to Pakistan currently. Where we stand today is though not a good place since Climate agreements are way behind their promised goals.
Pakistan is trying to figure out how to accommodate and also advocate for climate refugees. In order to build tools for climate change resistance the first thing we need is resources. There has been no focus on adaptation funding; 70-80%  of pledged funds are going to mitigation purposes.
The broken bargain between the Global North and Global South needs to be rectified.
Climate change has no borders and we need to work together to adapt to it.
Senator Mushahid Hussain lamented that though Pakistan contributes less than 1% to global emissions still it is one of the top affected countries due to climate change.
Ms. Georgina Lloyd, Regional Coordinator (Asia and the Pacific) of Environmental Law and Governance at UNEP, explained that we're in a climate emergency that is affecting Pakistan and the globe. A resilient society needs to have equitable and sustainable development.
Leave no one behind (LNOB) is the central, transformative promise of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Environmental rule of law, Green approaches to climate change recovery (ending fossil fuel subsidies, enforcing the polluter pays principle, supporting green jobs, and including green conditionalities in fiscal recovery policies), socially inclusive development, Investment in green economy and Renewable sector are the key pillars to a sustainable future. The green economy can generate more than 2.4 million jobs by 2030. In this regard, parliaments need to take a 3-prong approach; Legislative, Budgetary, and Oversight Actions towards sustainable development.
Ms. Sarah Wade-Apicella, Head of Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement Unit, United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), gave recommendations for a risk-informed resilience pathway. She said that investment in governance and institutional coordination, innovative financing mechanisms, resilient infrastructure investments, sustainable consumption and nature-based solutions can help greatly in sustainable recovery.
Mr Saber H. Chaudhary, Honorary IPU President, MP from Bangladesh, said that we are living in terrible times of Climate Change and Disasters. He said that Pakistan has just incurred a potential loss of 30 Billion dollars. He also said that the future of humanity is faced with water stress and unprecedented loss of biodiversity. The role of parliament is provided in all the climate agreements that we're party to. We must Reimagine development and Build back better, and this is where us parliamentarians need to take action.
Ms. Shazia Raffi, participating online from New York, added that Pakistan has seen unprecedented times in the last 2 years. Climate change is inflicting a loss of 9M lives globally every year. Pakistan is facing both hazardous air pollution and heat waves. Quality monitoring can help parliamentarians see the progress of their actions and share that Pakistan has signed and ratified all the agreements on climate change.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed concluded by stating that humanity's last hope is by putting in a combined effort by all countries.
 

We, members of parliament from the Asia-Pacific region, have gathered, in person and remotely, for the Third Regional Seminar on Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, taking place in Islamabad, Pakistan on 13 and 14   September 2022. Jointly organized by the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and the National Assembly of Pakistan, this seminar is the third of its kind and was built on the conclusions of the previous seminars, hosted by the Parliament of Vietnam in 2017 and the Parliament of Mongolia in 2018, as well as the IPU’s virtual SDG events.
 We greatly appreciate the strong commitment shown by the National Assembly of Pakistan in hosting this event despite the unprecedented challenges that the country is currently experiencing. The devastating floods that are hitting the country have left more than 1,100 dead and 1,600 injured. They have destroyed crops, infrastructure and buildings, and left millions homeless. We would like to express our deepest solidarity and sympathy to the Parliament and people of Pakistan, with the hope that the country will be able to recover soon. We also hope that, thanks to the sharing of knowledge and experience at this important event, together we will be able to identify effective solutions to fight climate change and implement the SDGs. Big carbon polluters should take more responsibility for climate change, meet their obligations and do their utmost to reduce carbon emissions, as many poor countries are disproportionately shouldering the burden of climate-related impacts. In this regard, we propose to include the flood crisis Pakistan is currently experiencing as a potential emergency item in the upcoming 145th IPU Assembly taking place in October 2022 in Rwanda.
 Titled Parliaments and the pandemic: SDGs in the time of COVID-19, the Seminar provided a space for inter-parliamentary dialogue on how to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in the region despite the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises, including climate change. There is an urgent need to accelerate progress and address existing problems by adopting coherent strategies. Parliaments can drive significant change toward sustainable development. They can translate the SDGs into enforceable laws; they can monitor the implementation of these laws; they can ensure that government is accountable to the people for national progress on the SDGs; they can make sure that the needs of all of society, especially underrepresented, marginalized and/or vulnerable groups, are duly taken into consideration and addressed.
 The Seminar provided parliamentarians and parliamentary staff with the opportunity to take stock of what has been done so far and reflect on concrete ways in which they can help to solve structural challenges and boost inclusive and sustainable development for all. Participants benefited from the rich contribution of parliamentarians, Government representatives, United Nations experts and the IPU. They proactively engaged in the event and drew up various strategies, actions and recommendations to advance parliamentary engagement with the SDGs in the Asia-Pacific region. Participants were informed that, at the current pace, the region is not on track to achieve any of the SDGs. Major gaps can be seen in areas related to SDG 5 on gender equality, SDG 14 on life below water and SDG 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions. Participants agreed that there is a need to strengthen inter-parliamentary cooperation and coordination, and they asked the IPU to promote further exchanges among parliaments to combine forces to accelerate action towards achieving the SDGs.  Below is a summary of the key points and recommendations discussed during the event.
Envisioning inclusive development: Socio-economic challenges in Asia
The Seminar’s first session provided an overview of the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in the region. The presentations focused on how COVID-19 recovery can enhance economic resilience, adopt an inclusive approach, and ensure resources are not diverted from sustainable development. Particular emphasis was put on marginalized and vulnerable segments of the population. Examples of strategies and measures being undertaken by parliaments in the region to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic while promoting inclusive development for all were discussed, including:
 The importance of ensuring that the needs of those that have been particularly affected by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including refugees, are duly taken into consideration. Economic recovery plans that address structural problems related to these categories of people can in fact help contribute to the effective realization of the SDGs. Parliaments should play a crucial role in COVID-19 recovery plans and these should be developed on the basis of participatory and outcome-oriented governance.
        Promoting parliamentary actions to enhance the capacities of poor, marginalized and vulnerable segments of society to escape from poverty
       Monitoring the Government’s work and ensuring that its development plans, policies and budget are aligned with the 2030 Agenda.
        Adopting national budgets that address the needs of all, especially marginalized and vulnerable groups, and ensuring that the Government is accountable on how the resources are spent and if they are in line with national and international commitments.
        Promoting laws and policies that protect the interests and concerns of constituents who may be more vulnerable, and ensuring that SDG-related legislation is gender-responsive and socially inclusive.
        There is a need to increase job opportunities, including in the agriculture and tourism sectors, and address youth employment challenges.
        The catastrophic floods that have hit the region have demonstrated that climate change is real. Countries need to work together to address this challenge in an appropriate manner.
        The Global Parliamentary Report 2022 on public engagement in the work of parliament is extensively aligned with the broader 2030 Agenda for sustainable development and provides useful recommendations that could help us enhance our work in this area.
 
 

Regional launch of the Global Parliamentary Report on public engagement in the work of parliament
Following this session, a regional launch of the Global Parliamentary Report (GPR) was held. This GPR, the third produced by the IPU and the United Nations Development Programme,   focuses on public engagement in the work of parliament. Key insights from the report were introduced and recommendations for strengthening public engagement for more inclusive and responsive parliaments in the region were highlighted.
Participants were invited to consider how to incorporate public engagement activities into parliamentary work on the SDGs. This could range from raising awareness about the SDGs and what parliament is doing to tackle them, to consultative exercises such as inviting submissions from the public to committee inquiries linked to the SDGs, organizing public hearings in parliament or in the field, or gathering the views of people most directly affected by legislative measures in support of the SDGs. In keeping with the key SDG principle of “leave no-one behind”, parliaments are encouraged to make particular efforts to ensure that the voices of all sectors of society are heard and taken into account, including the most marginalized and vulnerable.
PARALLEL BREAKOUT SESSIONS: TACKLING IN-EQUALITIES After the launch of the Global Parliamentary Report, a series of parallel breakout sessions on tackling inequalities took place.
 A)             Ending hunger and malnutrition
 In this parallel session, the importance of addressing food insecurity and malnutrition through a multisectoral approach that includes health, agriculture, education, youth and gender equality, was stressed. The session highlighted the negative consequences of food insecurity for the most vulnerable groups, and the legislative and budgetary measures parliaments can take to ensure that governments prioritize nutrition and healthy diets in policies aimed at tackling food insecurity and the negative effects on food systems of the COVID-19 pandemic and other emergencies. Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff had the opportunity to discuss key challenges, and share promising practices, success stories and initiatives put in place in their respective countries to end hunger and malnutrition. Several actions that parliamentarians can take to address malnutrition and ending hunger were highlighted, including:
         Supporting laws that prioritize nutrition and food security, especially for the most vulnerable groups, including women, youth and children.
        Addressing the needs of the population in food security programmes (particularly of those whose livelihoods have been greatly affected by the pandemic and other emergencies, including people depending on farming and fishing activities).
        Allocating budgets to nutrition and healthy diet programmes, sustainable agriculture initiatives, and social protection allowances for those particularly affected by the pandemic and other emergencies.
        Promoting community mobilization, raising awareness and investing in capacity-building projects to end hunger and malnutrition
        Promoting legislative cooperation on these subjects, including at the regional level
        Enhancing parliamentary cooperation to end hunger, poverty and food crises
        Promoting international policies regarding trade which assist in achieving SDG 2: Zero Hunger

 
B)             Promoting quality education and decent jobs for youth
 This session focused on the importance of ensuring quality, inclusive and equitable opportunities for all. Parliamentarians were called upon to enact laws that favour full and productive employment and decent work for all, especially youth. Opportunities to strengthen parliamentary action on this topic include:
         Prioritizing laws and regulations to ensure that high quality education is accessible to everyone – especially girls and young women – and adapted to the jobs of the future, as well as allocating funds for online education and the re-skilling and re-training of workers that are being displaced from their jobs by the green recovery.
        Enacting legislation or strengthening existing laws to guarantee decent work opportunities for all, including young people
        Promoting programmes that benefit young people new to the job market, including entrepreneurship programmes, apprenticeships, loans and grants, including for start-ups. Representing the interests of vulnerable constituents, including women, youth, those in poverty, people with disabilities, minorities, migrants and indigenous communities, and protecting them from being excluded or discriminated against because of their gender, age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, economic situation or any other status.
        Promoting policies and programmes to increase universal, non-discriminatory, equitable and affordable access to ICT in education for all, especially for young people, as they are key contributors to building inclusive societies and bridging the technological divide.
        Raising awareness on technical and vocational education as complements to formal education in providing a well-rounded and skills-based curriculum, equipping young people to meet the competing demands of work and personal life.
        Ensuring equitable access to health
 
Parliaments’ commitment to universal health coverage is underpinned by the IPU resolution Achieving universal health coverage by 2030: The role of parliaments in ensuring the right to health. An IPU speaker presented the findings from the follow-up process on the implementation of this resolution. Other speakers in this session highlighted the impacts of financial constraints on the implementation of the global agenda and in particular on the achievement of SDG 3, arguing that inadequate financial allocations in the health care sector in developing countries result in an increase in poverty. Likewise, other parliamentarians emphasized the adverse effects of COVID-19 on their health care systems and economies across the globe, claiming that focus needs to be placed on all communicable diseases, along with COVID-19. Particular emphasis was put on marginalized groups and their uneven access to health services.
. They presented some actions that parliaments could take to improve access to health including:
        Advocating for investment in primary health care, and health care human capital in order to enable a better response to major public health events such as pandemics.
        Promoting the collection of accurate data to be able to take informed decisions in the health care sector.
        Encouraging progressive increases in the budgetary allocation for the health care sector, focusing in particular on human capital and health infrastructure.
        Strengthening health insurance and other social protection mechanisms for vulnerable and marginalized groups, who bear the heaviest brunt of health crises.  
        Representing the needs of vulnerable constituents and ensuring participatory mechanisms in the design of health policies in order to include them in the legislative process and to ensure they are provided for under the law.
        Devising incentives and other mechanisms for local medical staff and ensuring they have optimal conditions in which to work.
        Putting in place a robust legal framework for universal health coverage to ensure that the right to health is guaranteed for all,
Parliamentary mechanisms to institutionalize the SDGs
This session focused on the importance of establishing mechanisms and/or procedures to mainstream the SDGs in parliaments’ work in a comprehensive manner. The findings of the IPU’s research on existing parliamentary practices to support the implementation of the SDG framework were presented. Likewise, parliamentarians talked about their direct experience and parliamentary mechanisms that have been put in place in their specific context to advance SDG implementation. Examples of parliamentary practices to mainstream the SDGs into parliamentary work include:
   Establishing a parliamentary body on SDGs (committee or subcommittee), an informal group or parliamentary network (cross-party group, caucus, and taskforce), a system of focal points or any other parliamentary mechanism
    Implementing specific procedures to mainstream the SDGs into the work of parliamentary committees and/or into parliamentary core functions (law-making, budget, oversight, representation).
   Assigning the responsibility for coordination of work on the SDGs to a specific parliamentary body or structure.
 Women at the centre of the development agenda
 This session focused on understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women and identified the root causes of discrimination that curtail women’s rights. The National Assembly of Pakistan presented a case study on its cross-party Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, which has become an international good practice, replicated in over a dozen other parliaments as well as in provincial and regional legislatures. The presentations focused on the positive linkages between the promotion of gender equality and the achievement of all the other SDGs. Parliamentarians were invited to mainstream Goal 5 into their national legislation and to identify effective approaches that ensure women’s empowerment. Parliamentary efforts to achieve gender equality and empower all women that were identified include:
         Articulating in the legislative processes the interests and concerns of women and girls, ensuring that COVID-19 recovery strategies are gender-inclusive, in particular by:
   Promoting gender parity in decision-making bodies and processes;
   Setting up dedicated gender equality mechanisms and bodies in parliament; and
   Consulting women and girls on the work of parliament.
        Ensuring that all SDG legislative provisions include a gender perspective and review legislation with a view to:
   Eliminating any provisions that discriminate against women; and
   Ensuring respect for women’s economic, social, political and civil rights.
        Prioritizing budget allocations on women’s empowerment activities and ensuring programmes and activities targeting the mainstreaming of gender perspectives in other SDG-related programmes are developed and well-resourced.
Building resilience to preserve our common future
This session focused on the importance of reducing risk and building resilience to disasters and other shocks to safeguard development gains. Persistent environmental challenges that undermine the achievement of the SDGs in various countries in the Asia-Pacific region were highlighted. The linkages between habitat loss, environmental degradation and climate change, and the emergence of novel zoonotic diseases such as coronaviruses were discussed. Speakers highlighted the need for a green recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic as a way to help achieve environmental and sustainable development objectives. Parliamentarians reflected on national-level options for promoting a green recovery in their respective countries, including in relation to clean energy, biodiversity and waste management and circularity. The session also described the critical role of parliamentarians in reducing disaster risk, and presented key actions they can take to advance risk reduction at the national and local levels. Recommendations on how to build resilience and promote a green recovery include:
Prioritizing laws and regulations that require public investment in conservation programmes, sustainable agriculture initiatives and urban green infrastructure, in order to reduce deforestation and habitat loss, which are factors that could increase the risk of zoonotic diseases.
Enacting legislation that supports sustainable consumption and production, circularity and sustainable waste management, including waste treatment and safe handling of healthcare and biochemical waste.
Ensuring there are regulatory and risk governance frameworks and financial instruments to fund and incentivize long-term public and private disaster risk reduction initiatives including resilient infrastructure and nature-based solutions.
Prioritizing citizen engagement in discussions on risk reduction to promote inclusive strategies that are responsive to the risks and needs of constituents.
 
Developing and advancing legislation, regulation and policy to protect, promote and realize the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, including safeguards for environmental rights and participation in environmental decision making, in particular for vulnerable groups.
Articulating in the legislative process the interests and concerns of constituents who may be more vulnerable (such as women, persons with disabilities, minorities, migrants and indigenous communities), leaving no one behind, and ensuring that legislation is gender-responsive and socially inclusive, and that it calls for the engagement of vulnerable groups in its implementation.
In this Seminar, inter-parliamentary dialogue and the sharing of practices were seen as essential to build cooperation and enhance knowledge, and catalyze collective parliamentary action to support the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals in the Asia-Pacific region. The IPU stands ready to continue supporting parliaments in their efforts to address sustainable development challenges and is committed to providing parliaments with a platform for national, regional and global dialogue to facilitate stronger partnerships for action on the SDGs.
 In order to inspire action on the SDGs, we will bring this Outcome Document to the attention of our parliamentary colleagues through all possible channels. We also undertake to bring it to the attention of other relevant stakeholders.
 We request that the IPU and the National Assembly of Pakistan bring our conclusions and recommendations to the attention of the global parliamentary community at the 145th IPU Assembly in Kigali, Rwanda in October 2022. We urge the IPU to keep on promoting parliamentary engagement with the SDGs and to continue to work with the United Nations and other relevant partners towards the successful implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
 

 National Assembly of Pakistan
Directorate General of Media
Press Release


Pakistan's National Assembly Moves Inter Parliamentary Union to Push for Global Fund on Climate Damages

Islamabad: 15th September 2022;After successfully aligning the Asia Pacific Nations by hosting a two-day Regional Seminar of the 34 member Inter Parliamentary Union Group of Asia Pacific Countries, the National Assembly of Pakistan has now formally written to the IPU Secretary General, calling for the inclusion of an Emergency Item in the IPU's forthcoming General Assembly, due 8n October in the capital of Rawanda, Kigali Titled "Call for Creating a Global Fund/ Financing Facility for Climate Vulnerable Countries to Address loss and damage Associated with Climate Change",

Pakistan's National Assembly's draft resolution seeks retribution from countries responsible for carbon emissions and subsequent environmental disorder. Pakistan's share in Carbon emissions has been less than one percent. However, it is among the world's top five countries badly affected by its adverse effects.

The recent floods have caused an unprecedented damage to the Pak economy as over 1500 people lost their lives, millions were left homeless, almost a 3rd of its landmass under water and the accumulated damage to infrastructure being estimated at over 20 billion US dollars.

Pakistan has sought enforcement of the draft resolution from other developing nations, reminding them that they could be the next in line falling prey to this menace.

*پاکستان کی قومی اسمبلی ایس ڈی جیز کے حصول پر آئی پی یو ایشیاء پیسیفک ریجن کے ممبر ممالک کے دو روزہ سیمینار کی میزبانی کرے گی*

اسلام آباد؛ 11 ستمبر 2022: پاکستان کی قومی اسمبلی ایس ڈی جیز کے حصول پر آئی پی یو ایشیاء پیسیفک ریجن کے ممبر ممالک کے دو روزہ سیمینار کی میزبانی کرے گی۔ سیمینار 13 اور 14 ستمبر 2022 کو پارلیمنٹ ہاؤس اسلام آباد میں منعقد ہو گا۔ تیسرا آئی پی یو ریجنل سیمینار پہلے سے طے شدہ شیڈول کے مطابق منعقد ہو رہا ہے۔ پاکستان میں بدترین سیلاب عالمی موسمیاتی تبدیلیوں کا شاخسانہ ہے۔ سیمینار کے انعقاد کا مقصد سیلاب سے ہونے والی تباہی کے بارے میں عالمی برادری کو آگاہ کرنا ہے۔ سیمینار میں سیلاب متاثرین کی حالت زار کو اُجاگر کیا جائے گا۔ایشیا پیسیفک کی پارلیمانوں کا یہ سیمینار تباہ کن بارشوں، سیلابوں اور لینڈ سلائیڈنگ کے ویڈیو کلپس کے ساتھ منعقد کیا جا رہا ہے۔

سیلاب سے پاکستان میں 33 ملین سے زیادہ افراد متاثر ہوئے۔ حالیہ سیلاب سمیت 1100 سے زائد افراد کو اپنی جانوں سے ہاتھ دھونا پڑے۔ 1600 سے زائد افراد زخمی ہونے جبکہ 287,000 سے زائد کے گھر مکمل تباہ ہوئے۔ سیلاب سے لاکھوں ایکڑ پر کھڑی فصلیں تباہ ہوئیں، بنیادی ڈھانچے کو بھی شدید نقصان پہنچا۔ کہاس علاقائی سیمینار کا مقصد عالمی موسمیاتی تبدیلی کے مسلسل بڑھتے ہوئے اثرات سے عالمی برادری کو آگاہ کرنا ہے۔ سیمینار میں ترقی پذیر ممالک خصوصاً ایشیا پیسفک خطے کے ممالک کو درپیش خطرات کو اُجاگر کرنا ہے۔ پاکستان کی قومی اسمبلی اس پلیٹ فارم کے ذریعے حالیہ سیلاب کی تباہ کاریوں سے عالمی برادری کو آگاہ کرے گی۔ سیمینار میں غیر ملکی اراکین پارلیمنٹ کو پاکستان میں حالیہ سیلاب کی شدت اور خطرات  سے آگاہ کیا جائے گا۔سیمینار مختلف سرگرمیوں پر مشتمل ہے۔

افتتاحی اجلاس میں وزیر اعظم پاکستان میاں محمد شہباز شریف خطاب کریں گے۔ افتتاحی اجلاس میں سپیکر قومی اسمبلی راجہ پرویز اشرف کے استقبالیہ کلمات بھی شامل ہیں۔ افتتاحی اجلاس سے آئی پی یو کے سیکرٹری جنرل مسٹر مارٹن چنگونگ بھی خطاب کریں گے۔ سیمینار میں ایشیاء پیسیفک میں ایس ڈی جیز کے نفاذ پائیدار  ترقی کے لیے ضروری یے ایجنڈے کا حصہ ہوگا۔

معیاری تعلیم اور نوجوانوں کے لیے با عزت روزگار کو فروغ دینا  بھی بحث کا اہم حصہ ہو گا۔ صحت کی سہولیات تک رسائی کو یقینی بنانے کو بھی سیمینار میں زیر غور لایا جائے گا۔ ایس ڈی جیز کو ادارہ جاتی بنانے کے لیے پارلیمانی طریقہ کار اور طرز عمل پر بریک آؤٹ سیشنز بھی منعقد کیا جائے گا۔ ترقی کے ایجنڈے میں خواتین کی شمولیت بھی سیمینار کا اہم جزو ہو گا۔ سیمینار کے شرکاء کو پاکستان میں سیلاب اور طوفانی بارشوں سے بڑے پیمانے پر ہونے والے جانی اور معاشی نقصانات کا   ذاتی طور پر مشاہدہ کرایا جائے گا۔ قومی اسمبلی سیکرٹریٹ سیمینار کے شرکاء کے سیلاب سے متاثرہ علاقوں اور متاثرین کے کیمپس کے دورے کا بھی اہتمام کرے گی۔ سیلاب کے پیش نظر سیمینار پر ہونے والے اخراجات کی کمی کی غرض سے سیمینار قومی اسمبلی کے ہال میں منعقد کرایا جا رہا ہے۔ سیمینار کے اخراجات میں ہونے والی بچت سیلاب متاثرین کی بحالی کے لیے عطیہ کی جائے گی۔ متاثرین کی ضروریات کو پورا کرنے کے لیے سیمینار کے اختتام پر ایک مربوط اور جامع منصوبہ بندی وضع کی جائے گی۔

 National Assembly secretariat
Directorate General of Media
Press release
NA Speaker along with all Parliamentarians donated One month's salary and Two days' Salary of all NA Employees for flood relief

Islamabad: 26th August 2022: In wake of the devastation caused by the floods, especially in the provinces of Balochistan, Sindh, Punjab, KPK and Gilgit Baltistan, the Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervez Ashraf has announced the donation of ONE Month salary of All MNAs, including himself, and TWO-DAY salary of all employees of National Assembly for the rescue, relief and rehabilitation for the flood affectees.

Speaker Parvez Ashraf, presently in Canada to attend the 65th Commonwealth Parliamentary Assembly, raised this issue during his various meetings with the Speakers of Canada, Australia, Malaysia, the Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union and others and uprised them of the damages done by floods. In his meetings with the Expatriate community, Speaker Pervez Ashraf has also appealed to the overseas Pakistanis, philanthropists and well-placed Pakistanis to come forward, shedding all political, religious or cultural differences and unite as one nation to jointly help their brothers and sisters in distress.

In line with the instructions of the Speaker, the National Assembly of Pakistan is also establishing a special counter to coordinate the donation activities.

 National Assembly Secretariat

Islamabad: 21th August 2022: Mr. Lee Hack Young, Head of Korea-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Group in National Assembly of The Republic of Korea along with a delegation of Korean Parliamentarians will visit Pakistan from 22nd to 25th August 2022. This visit intends to enhance Parliamentary relations between both nations. Parliaments of both countries share unanimity of views on multilateral Parliamentary Forums such as Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA), ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA). This visit of Korean parliamentarians would enhance bilateral cooperation between both countries.
During its stay the Korean Parliamentarians delegation would visit the National Assembly and it has formal meetings with Convener and Members of Pak-Korea PFG, the Korean delegation would have a call on with President of Pakistan, Chairman Senate and Acting Speaker. It would also visit Pakistan monument and other cultural places in Islamabad during its stay in Islamabad.
The delegation comprises of Mr. Lee Hack Young head of Korean-Pak Parliamentary Friendship group, Members Korean Parliament Mr.Lee Sangheon, Mr. Kim Byungioo, Mr. An Byunggil.
 

 NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

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The Diamond Jubilee Convention of the Parliamentarians, while commemorating the Diamond Jubilee of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and the National Assembly of Pakistan;
Conscious of responsibility before Almighty Allah and the citizens of Pakistan;
Cognizant of the sacrifices made by the people in the cause of Pakistan, and the rich contributions, acumen, and wisdom of the Legislatures and the Parliamentarians till date;
Faithful to the declaration made by the Founder of Pakistan, Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah-parliamentarian par excellence, that Pakistan shall be a federal parliamentary Republic based on Islamic principles of social justice;
Stressing that sovereignty over the entire Universe belongs to Almighty Allah alone, and the authority is to be exercised by the people of Pakistan through their chosen representatives within the limits prescribed by Him as a sacred trust;
Proud of the history and heritage of authoring and adopting the Constitution of 1973 that envisages federal-republic with clearly demarcated trichotomy of power, independence of judiciary, provincial autonomy and guaranteed fundamental rights for the citizens;   
Acknowledging, that the people of Pakistan have relentlessly struggled and sacrificed for preservation of Federal Parliamentary form of Government and democracy by the unremitting struggle against oppression and tyranny;
Appreciating that the “Charter of Democracy” played pivotal role in consolidating parliamentary democracy in the country by fighting the anti-democratic forces and providing with the much-needed political stability in the country;
Recognizing the unique responsibility of the elected parliamentarians to connect between the government and the people, and partake in people-friendly legislation and oversight;
On the historic occasion of our Diamond Jubilee, we the present and former elected representative of Islamic Republic of Pakistan:
Emphasize that the principles of democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance and social justice, as enunciated in the Constitution, shall be fully observed;
Urge that the principles of federation shall be adhered to;
Reaffirm that the people of Pakistan may prosper and attain their rightful and honored place amongst the nations of the World;
Pledge to advance the agenda of access to justice for the people of Pakistan through our representative, oversight and legislative roles;
Commit to safeguard and protect our minorities as equal citizens of Pakistan with unfettered rights, privileges and obligations;
Further, commit to safeguard rights of children, youth, women and vulnerable segments of the society;
Embrace the ideals of accountability, justice, due process and fair play without any prejudice or ill will, partiality or favoritism in discharge of our duties;
Reassure to stand firm and united to strengthen the Parliament to cope with the increasing internal and external challenges confronting our beloved country;
Agree to offer a better and fair deal to posterity so that they can fully harness their potential in a youth-bulge country;
Call for across parties’ agreement on a “Charter of Economy” to attain economic stability and embark on reforms by joining hands for the larger cause of progress and prosperity of our motherland.
Resolve to strive together to make Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s vision of a federal, parliamentary, democratic and prosperous Pakistan a substantive reality.
Request the Honourable Speaker to make the Parliamentarians Convention an annual feature of the National Assembly.
 

Islamabad: 10th August 2022; Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervez Ashraf has said that Parliament being the representative of more than twenty-two million people of the country always strives to fulfill the desires of the common people. He emphasized for maintaining the sanctity and supremacy of Parliament as it is the real icon of people’s aspirations. He said that Parliament is the platform where people’s representatives have always been struggling to resolve the socio-economic challenges faced by the country. He expressed these views while talking to Media Representatives after inaugurating 3 days of Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the 1st Constituent Assembly in Parliament House today.

While felicitating the Nation on the Diamond Jubilee of the 1st Constituent Assembly of Pakistan, the Speaker said that this day reminded us of the struggle of Muslims of the subcontinent and their leaders for achieving the goal of independence of Pakistan. He said that this day also marks the ‘Foundation Day’ of the Parliament. He said that celebrations of 1st Constituent Assembly of Pakistan under the theme “Mera-Parliman-Rahbar-i-Taraqqi-o-Kamal” is beginning from today and this theme reflects development, progress and bright future of the country are interlinked with the supremacy of Parliament.

Later on, he inaugurated a 3-day Photographs Exhibition with the theme “Tarjuman-i-mazi shan-i-Hal” where the Photographs of all leaders of House, leaders of the opposition and distinguished international leaders who addressed Parliament were displayed. He also inaugurated 3-Day Art and Painting Exhibition with the theme “Pak Sarzamin shad Baad". He applauded the diligence and skill of Artists to portray their ideas in beautiful paintings.

while inaugurating the 3-day Book Exhibition with the theme “Qaum, Mulk, Saltanat” in the Library of Parliament House, he examined the original copy of the 1973 constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan signed by members of  Parliaments including then Prime Minister Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto. He paid tribute to Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and the members of that Parliament for making the 1973 constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. He said that these celebrations would link the present generation to the past and ultimately would prove beacon of light for their bright future.

Islamabad: 5th August, 2022: Commemorations of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the Legislature will commence on 10th August, 2022 in the Parliament House. An elaborate plan of events has been prepared by the National Assembly Secretariat to commemorate the event in a befitting manner. 10th August carries a unique significance in the Parliamentary history of Pakistan since the Inaugural Session of the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan was held on those days before the transfer of power from the British rule to newly independent Pakistan from 11th August to 14th August 1947. The theme of the celebration is “Mera- Parliman-Rahbar-i-Taraqqi-o-Kamal”
The celebrations would commence on 10th August, 2022 with Inauguration of 3-day Photographs Exhibition with the theme “Tarjuman-i-mazi shan-i-Hal”, 3-Day Art and Painting Exhibition with the theme “Pak Sarzamin shad Baad" and 3-day Book Exhibition with theme “Qaum, Mulk, Saltanat”. Besides, Video  of Historic Speeches of Parliamentarians from all political parties with the theme “Tarjuman-i-mazi shan-i-Hal” would be displayed in the premises of the Parliament House. The history of Parliament and struggle of Parliamentarians for supremacy of Constitution and Parliament would be portrayed and reflected in these exhibitions.
The Minorities Convention would be held on 11th August 2022, on the eve of International Day for Minorities, in order to acknowledge the services of Minorities towards the progress and development of the country. The Representatives of all religious minorities, including the current and former parliamentarians from the Federal and Provincial Assemblies of the country, have been invited for the Convention. The Minorities Convention would be followed by a Convention of Women Parliamentarians with the theme " Markaz-e- Yaqeen Shaad Baad'. On 12th August, 2022 a Convention of Youth/Children with the theme “Azm-i-ali shan”. The conventions would highlight the contributions of women and youth and their potential for harnessing the bright future of the country.  The children under 14 years of age not only from the prominent public and private institutions but the children from orphanages as well as street children have also been especially invited as they would be on the helm of affairs in the future of the country.
A mega Parliamentary Convention will also be held in the evening of 13th August, 2022 which will continue till midnight. This Special Session would be themed as “Sayah-yi-Khuda-yi-Zul-Jalal.” This Convention will signify the importance of continuity of the democracy and democratic system in the country. Sitting and former parliamentarians will attend the Session. In order to acknowledge the services of noted and renowned Parliamentarians, Diamond Jubilee Memorial Medals “Parliament-at 75” will be conferred to the prominent Parliamentarians of the country. Apart from illumination of the Parliament House Building, Fireworks have also been arranged on this occasion.
The Diamond Jubilee celebrations are meant to highlight the services of all Parliamentarians in furthering the cause of democracy and its values in the country. They also aim to underscore the importance of parliamentary achievements during these 75 years of evolution of the Parliamentary system and to enlighten the young generation regarding the Parliamentary system of the country and significance of legislatures for evolving National unity, harmony and co-existence.
 

Prosperous and developed Pakistan is interlinked with achieving SDGs : NA Speaker

Islamabad, 27th July: Members of National, Federal and Legislative Assemblies gathered in Islamabad to re-affirm their commitment to the 2030 UN Plan for Sustainable Development Goals and develop a National Framework for their monitoring and implementation. The framework was devised at the National Meet on SDGs, organised by the Parliamentary SDGs Secretariat, National Assembly of Pakistan in collaboration with Mustehkam Parlimaan, a project of the European Union. The Conference is being held from 27th to 28th July 2022 in Islamabad. Speaker National Assembly Mr. Raja Pervez Ashraf, Minister for Planning and Development Dr. Ahsan Iqbal, EU Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Riina Kionka, and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister / Convener Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam attended the Opening Session of the event.

Addressing the participants as Chief Guest , the Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervez Ashraf has said that the policy choices, the government makes today will determine its success in building a transition to a sustainable, greener, more inclusive and more resilient tomorrow. He said that the implementation and localisation of the UN’s Agenda 2030 would transform Pakistan into prosperous and developed country. He stated that Pakistan re-iterated its commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by adopting the Sustainable Development Goals as its own national development agenda through unanimous Resolution in year 2016. He further stated that COVID-19 has been a major setback for the global economy and prosperity and Pakistan was not an exception. He highlighted that Pakistan is facing acute challanges like climate change, healthcare, economic growth, poverty, gender inequality and socio-economic challenges. Building a world with zero hunger which can positively impact our economies, health, education, equality and social development is an integral to building a better future for everyone.
Federal Planning and Development Minister Dr. Ahsan Iqbal observed that the SDGs can only be implemented by localizing their solutions in Pakistan’s unique context.

EU Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Riina Kionka praised the efforts of the National Assembly Secretariat for organising the conference, stating that the European Union was pleased to join forces with Pakistan to advance the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. She also highlighted the role of the National Task Force as an important stakeholder in the process in terms of prioritisation and accountability.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam stated that the aim of the National Conference was to bring together stakeholders from all over Pakistan to share ideas, expertise and solutions for taking ambitious action and building partnerships to achieve the SDGs.

The National Meet on SDGs will go in-depth on Pakistan's issues, such as environmental degradation, rising poverty, food scarcity, energy difficulties, and inadequate flood control, with an emphasis on the post-COVID-19 situation.
The event is being supported by Mustehkam Parlimaan, a project of the EU focused on providing support to parliamentary development in Pakistan. The project is being implemented by the German Agency for International Development (GIZ-INS) and Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Affairs (PIPS)

Islamabad:26th July 2022: Parliamentary Task Force on Sustainable Development Goals is organizing a National Meet in Islamabad from 27th to 28th July 2022.  This National Meet would deliberate in depth on challenges faced by Pakistan like Environment degradation, rising poverty, food scarcity, energy crisis, poor management in tackling flooding with special context to post covid-19 situation. In order to address these challenges, the Parliament adopted a localized approach and arranged this National Meet so that the issues at grass-root level can be prioritized.  The National Meet is being organized in collaboration with  Mustehkam Parliamaan, a project of European Union dedicated to supporting parliamentary development in Pakistan.

Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervez Ashraf will inaugurate the event whereas Federal Ministers, Members of the Federal, Provincial and legislative assemblies will participate. The senior government officials, representatives from public/private and Civil Society Organisations, Academia, Media and Members of the diplomatic corps would participate in conference.

All stakeholders from around Pakistan participating in the National meet would ponder to work out a practical and implementable National Strategy for the Sustainable Development of Pakistan. This Event would also look into ways to achieve SDGs as only eight years were left to achieve SDGs.

In the context of Pakistan and the multitude of problems, It was felt that the SDGs are prioritised with a national lens. This event would provide a platform for redesigning of the global goals in an inclusive, resilient and sustainable manner. One of the key outputs of the National Meet shall include a national framework which will allow for a roadmap to be established and will assist in the prioritization of the goals, nationally.

Mustehkam Parliamaan, a project of European Union, is being implemented by Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ-INS).

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 National Assembly Secretariat

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 National Assembly Secretariat 

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Islamabad: 18th March 2022; The select group of the Pakistan-Azerbaijan Parliamentary Friendship led by Mr. Sadaqat Ali Abbasi is visiting Azerbaijan from March 17-21, 2022. The visit is part of the Platinum Jubilee Celebrations of the National Assembly of Pakistan.

The members of the Parliament of Pakistan will be meeting with the Deputy Speaker of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan besides meeting with their counterparts in the Azerbaijani parliament. On the very first of the visit, the Pakistan’s delegation attended the reception in connection with the forthcoming National Day of Pakistan. The event was organised by the Embassy of Pakistan in Baku and attended by members of Parliament of Pakistan and Azerbaijan, members of diplomatic core, members of Pakistani community, students, religious scholars etc. The chief guest of the event was the Minister for the Defence Production of Azerbaijan.

The Pakistan’s Ambassador in Baku shed light on overall excellent relations between Pakistan and Azerbaijan. He also recognised the presence of the Pakistani parliamentarians in the event.

Islamabad: 16th March 2022; Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser said that the revival of economic activities in the Ghazi Barotha affected areas is vital for prosperity of the local region. He said that the people of villages living in and around Ghazi Barotha Hydropower project are facing issues and the positive policy initiatives would eliminate these socio-economic challenges. He expressed these views while chairing a meeting to review the consultancy work to revive the ecological, natural and social aspects of the affected areas of Ghazi Barotha Project in Islamabad today.

While expressing concern over the recommendations of consultancy work for preparing unclear recommendation for revival of ecological and social dimensions of the area, he said that ensuring substantive amount of water is pre-requisite to revive the area affected due to this project. While discussing about effectiveness of Bellas in the area he said that managing these would provide more economic resources. He said that increasing plantation in affected Bella areas would make local region more prosperous and developed. He also said that a large number of local people are attached with fisheries and reviving fisheries production is vital to support them. He also said that the major concern of the people is the provision of substantial amount of water for irrigation purpose as this would make these areas more prosperous.  

The Speaker said that the employment of major chunk of local population is attached with fishery and agriculture. He said that these people were in dire need of water as their employment opportunities had squeezed.  He also mentioned that ground water level is also decreasing in the area. He said that decreasing ground water and business of fishery need to be included while making consultancy study for this project. He stressed on the need to increase the quantity of Water for agriculture and fishery needs of the locality.

The representative of Consultancy firm briefed him about diverse projects regarding revival of plantation of new species of trees, fisheries production, preserving the species of local birds and animals. He also appreciated the cooperation of local people in their work.

A six-member Pakistan Parliamentary delegation led by MNA Niaz Ahmed Jhakar visited Turkey as part of frequent high-level exchanges between Pakistan and Turkey on important bilateral and regional issues.
The Pakistan Parliamentary delegation met with the the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey Mr. Akif Çağatay Kılıç. Extending a warm welcome to Pakistan Parliamentary Delegation, Mr. Akif Çağatay Kılıç mentioned that the long-standing fraternal relations between Pakistan and Turkey were exemplary.
Mr. Akif Çağatay Kılıç discussed ways to mobilize the international community to help stop Israeli aggression against the Palestinians. It was reaffirmed that the international community had a collective responsibility in ensuring necessary steps to help address the dire situation and restore peace. He also discussed humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
While talking to Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, the leader of the Pakistan delegation Mr. Niaz Ahmed Jhakar said that friendship between the two brotherly countries is time tested and has roots in history. He underlined the need for enhanced interaction between the parliamentarians and people of both the countries for further cementing the fraternal relations between the two countries.
The leader of the Pakistan delegation appreciated the role of Turkey's efforts to mediate between Russia and Ukraine. He also reiterated appreciation for Turkey’s principled and steadfast support on the issue of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir.
Mr. Niaz Ahmed Jhakar also reiterated Pakistan’s continued support for Turkey on the Cyprus issue.
MNA Ms. Javeria Zafar Aheer highlighted our bilateral relations as well as regional and international issues with friendly and brotherly Turkey. She mentioned that Parliamentary Friendship Groups of both countries could play a vital role in promoting parliamentary diplomacy, people-to-people contacts and promoting parliamentary relations through fostering parliamentary exchanges.
MNA Ms. Javeria Zafar appreciated Turkish support for the Palestine and Kashmir issues. She stressed that peaceful resolution of both the outstanding issues must be taken as per international commitments. She expressed that the historic fraternal ties between Pakistan and Turkey are marked by unique mutual trust and mutual support.
MNA Faheem Khan also lauded Turkey’s valuable efforts to re-energize the Afghan peace process.
MNA Faheem Khan also thanked the members of all political parties of Turkey and Turkish people to always extend the support to Pakistan on Kashmir Issue.
MNA Faheem khan expressed his deep concern over mounting Islamophobia in Western countries and said that Muslims and their attire around the globe was subjected to discrimination and portrayed negatively. A joint strategy to counter such objectionable attitudes was the need of hour.
MNA Ataullah discussed the ongoing cooperation in the fields of mutual interests between the two brotherly countries and ways to further strengthen the existing cordial relations between Pakistan and Turkey.
MNA Ataullah appreciated Turkey’s role in October 2005 Earthquake in AJK and KPK, floods in year 2010 throughout the country and assistance during Covid-19 pandemic. He thanked President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for raising the voice of Kashmiris during his speech at UN General Assembly.
MNA Ataullah urged that growing trend of islamophobia need to be tackled jointly.
The two sides expressed their commitment and affirmed their resolve to further strengthen trade, investment, educational, cultural and defense cooperation. Both sides underlined the need to work closely on joint initiatives to combat Islamophobia, hate speech, and other manifestations of intolerance towards Islam.
 

8-March, 2022; A six-member Pakistan Parliamentary delegation led by MNA Niaz Ahmed Jhakar met with the H.E Hakan CAVUSOGLU Chairman Human Rights Committee and Members of the Human Rights Committee of the Grand National Assembly Turkey at Public Relation Building at Turkish Parliament on Tuesday. The Delegation was on an official visit to Turkey.
The meeting underlined the significance of existing relations between Pakistan and Turkey which were based on brotherhood, historical and cultural ties and mutual respect.
Mr. Niaz Ahmed Jhakar, MNA and head of the Parliamentary delegation thanked the Chairman Human Rights Committee and members, all political parties of Turkey and Turkish people to always extend the support to  Pakistan on Kashmir Issue. He reaffirmed that Pakistan will continue to extend its support at all forums with regard to cyprus issue.
MNA Ataullah Khan urged to enhance frequent contacts between the two brother countries and appreciated diplomatic and moral support of Turkey for Kashmir and Palestine issues at all International Foras. He acknowledged the role of Turkey for peace and prosperity of the region.
MNA Faheem Khan proposed to establish a joint strategic forum of Pakistan and Turkey to counter negativity spread by West regarding Islamophobia.
He further shared that Pakistan received the highest number of refugees/immigrants , especially with the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan, that tens of thousands and then millions of Afghans sought refuge in Pakistan.
MNA Javaria Zafar Aheer suggested that following Pakistan,Turkey might form the Women Parliamentary Caucus( WPC). While talking about the strategies of WPC, she added that WPC would help and enhance participation of women in politics, safeguard  women’s rights and gender equality, prevent all sorts of violations and harassments against women, work for the welfare of the women workers, enactment of legislation for the betterment of women etcs.
Chairman H.E Hakan CAVUSOGLU and Members of the Human Rights Committee appreciated the idea of Joint Strategic Forum and WPC.
Chairman Human Rights H.E Hakan CAVUSOGLU mentioned that issue of Kashmir was always close to Turkey and Turkey would always stood by Pakistan and extend support for the peaceful resolution of Kashmir issue.
Both sides agreed that there was a huge potential for cooperation in different area
 

7th-March, 2022; A six-member Pakistan Parliamentary delegation led by MNA Niaz Ahmed Jhakar embarked for the Republic of Turkey on official visit. The visit aimed to enhance bilateral Parliamentary ties between two countries and to devise collective and mutually beneficial strategies on various issues of mutual and regional concern.

During their stay, a dinner was arranged by the Embassy of Pakistan at Ankara, Turkey in honor of Parliamentary Delegation. During the event, the Parliamentary Delegation discussed the ongoing cooperation in the fields of mutual interests between the two brotherly countries and ways to further strengthen the existing cordial relations between Pakistan and Turkey.  The Head of the Turkey-Pakistan Parliamentary group and Turkish MPs were also present there. Both sides agreed that Parliamentary Friendship Groups of both countries could play a vital role in promoting parliamentary diplomacy, people-to-people contacts and promoting parliamentary relations through fostering parliamentary exchanges. 

The delegation thanked the Turkey leadership for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to them during their visit.

 National Assembly Secretariat

 Reviving Pakistan-Sri Lanka Bilateral Relations through Parliamentary Friendship Group

Convener of the Pak-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Group (PFG), Mr. Lal Chand, MNA, alongwith the members of the Executive Committee of Pak-Sri Lanka PFG  were briefed by the Ministry of Commerce today the 13th January, 2022 at 1300 hours in Parliament House, Islamabad.

The Convener of Pakistan-Sri Lanka PFG said that the two countries shared commonality of views on a wide range of international and regional issues, as well as extending support to each other during difficult times.  He emphasized the need to elevate bilateral trade and overall economic cooperation between the two countries.

The Convener also mentioned that Parliamentary Friendship Groups of both countries could play a pivotal role in promoting parliamentary diplomacy, people to people contacts and promoting parliamentary relations through fostering parliamentary exchanges. He assured that existing bilateral relations between two countries will strengthen further through mutual cooperation and understanding.

Ms. Ghazala Saifi , MNA and Parliamentary Secretary on National Heritage & Culture Division, Ms. Kishwar Zehra, Chairperson Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat and Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, MNA, attended the briefing session and emphasized to explore new avenues of cooperation in various areas of mutual interest including culture, agriculture, trade, education, textile, and pharmaceuticals. It was unanimously decided to meet the High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Islamabad to express their deep concern on act of brutal assassination of Priyantha Diyawadana who was lynched in Sialkot in a horrific attack. 

 Parliamentary Delegation led by NA Deputy Speaker leaves for Turkey to attend a conference of Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC)

Islamabad: 8th December 2021. Ten Member Parliamentary Delegation led  Deputy Speaker National Assembly  Qasim Khan Suri has embarked for Turkey to participate in 16th Session of  Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC) held from December 9-10, 2021 in Istanbul Turkey.

The delegation is visiting Turkey on the Special invitation of  The Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey. The delegates will be deliberating on a very important theme of the conference "Sharing, Conscience and Islam: Palestine, Migration, and Afghanistan.”
The 16th PUIC conference will be attended by the Speakers, Deputy Speakers, and Heads of delegations from Muslim countries. It will provide Parliamentarians for networking, sharing ideas and experiences on issues of mutual concern.

During their stay in Turkey, Deputy Speaker  National Assembly and Parliamentary delegation will have bilateral meetings with parliamentary leadership of Turkey and with a delegation of other brotherly countries on the sidelines of the event.

The Parliamentary delegation besides Deputy Speaker National Assembly Qasim Khan Suri comprised of Nine  Members of National Assembly including MNAs Rana Tanveer Hussain, Rana Muhammad Qasim Noon, Muhammad Israr Tareen, Mr. Gul Zafar Khan, Mr. Aslam Khan, Mr. Saleem Rehman, Makkhdoom Syed Sami ul Hassan Gillani, Mr. Saleem Rehaman, Ali Khan Jadoon, and Mr. Abdul Shakoor.

Islamabad, December 6, 2021: Elections of the Young Parliamentarians Forum (YPF) which were to be held on 13th December 2021 will now be held on Thursday, December 23rd December 2021 at the Parliament House in the Chamber of Deputy Speaker National Assembly Qasim Khan Suri the Patron of the Young Parliamentarians Forum. The election of the Young Parliamentarians Forum has been changed due to the OIC Foreign Ministers' Conference in Pakistan and change in schedule of the National Assembly Session.

Deputy Speaker National Assembly Qasim Khan Suri has also approved the final list of candidates for the Young Parliamentarians Forum. According to the final list, 12 candidates are contesting for the post of YPF President, Vice President, General Secretary, Joint Secretary, Media Coordinator and Treasurer. MNAs Makhdoom Zain Hussain Qureshi, Malik Anwar Taj and Ms. Saira Bano will be contesting for the slot of President, Ms. Kanwal Shozaib and Ms. Uzma Riaz are contesting for General Secretary. While MNAs Syed Murtaza Mehmood and Rana Iradat Sharif Khan will contest for Joint Secretary. Ms. Shandana Gulzar Khan, Ms. Tashfeen Safdar and Senator Faisal Javed Khan are the candidates for Media Coordinator while Ms. Romina Khurshid Alam and Syeda Noshin Iftikhar have been elected unopposed for slots of Vice President  and Treasurer respectively.

The total number of YPF is 130 which include 106 members of the National Assembly and 24 Senators. The age limit of members of Young Parliamentary Forum is up to 45 years.
 

 NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

(Directorate General of Media)
**
PRESS RELEASE

NATIONAL ASSEMBLY TO COMMEMORATE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (PWDs) AT PARLIAMENT HOUSE ON 3RD DECEMBER 2021

NA SPEAKER ASAD QAISER TO LAUNCH ACCESSIBILITY INITIATIVES AT PARLIAMENT HOUSE BUILDING FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES (PWDs)

Islamabad: 2nd December 2021: National Assembly will commemorate the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) on Friday the 03rd December 2021 in the Parliament House. The International Day of PWDs 2021 is being celebrated on the global theme “Leadership and participation of Persons with Disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world” that focuses on the challenges faced by persons with a disability during the COVID-19 pandemic and to ensure their inclusive, accessible, and sustainable future. This event aims to raise awareness regarding our responsibilities towards PWDs and bring positive changes in their lives. Moreover, it will serve as an opportunity to celebrate their achievements and contributions and highlight the importance of the inclusion of vulnerable segments of the society into the mainstream.
During the event, Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser will launch accessibility of the Parliament House Building and the accessibility of the National Assembly official website for PWDs besides, unveiling the full version of the Braille Constitution of Pakistan. This initiative of Speaker Asad Qaiser will contribute significantly to alleviate the difficulties being faced by PWDs, which will boost their confidence and encourage them to excel in all walks of life. 

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Islamabad: 17th November 2021; Convenier Pak-Bahrain Parliamentary Friendship Group MNA  Mr.Abdul Shakur Shaad said that Pakistan is blessed with all natural resources and skilled man power. He said that Pakistani youth had sacrificed their lives for Bahrain's freedom. He said that Bahrian Pakistan relations are based on mutual interest of trade investment and shared values of Islam.He said that Pakistan gives high importance to its long-standing fraternal relations with Bahrain which are rooted in shared faith, believes and mutual traditions of Islamic brotherhood. He expressed these views during a meeting with the visiting Parliamentary delegation of Bahrain at Islamabad today.

He said that bilateral relations between both countries can be strengthened by expanding cooperation in the field of trade, investment  and human resources development.He said that Kashmir is an unfinished agenda of Partition of   subcontinent and  sought support of Bahrain in the cause of Indian Illegally occupied Jummu and Kashmir. He congratulated the Speaker of the Council of Representatives of the kingdom of Bahrain and people of Bahrain on the Golden Jubilee Celebration of Independence of Bahrain.

Member National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has said that the Pakistani diaspora was playing   an important role in the socio-economic development of Bahrain as well as of Pakistan. He said that Pakistan has huge   skilled manpower which would continue playing its vital role for the progress of Bahrain. He said that the Parliamentary Friendship group was first time constituted in 2013 when he was Speaker National Assembly. He said that this kind of Parliamentary interaction would strengthen relations between both countries.

MNA Mrs.Noreen Farooq Ibrahim   expressed her  gratitude to the government of Bahrain for supporting Pakistani workers especially during the peak of Pandemic COVID-19.  She also said that Bahrain is a vital member of OIC and Bahrain has great importance in Gulf countries. She said that kashmiris are fighting for their right of self determination and it is upto whole world to support kashmiris in their cause of self determination.
MNA Mr.Gul dad Khan said that   Pakistan desires to have peaceful and stable Afghanistan as it's neighbour.

Mr.Muhammad Ibrahim Al Sisi Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and National Security committee of Bahrain expressed   gratitude for great hospitality extended to Bahrain parliamentary delegation in Pakistan. He said that we are hosting the Pakistani community and he said that we always sought security and strategic relations. He said that Pakistan is the country where both the Bahrain consulate and embassy are functioning. He said that today they observed the legislative process and we can learn from each other's experiences in the legislative process. He also said that we would take extra care of our Pakistani national who has Bahrain nationality.

 

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 NATIONAL ASSEMBLY SECRETARIAT

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A-10 Member Delegation of the European Parliament led by Mr. Nicola Procaccini, Chair of the delegation for Relations with the countries of South Asia (DSAS), in the European Parliament met with the Members of Pak-EU PFG today, November 3, 2021 at 1000 hours at Parliament House, Islamabad. DSAS holds regular meetings with the South Asian countries to monitor developments in the regions. Implementation of GSP Plus, issues hampering trade and investment, minority’s rights, promotion and protection of human rights, labor rights, fundamental freedom, improving the business climate and enhanced bilateral cooperation with EU, remained the focus of discussion.
Ms, Shandana Gulzar Khan, MNA, Convener Pak-EU Parliamentary Friendship Group said that Pakistan attaches immense importance to its relations with the European Union and would like to further strengthen through collaboration in diverse sectors. She emphasized the role of parliamentary exchanges in reinforcing bilateral relations and opening new vistas of cooperation. She reaffirmed to demonstrate consistent progress in the implementation of GSP Plus related 27 international conventions.
Syed Fakhar Imam, Minister of National Food Security & Research appreciated that the interaction between the two sides has increased in recent past. He highlighted Kashmir issue and expressed that human rights of Kashmiries must be protected and resolved as per UN Resolutions and the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
The Members of the Delegation of the European Parliament informed about developments concerning the Journalist Protection Bill, the Forced, Involuntary Disappearance Bill and the Anti-Torture Law.
During the discussion on democracy, good governance, rule of law, promotion and protection of human rights, freedom of expression, women’s rights and children’s rights, labor rights, the two sides reaffirmed their strong support for democratic institutions.
 

Islamabad:5th October 2021: while chairing the 4th meeting of Task Force of Pakistan Afghanistan Parliamentary Friendship group held in Parliament House today, SAPM Mr Irbab Shahzad said that facilitating Afghan brethren in this hour of need would stabilize the regional situation. He said that friendly investment policies in Pakistan would increase investment in Pakistan. The Task Force decided to pursue the matters of facilitating Afghan traders with all stakeholders.

Special Envoy for Afghanistan Mr. Sadiq Khan said that there are issues in company investment policies towards Afghanistan which need to be resolved at the earliest. He said that the issues of Visa extension and Visa excess to Afghanistan brethren be resolved at the earliest.
National Security Advisor Moeed Yousif said that security challenges demand all departments have proactive policies.
The Task Force meeting was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Interior, FBR, Pakistan Custom, NHA and the provincial government of KPK and Balochistan.
 

The first joint virtual meeting between the Pakistan-Australia Parliamentary Friendship Groups in the National Assembly and Senate of Pakistan with the Australia-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Group in the Parliament of Australia was held on Thursday, 23rd September, 2021 at 1100 Hours at Committee Room No.5, Parliament House, Islamabad. The agenda of the meeting was to explore ways and means for strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries especially in wake of ongoing pandemic.
 
The meeting was chaired jointly by Ms. Marriyam Aurangzeb Convener, Pakistan – Australia PFG and Senator Rana Maqbool Ahmed from Senate of Pakistan. Mr. Rowan Ramsey, President Australia -Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Committee chaired the meeting from the Australian Parliament. H.E. Mr. Zahid Hafeez Chaudhri, Pakistani High Commissioner to Australia and his counterpart Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Dr. Geoffrey Shaw also attended the virtual meeting.
Bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest were discussed during the joint virtual meeting. During the course of meeting it was recommended that the both friendship groups in the Parliament of Pakistan in consultation with the Pakistan High Commission in Canberra and Australia-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Committee in the Parliament of Australia would prepare a working paper to explore possibilities to enhance bilateral ties between the two countries. The members of both sides agreed to develop a framework for further action.
Ms. Marriyam Aurangzeb also highlighted that Parliamentary Friendship Groups of both countries can play a pivotal role in promoting parliamentary diplomacy, people to people contact and promoting parliamentary relations through parliamentary exchanges from both countries.
Senator Rana Maqbool Ahmed emphasized on the need for exploring new avenues of cooperation in various areas of mutual interest. The issues related to Pakistani students, studying in various Australian institutions were also raised and Australian side was requested to facilitate in solving problems faced by Pakistani students,

 

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Islamabad, August 30, 2021: Parliament to be convened on 13th September, 2021 for the address of the President of Pakistan to mark the commencement of the 4th Parliament year of the incumbent National Assembly. This was informed by Advisor to the Prime Minister on Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Zaheer Uddin Baber Awan who called on Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser, today. Federal Ministers Dr. fehmida Mirza and Asad Umar also joined the meeting.

Issues related to the Address of the President of Pakistan to the Majlis e Shoora (Parliament), pending legislation and the calendar for the new parliamentary year were discussed. Dr. Baber Awan informed that joint sitting of Parliament will be convened on September 13 to be addressed by President Dr. Arif Alvi.

Speaker Asad Qaiser said that effective legislation can overcome the challenges facing the country and solve the problems facing the people. He said that pending laws specially those related to public welfare should be brought erode the National Assembly for passage on priority during the fourth parliamentary year. The Speaker said that  performance of the National Assembly during its third year was commendable and the members of the treasury and the opposition needed to be credited for that.
 
Federal Ministers Dr. Fehmida Mirza and Asad Umar also appreciated Speaker Asad Qaiser for smooth conduct of the sessions of the Assembly. They said that discussion on public issues House provides guidelines to the executive for improving governance. They said that record legislation during the preceding year depicts interest of the legislators in the legislative proceedings.  

Dr. Baber Awan later informed that Calendar for the new parliamentary year has been prepared which will be submitted to the House Business Advisory Committee for approval. He informed that pending legislation also would be brought before the House for passages after fulfilling requirements provided under the Rules of Business and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly

 

Islamabad 24th August 2021: Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser said that institutional reforms are vital for making these institutions more productive and enabling these to provide for quality public service delivery. He said that without reforming public institutions the dream of welfare state would not be realized. He expressed these views while meeting with Advisor to the Prime Minister on Institutional Reforms and Austerity Dr. Ishrat Husain  who called on him in the Parliament House today.

Speaker Asad Qaiser said that as a result of his directions for austerity and adopting strict financial discipline, the National Assembly Secretariat  has reduced  its expenditure  substantially and surrendered an amount of Rs.1 billion 38.9 million to the government.  He said that this was in line with the government’s policy of austerity. He said that this saving is 26.4 percent of total budget of Financial Year 2020-21 of National Assembly Secretariat.  He said that this  is the largest savings in the history  of National Assembly  Secretariat.

Dr. Ishrat  Husain Advisor to the Prime Minister on Institutional Reforms and Austerity appreciated Speaker’s special efforts to adopt austerity measures and saving public money. He said that the incumbent government would continue to make and implement policies for bringing institutional reforms in the country. He also  said that institutional reforms would pave for the economic development of the country.

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June 2, 2021, Islamabad: On the second day of the 2nd General Conference of Parliamentary Assembly of Economic Cooperation Organization (PAECO), a special session on ‘Advancing Tourism for Development and Poverty Alleviation in ECO States’ was jointly organized by the National Assembly of Pakistan and the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS). Senator Dr. Sania Nishtar, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Poverty Alleviation, presided the inaugural session and presented the key note speech. She welcomed the national parliamentary delegates from Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan attended in person while Hon. MPs from Iran and Turkmenistan, who participated virtually in the absorbing two hours deliberations. 

Senator Dr Sania Nishter highlighted that tourism is a key driver of sustainable development and poverty alleviation of the local communities. She further stressed that the ECO region has enormous potential, and this conference is a much-needed initiative that must focus on the opportunities the region brings for the ECO states.  The Members of Parliament and parliamentary delegates including; Ms. Shinkai Karokhail (Afghanistan), Ms. Malahat Ibrahimgizi (Azerbaijan), Dr. Syed Ehsan Khandouzi (Iran), Mr. G. Rozyyev (Turkmenistan), Mrs. Ceyda Bolunmez Cankiri (Turkey) and Mr. Zohidov Erkin (Uzbekistan) addressed the session highlighting their countries' narratives on the topic in addition to challenges and way forward viz a viz advancing tourism for development and poverty alleviation of our people especially the poor. The session enabled Members of Parliament, experts and parliamentary officials to ponder upon the much-needed development of local infrastructure such as; inter-regional transport, roads, hotels and resorts as well as tourist spots, to accommodate international tourists in the local context of member states. The discussion also highlighted the strategies for promoting regional tourism and development concurrently strategizing for poverty alleviation through development initiatives.

In the concluding session, the national and international delegates of the PAECO jointly deliberated and agreed with consensus on the joint statement of the session, which devised a way forward for advancing tourism for development and poverty alleviation in the region. In the final statement,  they highlighted the importance of the ECO region and the benefits that can result from close collaboration among member countries. They stressed that the ECO countries' governments must cooperate in all forms of tourism, which remains as a great driver of sustainable development and poverty alleviation. Resources should be pooled to build the capacity of local communities through education and training of our population especially in livelihoods connected to tourism. Furthermore, it was underscored that the elimination of terrorism is key to ensuring security in our region, which is vital to attract and develop our tourist industries.

The session was chaired by the Honorable Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Mr. Fawad Hussain Chaudhry. He welcomed the delegates of the ECO member countries and highlighted the importance of the ECO region, and the opportunities it entails. While sharing his remarks, he stressed upon the importance of enhanced tourism within the ECO regional states – leading to the sustainable development of the ECO member countries through greater cooperation in advancing tourism that will alleviate poverty from amongst the local communities. The session concluded with a group photo of the participants with the chief guest of the session.

PEOPLE’S REPRESENTATIVES RESOLVE TO WORK TOGETHER UNDER PAECO FOR REGIONAL PROSPERITY

Islamabad June 2, 2021: PAECO held a key session today on “Role of Parliaments in enhancing Trade & Connectivity”.

It discussed the avenues of collective and continuous parliamentary efforts for alleviation of poverty and prosperity of ECO region.

At a time, when pandemic is triggering global economic fallout and world is moving towards trade protectionism, regional trade is no longer an option but a necessity.

A case study shed light on successful parliamentary endeavors of National Assembly of Pakistan in relation to improving trade ties with ECO partners.

Later on, productive discussions were held in the context of promoting parliamentary partnerships under themes of inter-parliamentary cooperation, trade facilitation and promotion of people to people contacts.

First thematic session focused on enhancing intra ECO trade by increasing pace of resolution of outstanding issues between governments, common parliamentary legislation and exchange of information on concerns by various trading sectors through parliaments.

Second session urged facilitation of transit trade through trade liberalization, digitalization, infrastructure development and implementation of agreed trade mechanisms under ECO.

Parliamentary Assembly vowed to improve people to people contacts through visa liberalization, promotion of tourism and cultural activities during discourse in third session.

June 01, 2021
Second General Conference of the Parliamentary Assembly of Economic Cooperation Organization (PAECO)

ISLAMABAD: Women’s Parliamentary Caucus led two sessions at Second General Conference of the Parliamentary Assembly of Economic Cooperation Organization. WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP ROLES: LEADING THE AGENDA OF REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY and IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON WOMEN - AFFIRMATIVE ACTIONS BY REGIONAL PARLIAMENTS

Women parliamentarians from several political parties as well as representatives from the government, media fraternity and civil society also participated in the event. The event was jointly arranged by the National Assembly and Federal Women’s Parliamentary Caucus (WPC).

Speaker National Assembly, Mr. Asad Qaiser graced the event. Secretary WPC Ms. Munaza Hassan gave the welcome remarks at the start of the event. Women Parliamentarians including Romina Khurshid Alam, Andleeb Abbas, Zartaj Gul, Shazia Marri and Naureen Ibrahim participated in respective sessions. International speakers, H.E. Ms. Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker Milli Majlis Republic of Azerbaijan and H.E. Mr. Mustafa Sentop, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly, Republic of Turkey addressed the event that was attended by parliamentarians, representatives of the government, women Achievers ,civil society and media, both virtually and in-person at the event.

While giving welcome remarks, Secretary Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, Munaza Hassan said: “ Parliamentary Assembly of Economic Cooperation Organization has enabled us to create understanding and build working relationships for our mutual benefits at the regional level. Our cooperation on ideas and best practices signifies harmony, tolerance and respect for diversity. Pakistan is sincerely committed to the Charter of ECO, and believes that durable peace and progress in the region are in interest of all. We believe that parliamentarians have a unique opportunity and constitutional responsibility to play a significant role in promoting peoples’ voices and safeguarding their interests. We strongly believe that women at the decision-making table are a pre-requisite for lasting peace and stability in our region. In this regard, I pay respect to Madam Speaker Ms. Sahiba Gafarova for being a symbol of strength for women in her country and the entire region. It is because of strong women like you who break down walls and defy stereotypes, paving the path for women to follow”

Ruling party’s member, MNA Andleeb Abbas on the occasion, stated that despite many   hardships, with their extraordinary power, their intellect, entrepreneurial insight, social media savvy, and fearless attitudes, women are leading the arena of thought leadership. The world is becoming more and more integrated. What started with greater trade openness is translating into growing global economic integration and interdependence, as transnational movement of people and capital accelerate and information become even more accessible. Technological developments are rapidly changing the way people learn, work and communicate.

While addressing to the first session, Ms.Shazia Marri said “Parliamentary democracies are vanguards of rights of the oppressed. And no democracy can work without meaningful participation of women. Women parliamentarians of Pakistan have been at the forefront

PAECO Members re-affirm their commitment to jointly mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 on SDGs implementation in the region.

Islamabad (June 1st, 2021): The SDGs Secretariat of the National Assembly of Pakistan hosted a Panel Discussion Session on “Impact of COVID-19 on the Implementation of SDGs in the Region.” The Breakout Session of the Second General Conference of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Economic Cooperation Organization (PAECO) was chaired by Hon. Mr. Riaz Fatyana, MNA / Convener National Parliamentary Taskforce on SDGs and was Co-Chaired by Key Members of the Taskforce. The aim of the session was to promote Parliamentary partnerships for regional integration and to accelerate working on global agenda in times of the ongoing pandemic.

The session included three thematic discussion sessions, namely; The Race for COVID-19 Vaccination, which was chaired by Hon. Dr. Nausheen Hamid, Parliamentary Secretary for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination / Convener Sub-Group on SDG 3. Open Data for a More Effective Covid-19 Response and SDGs Implementation, which was chaired by Hon. Dr. Aisha Ghous Pasha, MNA / Convener Sub-Group on SDGs Scorecard Development; and What can Parliaments do to Achieve SDGs, which was chaired by Hon. Dr. Nafisa Shah, MNA / Member National Parliamentary Taskforce on SDGs.

The Session was attended by Parliamentary Delegates from; Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran (Virtual), Kazakhstan (Virtual), and Turkey.

Speaking on the occasion, Hon. Mr. Riaz Fatyana said, “In light of the on-going novel pandemic, the Parliamentary functioning and business has suffered to a great extent but it is essential to remember that Parliamentarians are at the forefront of the fight to prevent, slow the spread, ensure SOPs and mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on society and our economy. To successfully carry out our responsibilities, legislators must engage with those we represent by understanding and moderating public concerns by ensuring delivery of resources to those, in need across regions.”

He further remarked, “Parliamentarians are close to the people from their respective communities and are mostly aware of their needs, culture and the environmental aspects, and could include those needs in a meaningful way in legislation. But sadly, our interactions with our constituents have limited down due to COVID’s social distancing policy and lockdowns. We are concerned that it might reflect on the upcoming general elections.”

Dr. Nausheen Hamid, Parliamentary Secretary for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Convener Sub-Group on SDG 3, highlighted key steps the government has taken so far to respond to the pandemic including the development of an in-house vaccine. She further highlighted that “there is a lot of negative propaganda about the risks of the vaccine. The myths and misinformation is causing unacceptability towards getting vaccinated.” She assured the panel that the benefits of the vaccine outweigh the risks.

During the discussion, Mr. Abdul Aziz Hakimi, Member of the Wolesi Jirga of Afghanistan shared the Afghani experience of COVID-19 with the participants and urged them to develop a regular distribution mechanism for Vaccine in the region.
Mr. Tahir Mirkishili, Chair of the Committee on Economic Policy, Industries and Enterprising Shared Azerbaijani Vaccination Experience against COVID-19 and iterated the need to scale up production and sharing it across region.
Hon. Dr. Aisha Ghous Pasha, MNA in her keynote talked about the significance of financial and digital inclusion for rural populations and to develop a comprehensive strategy to sustain the industrial opportunities created by the pandemic. Moreover she said, “Resource constrained countries need policy prioritization in the times of COVID-19.” She also mentioned that the developed countries should have a larger heart in not just vaccination sharing but also in promoting SDGs, which is also in-line with SDG 17.” Hon. Nafisa Shah talked about the role of Parliaments in implementing the 17 global goals. She said, “SDGs must be the priority for every state to uplift the local population. Parliaments have to approve budgets and they have the power to shape the global agenda into national vision. They must play a central role. People centric policies must be formed to ensure that no one is left behind.”

Hon. MP Bulent Kusoglu from Turkey said “Parliaments should take lead to address the issue of public debts that got aggravated during this Pandemic.”
Hon. MNA Ms. Mehnaz Akber Aziz, Convener Special Sub-Group for Child Rights of the SDGs Taskforce, in her closing remarks urged the ECO parliaments to work together in Harmony as there was a huge appetite for regional cooperation and support.

The Session Chair and Convener National Parliamentary Taskforce on SDGs Hon. Mr. Riaz Fatyana in the end, proposed a PAECO Committee on SDGs and it was agreed that the same maybe taken up at the Executive Council meeting of the next general PAECO Conference.

The participating delegates offered vote of thanks to the Chair and thanked for the exceptional hospitality by Pakistan.
 

*PAECO CONFERNCE TO PROVIDE OPPURTUNITY FOR THOUGHT PROVOKING DISCUSSION ON PARLIAMENT’S OVERSIGHT ROLE IN PROMOTING INTRA-REGIONAL TRADE AND INVESTMENTS TO ENSURE SUSTAINABLE SOCIO-ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE ECO REGION: NA SPEAKER ASAD QAISER*

Islamabad: 31st May 2021 The National Assembly of Pakistan hosts the second General Conference of the Parliamentary Assembly of Economic Cooperation Organization (PAECO) June 01-02, 2021 in Islamabad. The Speakers and Parliamentarians from the ECO Parliaments will attend the event on the invitation of the Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser.

 The Conference is being attended by Mir Rehman Rahmani, Speaker of the Wolsi Jirga of Afghanistan, Ms. Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of the MiliMajlis of Azerbaijan, Mr. Talant Mamytov, Speaker of the Supreme Council of Kyrgyz Republic, Mr. Zokirzoda Mahmodthohir ,Chairman of the Majlisi Namoyandagon of the Majlisi Oli of Republic of Tajikistan, Mr. Mustafa Sentop ,Speaker of  the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, Mr. Ismoilov Nurdinjoin, Speaker of the  Majlis Oli of the Republic of Uzbekistan and  Mr. Mynbay Darkhan as  Heads of the delegation of the House of Representatives of Kazakhstan. Whereas,  Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf ,Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran,  Ms. Gulshat Mammedova Chairperson of the Mejlis of Turkmenistan and Dr. Hadi Soleimanpour Secretary General of ECO would virtually participate in the meeting.

The Inaugural Ceremony of the Conference would be graced by Dr. Arif Alvi President Islamic Republic of Pakistan on 1st June 2021. The inaugural Session would comprise a welcome address of Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser and addresses of Speakers/ Heads of delegations of Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan and key note address of Chief Guest President Islamic Republic of Pakistan. The Speaker National Assembly will also preside over meeting of Executive Council and General Conference as per the Charter of PAECO, a document agreed to acclaim the efforts of Izmir Treaty.  The 2nd Conference is an effort in the direction of enhancing cooperation and understanding between and among PAECO’s member countries. It is based on the belief that Parliamentarians, as representatives of the people and as policy makers, can play a pivotal role in encouraging commonality of views on matters of common interests as well as common concerns.

It is pertinent to note that the National Assembly of Pakistan is pioneer of PAECO and the vision behind its creation was to complement the efforts of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO). PAECO is an important Forum, established back in 2013 initially as a body of cooperation for promoting ECO processes in line with the Treaty of Izmir and Quetta Plan of Action. Its Charter is elaborative on its multidimensional activities.

It is to be recalled that PAECO was able to achieve Observer Status in Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) within one year of its inception in 2014. There are 2508 legislators in the Parliaments from ECO members representing the will of over 450 million people

During the second conference of PAECO, Speakers and Parliamentarians from ECO member countries will have a thought provoking discussion on Parliament’s oversight role in promoting intra-regional trade and investments to ensure sustainable socio-economic development in the ECO Region.

Besides deliberative agenda, Speakers of some ECO Parliaments will ratify the Charter to formalize its launching. This will also help to further the practical ideal of fellowship and understanding. The greatest advantage, however, is the opportunity to be enjoyed by Members to adopt a common line of action on different regional and international issues

The Permanent Secretariat of the Parliamentary Assembly of Economic Cooperation organization (PAECO) is being hosted by the National Assembly in Islamabad.
 

Islamabad: 29th April 2021: National Assembly  Secretariat  hosted Secretaries meeting of Senate, four Provincial Assemblies, legislative Assembly of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan in Parliament House this morning. Secretaries of Provincial Assemblies of Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Legislative Assembly of Aj&k and Gilgit Baltistan Assembly attended the meeting whereas Secretaries of Provincial Assemblies of Sindh and Balochistan participated in the meeting through video link. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Tahir Hussain, Secretary National Assembly.

During the meeting the matters related to House procedures, strenghtening oversight and outreach function of Parliament, inter Legislatures cooperation and administrative  issues were deliberated upon in detail.

It was unanimously decided to present the agenda of institutionalizing the Office of Whips of parliamentary party in the Assembly in all provincial and both Houses of the Parliament. The agenda item related to Compilation of Speakers' ruling was also discussed. The Secretaries suggested that capacity building  of Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Studies (PIPS ) was imperative to carry out this important  task. The Secretary of legislative  body of AJ&k  and Gilgit Baltistan suggested for the up gradation and modernization  of Legislative bodies. The secretaries unanimously  suggested to increase collaboration in Library and Research facilities so that extensive collection of books in libraries and research material be shared amongst the legislatures.

It was stressed that unification in the rules and procedures of  standing committee related to strengthening of Parliamentary oversight on Executive would enable Parliament to be more productive. The enhanced role of PIPS to built capacity of Members of the Legislative bodies and parliamentary support staff of all provincial, Senate and National Assembly  was also suggested.

The agenda items finalized in the instant meeting would be placed before the Speakers Conference to be held next month for discussion.

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Islamabad July 15, 2020: The National Assembly of Pakistan will be hosting meetings of the following four Task Forces on 16th July 2020.

i. Task Force on clearance of Afghan bound container traffic
ii. Task Force on Liberalizing border trade and Visa regime with Afghanistan
iii. Task Force to discuss incidence of high custom demurrage
iv. Task Force on Tracking and Scanning of containers on arrival and departure from Pakistan

On the invitation of the Hon. Speaker of the National Assembly, Mr. Asad Qaiser the meetings will inter alia be attended by the Defence Minister, Chief Minister of KPK, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Establishment, Parliamentarians, Pakistan’s Special Envoy to Afghanistan and relevant Federal Secretaries, Chief Secretaries of KPK and Baluchistan and other relevant stakeholders.

Task Forces will deliberate on long term solutions of the issues involved and would prepare recommendations for final submission to the Honorable Speaker National Assembly.

The meetings are in line with the vision of the Hon. Speaker National Assembly to improve transit trade, commerce and people-to-people contact with the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan for the mutual benefit of Pakistanis and Afghans.

The core objective of the Parliamentary Friendship Groups is to augment existing cordial relations between Pakistan and other friendly states.

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No.F1(2)/2020-Legis. In exercise of the powers conferred by clause (1) of Article 54 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, the President has been pleased to prorogue the Majlis-e-Shoora(Parliament) in joint sitting summoned on Friday, the 14th February, 2020 on the conclusion of its business.


Sd/-
TAHIR HUSSAIN, Secretary,
National Assembly Secretariat

Islamabad; January 01, 2020: The House Business Advisory Committee of the National Assembly met in Parliament House, today with Acting Speaker Qasim Khan Suri in the Chair to discuss the business for the Session of the National Assembly.

The agenda and ways and means to run the proceedings of the current session of the National Assembly were discussed. It was decided that the current Session would be continued till 10 January, 2020. It was further decided that apart from government and private Members business, matters of public importance would be discussed.

The meeting was attended by the Federal Ministers; Mr. Pervaz Khattak, Dr. Shireen Mazari, Mr. Ghulam Sarwar Khan, Mr. Shafqat Mahmood, Mr. Ijaz Ahmed Shah and Minister for State Mr. Ali Muhammad Khan, MNA’s Malik Aamir Dogar, Mr. Riaz Fatyana, Raja Pervaz Ashraf , Rana Tanveen Hussain, Mr. Iqbal Muhammad Ali Khan, Mr. Khalid Hussain Magsi, Secretary National Assembly and senior Officers of National Assemlby.

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Islamabad; December 4, 2019: The House Business Advisory Committee of the National Assembly met in Parliament House, today with Speaker Asad Qaiser in the Chair to discuss the business and timetable for the Session of the National Assembly.

The agenda and ways and means to run the proceedings of the current session of the National Assembly were discussed. It was decided that the current Session would continue till 20th December, 2019. It was further decided that apart from government and private Members business, matters of public importance would be discussed. The Committee also decided to take up address of the President to the Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) for discussion. 

The meeting was attended by the Ministers, Mr. Pervez Khattak, Mr. Asad Umer, Dr. Shireen M. Mazari, Mr. ljaz Ahmad Shah, Mr. Muhammad Azam Khan Swati, Mr. Ali Muhammad Khan, MNAs; Sardar Nasrullah Khan Dreshak. Malik Muhammad Aamir Dogar, Mr. Riaz Fatyana, Mr. Iqbal Muhammad Ali Khan, Mr. Ghous Bux Khan Mahar, Ms. Rubina Irfan, Agha Hassan Baloch, Mr. Muhammad Aslam Bhootani, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Ch. Muhammad Barjees Tahir, Syed Naveed Qamar, Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah and senior officers of the National Assembly Secretariat.

Islamabad; December 3, 2019: A delegation led by Dr. Abdullah Bin Mohammed Al- Sheikh, Chairman of the Shura Council of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will arrive on a 3-day official visit to Pakistan on Wednesday i.e. 4th Dec, 2019. The Saudi Parliamentary delegation is visiting Pakistan on the invitation of the Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan Asad Qaiser as an initiative for promotion of cordial relations and bilateral parliamentary exchanges with friendly countries through parliamentary diplomacy.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia enjoy brotherly relations and the same transcends to the legislatures of the both the countries. The legislatures of both the countries have commonalities of views and have supported each other on international and regional parliamentary forums. The upcoming visit is being considered to be of great significance and is expected to pave new pathways and strengthen the brotherly relations between the two countries. The instant visit of the Saudi parliamentarians would also provide an opportunity to their Pakistani counterparts for highlighting the plight of Kashmiris in result of Indian atrocities and muster support for resolution of Kashmir issue in accordance with the international commitment.

The delegation beside, calling on Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser, will also meet with the President of Pakistan, Prime Minister, Chairman Senate, Federal Ministers and their Pakistani counterparts. The matters pertaining to mutual cooperation in trade, economy, energy and other diverse sectors will be discussed.

Islamabad November 10, 2019.:  Pakistan Parliamentary delegation visited Roza e Rasool Allah Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) to pay homage to the saviour of humanity on the eve of 12 Rabi ul Awal according to a message received from Madina Munawara.

The Pakistan Parliamentary delegation is led by mr. Ibrahim Khan MNA AND comprise of Members of the National Assembly as per previous parliamentary practice proceed to Madina Munawara on self finance basis to present Salam and darood to Rasool Allah on behalf of parliament of Pakistan. This is the 4th parliamentary delegation proceeding to Madina Munawara in the month of Rabi Ul awal.

The delegation visited Roza e Rasool Allah and Secreatry to the delegation read out Salam on behalf of the Parliament. Later the delegation offered Nawafil and prayed for the solidarity and prosperity of Pakistan and Muslim Umah. They also prayed for success of the freedom struggle of their kashmiri brethren.

The delegation comprise MNAs Maulana Abdul Akbar Chitrali, Mr . Mujahid Ali, Ms. Kiran Imran Dar , Mian Najeeb Uddin Awaisi, Ms. Nafeesa Inayat Ullah Khattak, Ms. Saima Nadeem, Rai Muhammad murtaza Iqbal, Ms. Nuzhat pathan, Mrs. Shaheen Naz Toru, Ms. Javeria Zafar Aheer, Mr. Atta Ullah , Mr. Ibrahim Khan, Sardar  Nasrullah Dreshak, Ms. Saira Bano and Mr. Saeed Ahmad Maitla Director/Secreatry to the delegation.

Islamabad; September 30, 2019: The House Business Advisory Committee of the National Assembly met in Parliament House, today with Speaker Asad Qaiser in the Chair to discuss the business for the Session of the National Assembly.
 
The agenda and ways and means to run the proceedings of the current session of the National Assembly were discussed. It was decided that the current Session would be continued till 4th October, 2019. It was further decided that apart from government and private Members business, matters of public importance would be discussed.
 
The meeting was attended by the MNAs;  Mr. Iqbal Muhammad Ali, Mr. Agha Hassan Baloch, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Ch. Muhammad Barjees Tahir, Mr. Khurram Dastgir Khan, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Syed Naveed Qamar, Shahida Akhtar Ali and Secretary and Special Secretary National Assembly.

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SPEAKER ACTS INDEPENDENTLY, RESPONSIBLY AND FOLLOWS THE GUIDING PRINCIPLES SET OUT IN THE CONSTITUTION, RULES AND PARLIAMENTARY TRADITIONS IN ORDER TO RUN THE AFFAIRS OF THE HOUSE EFFICIENTLY AND TO PROTECT THE RIGHTS OF ITS MEMBERS

NA SECRETARIAT ON DIRECTION OF SPEAKER REPLIES TO SHAHID KHAKAN ABASSI ON ISSUE OF PRODUCTION ORDERS

Islamabad September 12, 2019: The National Assembly Secretariat, on the direction of Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser had today replied to a letter written by Mr. Shahid Khakan Abassi, MNA regarding production of members in the custody to attend the proceedings of the national assembly/joint session.

The National Assembly Secretariat referring to the letter of the Member dated 26th August, 2019 addressed to Honorable Speaker, National Assembly regarding issuance of production orders of detained members of the National Assembly in order to attend the sittings of Assembly / joint session of Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament), had informed that the Speaker being custodian of the House judiciously considers each and every case of detention of Member and nature of the case registered against him as well.

Referring to the Rule 108 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007, the Member had been informed that the Speaker or Chairman of a Committee may summon a member in custody on the charge of a non-bailable offence to attend a sitting or sittings of the Assembly or meeting of a Committee of which he is a member, if he considers his presence necessary.
The Member had been further informed that Speaker had never been selective in issuance of Production Orders of the detained Members. It was further informed that the issuance of production orders of a member in custody was the sole discretion of the Speaker and member cannot claim it as a matter of right.

The Member was further informed that Speaker was well aware of his responsibilities being custodian of the House to protect the rights of members and ensure their participation in the Assembly /Joint Session of Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) under the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007. It further informed that the Speaker considers every case independently and in a responsible way and also follows the guiding principles set out in the Constitution, rules and parliamentary traditions in order to run the affairs of the House efficiently and to protect the rights of its members as well.

The Member had been further informed that there was no constitutional provision regarding issuance of Production Orders of a detained member.  However, if the Member in custody was not satisfied with the issuance of production orders by the Speaker, he may approach the court of competent jurisdiction in that regard. 
 

Islamabad; September 6, 2019: In connection with the observance of the 6th September, 2019 as Defence Day and Shuhda e Kashmir Day, Khatam Quran-e- Majeed was held in the Jamai Masjid of Parliament House, today after Juma Prayers.
 
The Khatam-e- Quran was attended by Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Mr. Azam Khan Swati, Members of the Senate and National Assembly, employees of Senate and National Assembly Secretariats and Officers and staff of Allied Departments working in the Parliament House.

After Khatam-e-Quran, Fateha was offered for the Martyrs of 1965 war, Kashmir Freedom Movement and Military and Police Personnel martyred in fight against terrorism. Prayers were also offered for the success of the Kashmiris for attaining the right of self-determination in accordance with their aspiration. The participants also prayed for the integrity and stability of the Pakistan.

Islamabad July 27, 2019: 5th Asia Region Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Conference titled “Envisioning Parliamentary Paths towards a Diverse and Developed South Asia” will commence from July 29th, 2019 in Islamabad.  Speaker National Assembly Mr. Asad Qaiser, by virtue of being the President of the CPA Asia Region, is hosting this Conference. The CPA Asia Region Conference is being held after a gap of nine years.

The Conference will be attended by parliamentarians and eminent personalities like Ms. Rebecca Kadaga, Speaker of the Ugandan Parliament and the current President of CPA, Member of Parliament (UK) Lord Purvis of Tweed, Member of Malaysian Parliament Dr. Noraini Binti Ahmad, Chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee and Deputy Speaker of the Cameroon Parliament Ms. Emilia Lifaka, and Secretary General CPA Akbar Khan. Presiding Officers of Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assemblies, Mr. Fida Muhammad Nashad and Mr. Shah Ghulam Qadir, respectively and other distinguished parliamentarians and panelists from Pakistan and Commonwealth Member States have been invited to participate in the Conference.

The Speaker, National Assembly Mr. Asad Qaiser in his message to the distinguished guests of the conference said that it was his profound privilege to host honorable Parliamentarians and experts from the South Asian region, Federal and Provincial legislatures of Pakistan alongside observers from various parts of the Commonwealth to the 5th CPA Asia Regional Conference, 2019 in Islamabad. He said that the theme of the Conference represents the earnest desire of the Parliament of Pakistan to collaborate with legislatures from the South Asian region to come together on a single platform for the common good of our people. He further said that keen participation by Members of Parliaments is most heartening and a sign of their commitment towards strengthening democratic processes and supporting Pakistan’s efforts of bringing regional legislatures closer.

Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) is an effort to promote parliamentary diplomacy and democratic governance. Parliamentarians from across Asian Region will be part of the conference to discuss poverty alleviation, equal rights and representation of women, achieving Sustainable Development Goals, and youth engagement in country’s progress. The conference aims to engage nations to come together for common good.

The Asia region of the CPA consists of Parliaments of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Provincial Assemblies of four provinces.
 

Islamabad; July 25, 2019: The National Assembly of Pakistan will be hosting the 5th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Asian Regional Conference in Islamabad from July 29-August 2, 2019. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) links Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff from over 180 national, state, provincial and territorial Parliaments and Legislatures across the Commonwealth through its network. One of the oldest Commonwealth organizations, the CPA was founded in 1911. The CPA is an international community of Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures working together to deepen the Commonwealth’s commitment to the highest standards of democratic governance. The Association is composed of over 180 Branches formed in Legislatures in Commonwealth countries which subscribe to parliamentary democracy.
 
The CPA Asia region comprises the federal parliaments of Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka as well as the four Provincial Assemblies of Pakistan.

The CPA’s mission is to promote the advancement of parliamentary democracy by enhancing knowledge and understanding of democratic governance, for which it seeks to build an informed parliamentary community and to further co-operation among its Parliaments and Legislatures. The CPA helps to identify benchmarks of good governance and to implement the enduring values of the Commonwealth. The CPA aims to promote knowledge of the constitutional, legislative, economic, social and cultural aspects of parliamentary democracy, with particular reference to the countries of the Commonwealth of Nations.

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Islamabad; June 22, 2019: A five Member, Czech parliamentary delegation will arrive in Islamabad on 23rd June, 2019 on an eight day visit to Pakistan. The delegation is visiting Pakistan on the invitation of Speaker, National Assembly Mr. Asad Qaiser. The delegation would be led by Mr. Daniel Pawlas, Member of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Czech Republic and Chairman of the Czech-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Group. Ms. Aliya Hamza Malik, MNA and Convener Pak-Czech Parliamentary Friendship Group will receive the delegation.
 
The delegation during its stay in Islamabad will meet Speaker, National Assembly, Chairman, Senate, Foreign Minister, Advisor to Prime Minister on Commerce and Textile and Industry and Production, Chairman Board of Investment and their counterparts in Pakistan Parliament. The delegation will later proceed to Lahore. They will meet Punjab political Hierarchy and key government functions besides meeting with the Representatives of Business and Industry Organizations.
 
The visit of the Czech Parliamentarians would prove instrumental in fostering coordination and understanding between the legislative bodies of the two countries. The interaction of parliamentarians through parliamentary friendship forum is also being viewed at an apt opportunity to expand the scope of cooperation and transformation of that relationship in the essential people-to-people and state level besides show casing a soft image of Pakistan to outside world.
 
The Czech parliamentary besides Mr. Daniel Pawlas, MP/Head includes MPs; Mr. Michal Ratiborskey, Mr. Peter Sadovsky, Mr Antonin Kubos and Mr. Jaroslav Roman.
 

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Islamabad:  May 29,  2019 : In pursuance of the provisions of clause (3) of Article 53 of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Qasim Khan Suri, Deputy Speaker National Assembly shall act as Speaker National Assembly  w.e.f 29th May, 2019 vice Asad Qaiser, Speaker, National Assembly who has proceeded on a visit abroad.
 

Islamabad; May 24, 2019: The House Business Advisory Committee of the National Assembly met in Parliament House, today with Speaker Asad Qaiser in the Chair to discuss the business for the 10th Session of the National Assembly.

The agenda and ways and means to run the proceedings of the 10th session of the National Assembly were discussed. After taking into account the suggestion of the representatives of the Parliamentary Parties, it was decided that the current Session would continue till 31st May, 2019. It was further decided that apart from legislative business, Questions; Calling Attention Notices and matters of public importance would be discussed. 

The meeting was attended by the Ministers; Dr. Shireen M. Mazari, Mr. Ijaz Ahmed Shah, Mr. Azam Khan Swati, Minister of State Mr. Ali Muhammad Khan, MNAs; Mr. Asad Umar, Sardar Nasrullah Khan Dreshak, Mr. Khalid Hussain Magsi, Ms. Rubina Irfan, Mr. Muhammad Aslam Bhoottani, Agha Hassan Baloch, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Syed Naveed Qamar, Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah and Mr. Abdul Wasay.
 

Islamabad; May 21, 2019: National Assembly Secretariat has surrendered Rs.638.698 million on the account of saving to the national exchequer. The surrender of saving is required under the general financial rules and has formally conveyed to Ministry of Finance. The Secretariat had taken various steps under the direction of Speaker, National Assembly Mr. Asad Qaiser to reduce the expenditure of Secretariat without affecting the operational quality and service delivery. The surrender of above mentioned amount is made in different head of accounts from the sanctioned grant of the National Assembly during the fiscal year 2018-19.
 

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Islamabad, Pakistan – 18th March 2019: National Assembly’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Secretariat has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with United Cities and Local Governments Asia Pacific (UCLG ASPAC), Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is aimed at further strengthening cooperation on Localisation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that shall contribute to the achievement of SDGs in Pakistan for improving the socio-economic situation of the Pakistani population.
Convener, National Parliamentary Taskforce on Sustainable Development Goals

Mr. Riaz Fatyana and Dr. Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi, Secretary General
United Cities and Local Governments Asia Pacific(UCLG ASPAC) signed the agreement.
Speaking at the occasion the Honourable Convener, National Parliamentary Taskforce on SDGs Mr. Riaz Fatyana said that the SDGs Secretariat was established to provide parliamentary oversight, evidence based legislation and technical assistance to the Parliamentarians in tracking progress of SDGs in Pakistan”.

He further highlighted the Parliamentary Taskforce’s leadership role and the importance of partnerships to move Pakistan’s development agenda forward. He said, “The Parliamentary Taskforce on SDGs is taking ownership in achieving the development targets in Pakistan with the help of its partners like United Cities and Local Governments Asia Pacific (UCLG ASPAC). We want to build this Secretariat into a proper institution that will have a broader scope of work to achieve the SDGs in Pakistan.”

Reiterating the importance of strong partnership, UCLG ASPAC Secretary General Dr. Bernadia Irawati Tjandradewi expressed that “We are proud to welcome the Parliamentary Task Force on SDGs as our key partner. Through the Task Force’s strategic guidance and political support, we can ensure that our project’s activities on the ground fit into the country’s overall plans and actions. As importantly, our work with various stakeholders at the forefront of local level will provide important contribution to Pakistan’s SDGs implementation, including in evaluating its progress.”
 

Islamabad; Monday March 18, 2019 at 1200 Hours

A Meeting of the select Members of Pakistan – Belarus Parliamentary Friendship Group with the H.E. Ms. Irina Akulovich, Member of the Standing Committee for Legislation and State Administration of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus was held at Committee Room # 5, National Assembly Secretariat. Honorable Mr. Muhammad Yaqoob Sheikh, MNA and Convener of Pak-Belarus PFG highlighted to promote the bilateral exchanges between the two countries. The Honorable Speaker National Assembly also graced the occasion with his presence during the meeting. The Ambassador of Belarus was also present during the meeting.

The Honorable Speaker shared the desire to further enhance relations with Belarus in all fields of mutual interest.

Later on, the Convener of Pak-Belarus PFG hosted a lunch at Serena Hotel, Islamabad. Both sides agreed that Pakistan-Belarus Parliamentary Friendship Group can play a pivotal role to promote Parliamentary diplomacy, investment, trade and cultural exchanges between Pakistan and Belarus.

 
 
 

A special meeting of Parliamentary leaders was convened at Parliament House today to brief national leadership on the ongoing security situation. The parliamentarians were briefed by FM, followed by DG ISPR. COAS also interacted with the forum after the brief.
The forum unanimously expressed that they stand united against any aggression against Pakistan and will support the Govt and it’s institutions unconditionally. They also expressed hope that those who want peace and stability will prevail as war is not an option but a failure of policy. National leaders of all political parties offered their services for the cause of peace and progress. In the end Chairman senate and speaker National Assembly thanked the leadership for their unequivocal support at the moment of crisis.

Islamabad; February 22, 2019: A briefing session of Pakistan – Ireland Parliamentary Friendship Group was held at Committee Room # 7, National Assembly Secretariat. Honorable Mr. Faiz Ullah, Convener Pak –Ireland Parliamentary Friendship Group highlighted to promote the bilateral exchanges between two countries. During the meeting, Hon. Convener directed the Officer from Ministry of Foreign Affairs to coordinate with the Irish Parliament through diplomatic channel for establishing a similar group in their esteemed Parliament to enhance mutual cooperation between two countries.

The Director from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs briefed the group Members on Pak – Ireland bilateral relations and discussed the work plan to explore the possibilities of bilateral exchanges and way forward between both countries.

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Islamabad; January 14, 2019: The House Business Advisory Committee of the National Assembly met in Parliament House, today with Speaker Asad Qaiser in the Chair to discuss the business for the 7th Session of the National Assembly.

The meeting discussed the agenda and ways to run the proceedings of the 7th session of the National Assembly. The Representatives of the Parliamentary Parties gave their proposals regarding business in the House. It was decided that the current NA Session will continue till 25th January, 2019.

The meeting was attended by the Mr. Shafqat Mehmood Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training, Mr. Omar Ayub Khan Minster for Power Division, Mr. Ali Muhammad Khan State Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Malik Muhammad Aamir Doger MNA, Mr. Iqbal Muhammad Ali MNA, Mr. Khalid Hussain Magsi MNA, Agha Hussain Baloch MNA, Nawabzada Shah Zain Bugti MNA, Mr. Muhammad Aslam Bhootani MNA, Main Riaz Hussain Pirzada MNA, Mr. Murtaza Javed Abbasi MNA, Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah MNA and Shazia Marri MNA.

Islamabad November 22, 2018: The Quran Khawani for the salvation of  departed soul of mother of Deputy Speaker National Assembly Qasim Khan Suri who was died on 11th November, 2018 at Quetta has held in Jamia Misjid of Minister Enclave, Islamabad on Thursday. Chairman Senate Sadiq Sanjrani, Leader of the House in Senate Shibli Faraz Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Fawad Chaudhry, Federal Minister for Kashmir  Affairs and Gilgit Balistan Ali Ameen Gandapur, former Deputy Speaker National Assembly Murtaza Javed Abbasi, Members of National Assembly, Senators besides large number of  representatives of Media,  Senior Officers/ Officials of the National Assembly Secretariat and notables were attended the Quran Khawani.  After the Quran Khawani Khateeb, Jamia Masjid Minister Enclave, Islamabad Mofti Ameer Zeb offered Fateh for the departed soul.

While condoling with Deputy Speaker the participants of the Quran Khawani expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise of his mother. They prayed Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal and grant courage and fortitude to Deputy Speaker and other members of the family to bear irreparable loss with equanimity.   
 

Islamabad, November 12, 2018:  The funeral prayer of mother of the Deputy Speaker National Assembly Qasim Khan Suri has been held in Jamia Masjid Chilten Housing Scheme, Quetta on Monday.  She was died after protected illness last night.  Besides Member National Assembly Farrukh Habib, Senator Naseebullah Bazi, Provincial Ministers of Balochistan Zia Ulllah Lango, Mir Naseeb Ulllah Murree senior officers, members of lawyer’s community, party workers and large number of people of the area attended the funeral prayer.  Later on the deceased was buried in the Cantonment Graveyard, Cantt. Quetta.

    The Fateh Khawani for the departed soul will be held at Suri House, Chilten Housing Scheme Airport Road, Quetta.
 

Islamabad, November 07, 2018: The 01st meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on General Elections, 2018 was held in Committee Room No.2, Parliament House, Islamabad at 02:00 p.m today. The Committee unanimously elected Mr. Pervez Khattak, MNA as its Chairman. His name was proposed by Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, MNA and seconded by Syed Naveed Qamar, MNA. The Chairman elect asked the Treasury and Opposition Benches to nominate eight (8) members (on parity basis) to appoint a Sub-Committee with the mandate to frame Terms of References (ToRs) of the Committee.
 
2.         The meeting was attended by the parliamentarians namely; Mr. Pervez Khattak, Mr. Shafqat Mahmood, Dr. Shireen M. Mazari, Mr. Fawad Ahmed, Chaudhary Tariq Bashir Cheema, Senator Muhammad Azam Khan Swati, Malik Muhammad Aamir Dogar, Mr. Khalid Hussain Magsi, Syed Amin ul Haque, Mr. Ghous Bux Khan Mahar, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Mr. Murtaza Javed Abbasi, Rana Sana Ullah Khan, Raja Pervez Ashraf, Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah, Syed Naveed Qamar, Mr. Amir Haider Azam Khan, Mr. Abdul Wasay, Senator Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti, Senator Nauman Wazir Khattak, Senator Hidayatullah, Senator Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo, Senator Muhammad Asad Ali Khan Junejo, Senator Muhammad Usman Khan Kakar and Senator Abdul Rehman Malik. The meeting was conducted by the Secretary, National Assembly Secretariat.

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Islamabad 25 October 2018: The National Assembly Secretariat has auctioned six surplus vehicles and a motor bike at price  of  Rs. 7,816,000/= on 24th October, 2018 in the light of the austerity drives of the Government and directions of the Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser.  The Auction was took place in the Parking Area of the Parliament House and a large number of bidders participated in the Auction.  

One Mercedes Benz, four Toyota Corollas, one Suzuki Bolan and one motor bike Honda CG-125 were including in the auction.  The reserved price of vehicles was Rs. 4,774,603/- whereas the vehicles sold out at price of Rs. 7,816,000/=,  which was Rs. 3,041,397/=  higher than the reserved price.  The successful bidders will also have to deposit 10% withholding tax  after which actual value of the vehicles will be Rs. 8,597,600/=.
 

Islamabad 12 October 2018: The National Assembly Secretariat has decided to auction vehicles  in light of the austerity measures of Prime Minster of Islamic Republic of Pakistan Imran Khan. This decision was taken on the direction of Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser. 

According to the decision six used vehicles and a motor bike of National Assembly Secretariat will be auctioned on 24th October, 2018, including one Mercedes Benz, four Toyota Corollas, one Suzuki Bolan and one motor bike Honda CG-125.  The Auction will be held in the Parking Area of Parliament House, Islamabad. The Vehicle can be inspected in the Parking Area of Parliament House Islamabad from 11.00 a.m to 1.00 p.m.

The National Assembly Secretariat has already issued Auction Notice in this regard which has been published in National Newspaper on 4th October, 2018. This Auction Notice is also available on National Assembly Secretariat website www.na.gov.pk  and Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) website www.ppra.org.pk . Further details in this regard can be seen on these websites.   
 

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Islamabad September 18, 2018:    Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser in consultation with the Leader of the House and the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly has nominated Members of Business Advisory Committee.  The Speaker nominated the members of the Business Advisory Committee in pursuance of Rule 212 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007.
          
The Committee will comprise of Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Hussain Qureshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Pervez Khattak, Minister for Defence, Mr. Asad Umer, Minister for Finance, Revene and Economic Affairs, Mr. Ghulam Sarwar Khan, Minister for Petroleum, Mr. Shafqat Mehmood, Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training, Mr. Omar Ayub Khan, Minister for Power Division, Mr. Ali Muhammad Khan Mahar, Mr. Federal Minister, Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Minister for Inter-Provincial Coordination, Ch. Tariq Bashir Cheema, Minister for Housing and Works, Sheikh Rashid Ahmed, Minister for Railways, Malik Muhammad Aamir Dogar, MNA Mr. Riaz Fatyana, MNA Mr. Iqbal Muhammad Ali Khan, MNA Mr. Ghous Bux Khan Mahar, Mr. Khalid Hussain Magsi, MNA. Ms. Rubina Irfan, MNA. Agha Hassan Baloch, MNA, Nawabzada Shah Zain Bugti, MNA, Mr. Muhammad Aslam Bhootani, MNA, Rana Tanveer Hussain, MNA, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, MNA, Mr. Murtaza Javed Abbasi, MNA, Rana Sanaullah Khan, MNA, Syed  Naveed Qamar, MNA, Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, MNA, Shazia Marri, MNA and  Mr. Abdul Wasay, MNA.
 

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