Women empowerment, press freedom, top priorities of government: Fehmida tells US envoy
ISLAMABAD (April 11 2008): The Speaker, National Assembly, Dr Fehmida Mirza has said that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with United States and both the countries have similar perceptions on many international issues. She said this while talking to US Ambassador Anne W. Patterson, who called on her in Parliament House on Thursday.
The NA Speaker apprised the ambassador about the functioning of the National Assembly, saying that democratic institutions were flourishing without restraint.
Dr Fehmida said that women empowerment, press freedom, and protection of minorities’ rights in the country were the top priorities of the government and the parliament would work for it.
She said that opposition is an important stakeholder in the parliamentary process, had a constructive role to play and will be provided equal opportunities in the House. Dr Fehmida said the government has adopted liberal policy towards media.
The Speaker also apprised the US envoy about the committees system in the National Assembly, their formation and working. She said that Pakistanis abhor terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and the majority of Pakistani population was moderate.
She said Pakistan believes in peace and has always emphasised the need for creating peace and stability in the region. She appreciated the US assistance for strengthening democratic institutions and development work in Pakistan.
US Ambassador Anne W. Patterson said that there was great support in the US for democracy in Pakistan and the US was anxious to see democracy succeeded in Pakistan.
She assured that US would continue its assistance for capacity building and training of the Parliamentarians in Pakistan. The meeting emphasised the need for expanded co-operation between the two countries, particularly in economic sector.
The envoy apprised the Speaker that the US has an ambitious programme for assistance and development in Fata. She also appreciated the decisions announced by the Prime Minister in his first speech in Parliament House.
Source: Business Recorder
Date:4/11/2008
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