Visit of Parliamentary Delegation of Common Wealth Parliamentary Association (UK Branch)
Provincial Assembly of the Punjab
PRESS RELEASE
Dated:-26-01-2011
Lahore: A six member parliamentary delegation of Common Wealth Parliamentary Association (UK Branch) led by Mr Roger Gale MP, House of Commons, UK, met Speaker Punjab Assembly Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan, today, at Assembly chambers Deputy Speaker Rana Mash’hood Ahmad Khan, Members of Punjab Assembly Dr Asad Ashraf, Ms Zeb Jafar and Shehzadi umarzadi Tiwana, were also present in the call on Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan briefed the delegation of the legislation process of the Assembly. Mr Speaker also informed the delegation of history of the Punjab Assembly. On the occasion, Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan said that Pakistan was the front line state against the war on terrorism. The Government was determined to root out the terrorists’network. He added that Pakistan couldnot combat terrorism alone without the active support of the international community, especially UK. The Speaker said that Pakistan and UK enjoyed very cordial relations and their visit to Pakistan, would further enhance these relations. He said that they highly valued the partnership of Pakistan Parliament with the Common Wealth Parliamentarian Association .They were committed to working closely and constructively with the CPA to find meaningful solutions to the challenges of modern world.
Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan appreciated the assistance provided to Pakistan by the UK for relief of flood victims. He said that they had one million strong Pakistani community in the UK who had made significant contribution to the British Society and were a valuable asset for both the countries.
Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan emphasized that peace in the South Asia, was conditional with the peace to be maintained in Kashmir. He said that the resolutions of Common Wealth, on the Kashmir issue, must be acted upon in its letter and spirit.
The Speaker stressed upon exchange of parliamentary delegations between Pakistan and the UK, one regular basis. The Speaker acknowledged the efforts of CPA, UK Branch, in promoting Parliamentary diplomacy in South Asia.. Rana Mash’hood Ahmad Khan said that the 18th Amendment would strengthen the democracy in the country system. He said that the Punjab Government had done a record legislation in its less than there years period.
The leader of the delegation Mr. Roger Gale appreciated the role of Government as well as the people of Pakistan against terrorism. He praised the Government for taking revolutionary steps to strengthen the democracy. The Speaker also hosted lunch in honour of the distinguished guests.
(ABDUL QAHHAR RASHID)
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