Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervez Ashraf has said that relations between Pakistan and USA are vital for regional progress and development. He said that enhancing Parliament to Parliament contacts would strengthen these relations between both countries. He said that both countries are celebrating 75th years of diplomatic relations and he expressed his desire to strengthen these ties for promoting mutual interests. He said that the Constitution of Pakistan ensures fundamental rights to all irrespective of caste, creed and religion. While discussing the vast potential of Tourism, business and trade, he said that the soft image of the country needs to be highlighted. He expressed these views during his meeting with a delegation headed by US Congresswoman Ms Ilhan Omar at Parliament House today.
While mentioning women empowerment, Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervez Ashraf has said that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto is the real role model for women empowerment not only in Pakistan but for the whole world. He said that she struggled for strengthening democracy as she was a great proponent of women and minority empowerment. He said that the peaceful transition of government indicated the ever-strengthening roots of democracy in Pakistan.
Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf appreciated the struggle and commitment of US Congress Woman Ms Ilhan Omar for ensuring fundamental rights of minorities, women and children in the USA. He said that she symbolized the struggle and resolve which every woman has in the world. He said that this visit of the delegation of USA congress would pave the way for strengthening ties between both countries. While mentioning about Women Parliamentary Caucus and Young Parliamentary Forum in Parliament of Pakistan, he said that these are supporting parliament in pro-women legislative functions proactively. He also invited the USA congress members to visit the parliament of Pakistan and expressed desire to enhance cooperation between the US Congress Committee system and the Committee system in the Parliament of Pakistan.
While highlighting the blatant human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK), Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf said that the world community needs to take cognizance of this severe issue as the Indian government is violating all basic norms of humanity in IIOJK. He also said that Pakistan is committed to eliminate terrorism from its soil and it always desire for peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan as its neighbor.
US Congresswoman Ms Ilhan Omar appreciated the warm welcome by Speaker Raja Pervez Ashraf on her visit to Pakistan.  She said that the USA values its ties with Pakistan as both countries had been partners in progress since the last seven decades. She said that the USA would continue to support Pakistan especially in the fields of education, health and women empowerment. She also invited Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervez Asharf to visit the US congress as she desired to enhance parliamentary contacts between both countries. The delegation also appreciated the rich landscape beauty of Pakistan as they visited Azad Jammu & Kashmir.