Speaker's Press Release

Islamabad: April 15, 2013: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has condoled the passing away of Sahibzada Haji Fazal Kareem, Chairman Sunni Ittehad Council and former Member of National Assembly.

In her condolence message to bereaved family, the Speaker expressed heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Sahibzada Haji Fazal Kareem. She prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to members of the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad: April 3, 2013:  Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has said that Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was a visionary and dauntless leader who will live forever in the hearts and minds of the people of Pakistan. “Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto struggled for a modern, democratic and developed Pakistan free from exploitation and obscurantism where people’s will shall prevail. She said this in her message on the 34th Death Anniversary of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto being observed tomorrow.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was beacon of light for the downtrodden and disadvantaged people and his political objective was based on the common man’s right to rule through a fair representative system and their economic empowerment. She said that Shaheed Bhutto was an icon of principles and opted for martyrdom rather than leaning down in front of the dictatorial forces.

Madam Speaker said that the framing of the unanimous Federal, Democratic and representative Constitution of 1973, initiation the Nuclear program, holding of the OIC summit of 1974 at Lahore, the construction of Karakoram Highway, Steel Mills, Port Qasim, Heavy Mechanical Complex, and land reforms are the silent monuments to Shaheed Bhutto’s memory. She said that Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto undoubtedly laid the foundation of strong support structures for the economy of the country.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza called upon the Nation to forge unity and shun political differences in order to strengthen the democracy and to face the diverse challenges presently being faced by the country. She said that by following the footsteps of the Quaid-e-Awam, we would be able to rise as a progressive and a responsible nation in the comity of Nations. She prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the soul of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto in eternal peace.

Islamabad: March 22, 2013:  Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has greeted the nation on the auspicious occasion of Pakistan Day and said that March 23 has a special significance in the history sub-continent.

In her message, the Speaker said that 73 years ago, on this day the Muslim of South Asia, under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Lahore, resolved to work for independent Muslim state. She said that the Lahore Resolution induced a new vigor and impetus to the movement of independence gave Muslim new sense of purpose and direction.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that for centuries, non-Muslims lived peacefully, enjoyed complete religious freedom under the Muslim rule in sub-continent, however the government which came in power under government of India Act, 1935 give a rude shock to the Muslims forcing them that their rights would not be protected with in a united India.  “They were thus left no choice except to demand independence not only from the Yoke of Colonialism but also from the Hindu domination” She said.

The Speaker said that the Quaid-e-Azam embodied Islamic principles of tolerance and humanism which encourage him to rally around, not only Muslim public opinion but also support from other minorities to demand and create a separate Muslim homeland. “It is a tribute to his leadership and honesty of purpose that with in short period of seven years, he secured Pakistan against heavy odds through peaceful means” She said that.

She said that while celebrating Pakistan day, it was incumbent upon us to resolve the spirit of national unity and follow the Quaid’s guiding principles of unity, faith and discipline “let us make a firm resolve to make all our efforts to achieve the objectives of creation of Pakistan and also to make Pakistan a strong and prosperous, democratic country where the will of the people, equality, justice and brotherhood reign supreme”

 

Islamabad: March 22, 2013:  The Ambassador of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Islamabad Mr. Abdul Aziz Bin Ibrahim Bin Salih Al-Ghadeer called on the Speaker, National Assembly, Dr. Fehmida Mirza in Parliament House, today.

Both the leaders discussed matters of mutual interest and agreed upon that the two brotherly countries had not only been cooperating with each other in various field but also considered each other as two countries but one nation devoted to peace and security for common prosperity of their two states.

The Ambassador also evinced keen interest in the ongoing democratic transition process in Pakistan and hoped that the country would address its issues with consensus for the common good of the people of Pakistan whom the Saudi Government held in great esteem.

While appreciating the independent role of the Speaker the Saudi diplomat said that she has conducted the proceedings of the House Assembly impartially to the satisfaction of its entire membership. He also lauded the great services of the Speaker for her nation and expressed the hope that the Speaker would continue playing her role in the future too.

The Speaker said that throughout her tenure as a custodian of the House she never compromise on neutrality and impartiality. She said that she enjoined complete independence in the presiding process which enhanced not only the image of the elected House but also earned great respect for the Chair itself that commanded respect of the Members from both the ruling and opposition benches.

The Speaker said that her ultimate objective would remain serving the country and its people. The Parliament, she said, was the best platform for such service. The Speaker referred to various legislations which the outgoing National Assembly had passed in difference fields particularly, concentrating on the welfare and empowerment of women folk in the country. She also lauded the induction of a large number of women in Saudi Shura Council and hoped that soon there would be direct interaction between the women Members of the two parliaments. The Speaker recalled her meeting with the Chairman of Saudi Shura Council and Deputy Chairman of the Saudi Shura Council and hoped that such interactions would help in strengthening parliamentary relations between two countries.

Both the leaders also agreed that the mutual security of the two counties was very important for each other in the ongoing challenges that the Muslim Ummah being faced at present. The Speaker also thanked the people and government of Saudi Arabia for extraordinary generosity demonstrated for the people of Pakistan during difficult times.

Islamabad: March 21, 2013: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has strongly condemned the bomb blast at Jalozai Camp, Peshawar and expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives.

In her statement, the she termed it a barbaric and shameful act of terrorism. She said that the elements involved in such activities were the enemies of humanity and the country. She called upon the law enforcing agencies to apprehend the culprits involved in this shameful and heinous act and bring them to justice. She prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the souls of martyred in eternal peace and sympathized with bereaved families and prayed for early recovery of injured.

Islamabad; March 19, 2013: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has constituted the Committee on appointment of the Caretaker Prime Minister. Notification to this effect has been issued by the National Assembly Secretariat today.

The Speaker has constituted the Committee in pursuance of clause (1) of Article 224A of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

The Committee will comprise of Syed Khurshid Ahmad Shah, Ex-MNA, Haji Ghulam Ahmed Bilour, Ex-MNA, Senator Farooq H. Naek, Senator Ch. Shujaat Hussain, Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan, Ex-MNA, Senator Pervaiz Rasheed, Khawaja Saad Rafiq, Ex-MNA and Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob Khan Nasar, Ex-MNA.

Islamabad: March 18, 2013: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has condoled the passing away of Hero of 65 war, former Air commodore Muhammad Mustafa Mahmood Alam

In her condolence message, the Speaker expressed her heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise of M. M. Alam. She prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to members of the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad; March 12, 2013: The Finance Committee of the National Assembly met under the chairpersonship of Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly in Parliament House, today.

The committee approved the proposed budget of the National Assembly Secretariat for the fiscal year 2013-2014 amounting to Rs.2,445,194,000/-. The Committee was informed that there was no variation between the revised estimates and sanctioned budget for the year 2012-2013.

The committee appreciated the prudent leadership of Madam Speaker for initiating austerity measures and maintaining financial discipline in the expenditures of the National Assembly Secretariat during last five years. The members individually congratulated the Speaker for successful holding of PAECO Conference and said that she must be credited for her sagacious leadership. They opined that the situation of the Secretariat of PAECO in Islamabad was her great success.

The Committee also approved the continuation of 116 temporary posts in different cadres for the financial year 2013-2014. The said posts were required to be continued for the smooth functioning of the National Assembly Secretariat.

The meeting was attended by MNAs Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, Ms. Nafisa Shah, Mrs. Yasmeen Rahman, Ch. Saud Majeed, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Begum Ishrat Ashraf, Malik Ibrar Ahmed, Sardar Shahjehan Yousaf, Mrs. Farkhanda Amjad, Mrs. Bushra Rehman, Mr. Iqbal Muhammad Ali Khan, Mufti Ajmal Khan, Mr. Istiqbal Khan, Secretary National Assembly, Additional Secretary M/o Finance and other senior officers of the National Assembly Secretariat.

Islamabad, 10th March 2013: Dr. Fehmida Mirza and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have strongly condemned the incident of burning of the houses of Christian community by a mob in Badami Bagh, Lahore.

The Speaker and Deputy Speaker while expressing grave concern over the incident, has asked the provincial government to ensure safety and security of lives and property of the citizens besides a through inquiry into the unfortunate incident.

The Speaker and Deputy Speaker said that safeguarding the rights of all citizens including religious minorities was the prime responsibility of the Government and it would continue undertaking every effort for protection of their rights as enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan. They said that such acts of vandalism against minorities not only tarnish the image of the Islam but also is detrimental to the interfaith harmony and law and order in the country. They said that one should be allowed to take law into his own hands.

Islamabad: March 9, 2013: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have strongly condemned the bomb blast in Peshawar and expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives.

In their separate statements, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker termed it a barbaric and shameful act of terrorism. They said that the elements involved in such activities were the enemies of humanity and the country. They said that such shameful acts could not deter the Government from its firm resolve to fight against terrorism. They were confident that the culprits involved in such activities will not be spared and will be brought to justice.

They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the souls of martyred in eternal peace and sympathized with bereaved families and prayed for early recovery of injured.

Islamabad; March 7, 2013: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly said that the role of women was very important in prosperity and progress of every society but it was unfortunate that women around the globe were abused, harassed, marginalized and were compelled to live a miserable life under constant shadow of violence, diseases discrimination and poverty. She stressed upon the world community for collective efforts and better legislation to protect women rights. She expressed these view in her message on International Women day being commemorated with the theme “The Gender Agenda: Gaining Momentum” throughout the world tomorrow.

She said that Islam gives equal respect and rights to women and strictly negated gender discrimination. She said that women in our society are confronting severe problems education, healthcare and employment. She said denying to women of their due rights was hampering economic progress and development. She said there was a need to change the mindset and perception of people to protect women rights and bring them into main stream. The speaker said that empowerment and betterment of womenfolk in the country was the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and it went on her credit that despite all resistance from the forces of bigotry she introduce reforms for leading women into echelons of power. She said that in realization of the vision of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto, women have been sufficiently represent in the present parliament and opportunities have been provided to them for their enhanced role in national development.

She said that women representation in public affairs was imperative to the functioning and strengthening of democracy and struggle against the oppression. She said that women need to be economically empowered therefore, women entrepreneurs are being encouraged to play active role in economic activities.

The Speaker said that the government has taken various steps for economic empowerment of women and has brought changes in the relevant laws to provide them safe working environment and also allocated substantial funds for provision of basic healthcare facilities and education to them. She said that parliament has enacted several laws to protect women from violence and oppression including Women Harassment Bill, anti-women practices Bill and National Commission on the status of Women Bill.  She stressed the need for strict implementation and awareness of those Laws. She also appreciated role of women parliamentary caucus in National Assembly for protecting women rights and empowering them politically and economically. She also appreciated the role of non governmental organizations working for welfare and rights of women.

Islamabad: March 5, 2013: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker, National Assembly have condoled the death of M. Abari Khar uncle of Hina Rabbani Khar, Minister for Foreign Affairs.

In their separate condolence messages to Hina Rabbani Khar, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Ghulam Muhammad Arabi Khar. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to members of the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

The Speaker and Deputy Speaker also condoled the death of Pir Hajan Shah. In their condolence messages to the bereaved family, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the members of the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad: March 5, 2013: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has condoled the death of Rafiq Engineer, Provincial Minister, Sindh.

In her condolence message to the bereaved family, the Speaker expressed her heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Rafiq Engineer. She prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to members of the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad: March 4, 2013: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have strongly condemned the bomb blast in Karachi and expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives.

In their separate statements, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker termed it a barbaric and shameful act of terrorism. They said that the elements involved in such activities were the enemies of humanity and the country. They said that such shameful acts could not deter the Government from its firm resolve to fight against terrorism. They were confident that the culprits involved in such activities will not be spared and will be brought to justice.

They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the souls of martyred in eternal peace and sympathized with bereaved families and prayed for early recovery of injured.

The Dinner hosted by Speaker, National Assembly to bid farewell to Members of the National Assembly on 5th March, 2013 at Pak-China Friendship Center, Islamabad has also been cancelled due to the unfortunate Karachi incident.

Islamabad: March 3, 2013: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have condoled the death of Shabnam Shakeel, Renowned Poetess and Mother of Dr. Moeen Pirzada, TV Anchor.

In their separate condolence messages to family of Shabnam Shakeel, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the said demise. They prayed Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to bereaved family to bear the loss with patience and forbearance.

The Speaker and Deputy Speaker also condoled the death of Mother of Dr. Moeed Pirzada and prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant of courage to bereaved family to bear the loss.

Islamabad; February 26, 2013: House Business Advisory Committee of the National Assembly met in Parliament House, this evening with Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly in the chair to discuss the business for the 50th Session of the National Assembly.

After thorough discussion, it was decided that the current session of the National Assembly will continue till 12th March, 2013. It was decided that National Assembly besides taking up legislative business for passage would also take up other matters of public importance for discussion.

The Members of the Committee individually paid tribute to Madam Speaker for her role as the custodian of the House and conducting proceedings of the National Assembly, impartially. They also thanked the Speaker and the Secretariat for cooperation extended to them in discharge of their responsibilities as Members of the National Assembly.

The meeting was attended by Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker, Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister for Defence, Sardar Bahadur Ahmed Khan Sihar, Minister for Defence Production, MNAs, Nawab Muhammad Yousaf Talpur, Sheikh Aftab Ahmad, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Ch. Muhammad Barjees Tahir and Dr. Abdul Kadir Khanzada attended the meeting.

Islamabad; February 22, 2013: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have congratulated the newly elected office bearers of Parliamentary Reporters Association (PRA)

In their separate congratulatory messages to the newly elected President of PRA Mr. Siddique Sajid, Vice Presidents Mr. Mateen Haider, Mr. Qurban Baloch, Behzad Saleemi and Zaman Jamali, Secretary General, Mr. Arshad Waheed Ch., Finance Secretary Mr. Ali Akbar, Joint Secretaries and Members of Governing Body, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker extended their warmest felicitation on their success. They said that their unopposed election was an evidence of trust and confidence of Journalist fraternity reposed in them.

They said that the Parliamentary Reporters Association is an extension of the Parliament and would help the Parliamentarians in performance of their duties of parliamentary oversight of the executive branch of the government.  They said that during last five years conducive atmosphere to the Journalists covering the Parliament proceeding has been provided. They assured their all out support to newly elected office bearers of PRA and prayed for their success during their tenure.

Islamabad; February 21, 2013. Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have strongly condemned the killing of grandson of Pir of Qamber Sharif who was killed in bomb blast at Jacobabad.

In their separate messages to Pir Syed Hussain Shah, Pir of Qamber Sharif, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker strongly condemned the bomb blast and term it an inhuman act of terrorism. They expressed their heartfelt grief over the tragic death of his grandson and prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant the courage to bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad 17th February, 2013: 2nd Dialogue between Women MPs of Pakistan and UK will be held in Islamabad from 18th to 20th February, 2013 in Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services, Islamabad. Lord Speaker Baroness D’Souza, Lord Speaker of House of Lords will lead the British Women MPs.

The 2nd Dialogue is being held following the success of the trialogue between Women MPs of Pakistan, UK and Afghanistan organized by UK Commonwealth in mid 2012. The Women MPs of both the countries will discuss different aspect of women’s economic participation and empowerment, issues and challenges, thereof and suggest ways and means to address those issues.

The  British Women MPs while their stay in Islamabad would meet Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly, Syed Nayyar Hussain Bokhari, Chairman Senate and other Pakistani political figures.

Islamabad; February 16, 2013: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker, National Assembly have strongly condemned the bomb blast in Quetta and  expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives.

In their separate statements, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker termed it a barbaric and shameful act of terrorism. They said that the elements involved in such activities were the enemies of humanity and the country. They said that such shameful acts could not deter the Government from its firm resolve to fight against terrorism. They were confident that the culprits involved in such activities will not be spared and will be brought to justice.

They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the souls of martyred in eternal peace and sympathized with bereaved families and prayed for early recovery of injured.

Islamabad February 13, 2013;   Speaker of National Assembly of Tajikistan Shukurjon Zhuhrov and Deputy Speaker of Afghanistan Neamatullah Ghaffari  visited Parliament House, today along with their delegations.

Both the dignitaries evinced keen interest in the magnificent Building of the Parliament House.  They praised the National Assembly Hall specially its ambience and the dome carrying Islamic Calligraphy.

Later they were briefed by the Secretary, National Assembly about the Parliament, its legislative procedures and working of the Standing Committees of the National Assembly and the Public Accounts Committee.  Secretary, National Assembly also briefed them about the Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services (PIPS).

The Speakers appreciated the establishing of PIPS and said that they would certainly take advantage of this facility and engage their Parliamentarians and staff for capacity building.  They expressed their gratitude to Dr. Fehmida Mirza for giving them an opportunity to visit Parliament of Pakistan.

The Speaker and the delegates posed various questions regarding working of Parliament and legislative procedures, which were answered by the Secretary, National Assembly.

Islamabad February 13, 2013: Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza chaired a meeting of the National Assembly Finance Committee in Parliament House, this afternoon.

The meeting was attended by attended by MNAs Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, Mr. Noor-ul-Haq Qadri, Malik Ibrar Ahmad, Sardar Shah Jehan Yousaf, Mr. Iqbal Muhammad Ali Khan, Mufti Ajmal Khan, Secretary National Assembly, Additional Secretary M/o Finance and Revenue and other senior officers of the Secretariat.

The Finance Committee granted post facto approval to the expenditure amounting to Rs.1.5 million incurred on purchase of tyres and overhauling of engines of vehicles meant for commutation of staff of the Secretariat. The Committee also approved the continuation of temporary posts in legislation and protocol wings of the Secretariat.

The Finance Committee also reconsidered its earlier decision of 23rd August, 2007 and approved merger/adjustments of the incumbents of the cadres of Staff Officers and Junior Staff Officers in other cadres according to their fitness and performance.

The Members of the Finance Committee individually praised the Speaker for her initiative for maintaining financial discipline and austerity in the Secretariat. They also congratulated the Speaker for successful holding of PAECO Conference and said that she must be credited for her sagacious leadership.

Islamabad February 12, 2013: On the sidelines of 1st Conference of Parliamentary Assembly of Economic Cooperation Organization (PAECO) countries, Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza held separate bilateral meetings with Mr. Cemil Cecek and. Dr. Ali Larijani, Speakers of Turkey and Iran, respectively along with their delegations today.

Speaker National Assembly, Dr. Fehmida Mirza underscored the need for closer contacts and cooperation among the ECO countries specially making the PAECO Forum more effective so that it ponder issues and common challenges confronted by the Member States and find solutions, thereof. She said that the ECO region was a huge repository of human resource and economic potential which if properly exploited could usher in era of progress and prosperity in the region.  She also underlined the need to work together to over come the issues and work jointly for the welfare of the people of ECO region. She said that all the Trade and other agreements of cooperation between ECO Member States should be accomplished specially the establishment of Trade and Investment Bank in Turkey. She said that all the Members states should sign the Banking agreement so that the Bank could commence its operations.

She thanked her Turkish and Iranian counterparts for their unflinching support for making her initiative into a reality. She expressed her gratitude to them for their active participation in the conference and expressed the hope that the forum would provide an opportunity for interaction and dialogue on matters of mutual interests.

Reciprocating, the Turkish and Iranian Speakers agreed with views of Speaker National Assembly and lauded her efforts for taking concrete steps in bringing the regional allies closer to each other. They said that the forum will provide an opportunity to share experiences on regional and international issues. They agreed that the PAECO forum should play its active role in bringing prosperity in the ECO region.

Islamabad February 11, 2013: Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza chaired a meeting of the Executive Council of the Parliamentary Association of ECO Members States (PAECO) in Islamabad this afternoon. The Speakers from Tajikistan, Iran, Turkey, Azerbaijan and Afghanistan attended the meeting.

The Executive Council approved the agenda and the topics of the 1st General Assembly of the PAECO to be held on February 12, 2013. The Executive Council unanimously elected Dr. Fehmida Mirza as the President of the 1st General Assembly of the PAECO and approved the panel of Chairmen for the General Assembly. In absence of the President, the Speakers of Iran and Tajikistan would chair the sessions of the General Assembly.

The Council also approved a committee comprising Secretary Generals of the Parliaments of ECO Member states to deliberate and formulate Rules of Procedure of PAECO. The Rules would be put before the next meeting of the PAECO Executive Council.

The Executive Council elected Speaker of Afghanistan as the Vice President of the 1st General Assembly in pursuance of Article 4 (f) of the PAECO Charter. It was also decided that Afghanistan would host the 2nd PAECO General Assembly which would be held in mid of year 2014.

During the course of discussions, all the Members of the PAECO eulogized the contributions of Dr. Fehmida Mirza for her initiative of establishment of this parliamentary forum. They agreed that PAECO would serve as a forum for enhancing bilateral collaboration and strengthening of people-to-people contacts. They were also of the view that the PAECO would deliberate and find solutions to the common problems being confronted by the people of the ECO region.

On the sidelines of 1st Conference of Parliamentary Assembly of Economic Cooperation Organization (PAECO) countries, Speaker national assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza held bilateral meeting with Speakers and Parliamentary heads of Afghanistan, Azerbaijan and Tajikistan at a local hotel in Islamabad.

Speaker National Assembly, Dr. Fehmida Mirza underscored the need for closer contacts and cooperation among the ECO countries. She said that member states are confronted with common challenges and there was a dire need to work together to over come the issues and work jointly for the welfare of the people of ECO region.

She thanked the member states for their active participation in the conference and expressed the hope that the forum would provide an opportunity for interaction and dialogue on matters of mutual interests.

The delegates who called on the Speaker National Assembly included  Chairman of Milli Majlis ( Parliament ) of Azerbaijan H.E. Sabir Asadov, Deputy Speaker of Wolesi Jirga of Afghanistan, H.E. Neamatutallah  Ghauffari and Speaker of Majlis-i-namoyandgan of Majlis- Oli of Tajikistan H.E Shukur Jon Zuhurov.

Reciprocating, the leaders of the parliamentary delegations agreed with views of Speaker National Assembly and lauded efforts of Dr. Fehmida for taking concrete steps in bringing the regional allies closer to each other. They said that the forum will provide an opportunity to share experiences on regional and international issues.

Islamabad; February 10, 2013: Speaker National Assembly of Tajikistan Mr. Shukurjon Zuhurov, Dr. Shamil Aleskerov, Secretary General, ECO and Mr. Neamatullah Ghaffari, Deputy Speaker of Wolesi Jirga (National Assembly of Afghanistan) arrived today on separate flights at Islamabad Airport to attend the 1st Conference of the Parliamentary Assembly of ECO Countries (PAECO).

The Speaker, Tajikistan, National Assembly and Secretary General ECO was received by Dr. Doniya Aziz, MNA whereas Deputy Speaker, Afghanistan National Assembly was received by Senior Functionaries of the National Assembly of Pakistan.

Talking to the Media after their arrival, the visiting dignitaries thanked the Speaker, National Assembly for warm welcome given to them. They said that they were privileged to be in Islamabad to attend the PAECO Conference whose establishment was way forward in institutionalizing closer Parliamentary Cooperation and enhancing people to people contacts between ECO Member States.

Islamabad; February 9, 2013: The National Assembly of Pakistan will host the first ever General Conference of the Parliamentary Assembly of Economic Cooperation Organization (PAECO) to be held in Islamabad from 10th to 13th February, 2013. The Speakers and Parliamentarians from the ECO Parliaments will attend the event on the invitation of the Speaker National Assembly, Dr. Fehmida Mirza.

Speaker Dr. Fehmida Mirza is the pioneer of PAECO as she initiated the proposal of establishing the Assembly and the vision behind its creation was to complement the efforts of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) for increased cooperation between and among ECO Parliaments. For the purpose of proceeding on the proposal, the National Assembly hosted the First Meeting of ECO Parliamentarians in Islamabad from September 4–5, 2012 where Charter of the Assembly was drafted and agreed for formal signature by the Speakers of ECO Parliaments in a regular Conference being held in Islamabad. The First General Conference of PAECO is a part of the said process.

The Parliamentary Forum, which the Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan envisioned, would serve as a milestone towards realizing the potential power of the ECO - the belief for assisting its agenda was a driving force behind the idea. The Speaker addressed the suggestion to the ECO Parliaments including Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Since these Member countries have a lot in common, besides being geographically close and economically resourceful, the Assembly of the ECO Parliaments, therefore, will enhance the prospects of close parliamentary cooperation through people-to-people contact and coordination among their Parliaments.

Besides deliberative agenda, the Speakers of ECO Parliaments will ratify the Charter by putting their signatures to formalize its launching. The Assembly, whose formation derives its strength from the sincere efforts of the Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan, was taken well by her Counterparts in the ECO Parliaments as it will serve common interest of the region. The Forum provides the sole machinery for regular consultation and exchange of ideas and information among Member Countries. This will also help to further the practical ideal of fellowship and understanding. The Assembly, thus, will play a vital role in binding together these peoples whom the ECO unite in the common fraternity by community of their interest and by their desire for strengthening democracy, working for freedom and protection of human rights of all citizens which is hallmark of parliamentary democracy.

All Parliaments of ECO are entitled to become Members of the Assembly, without election or any other formality. As per Charter of the Assembly, there is provision of electing the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson of the Assembly, who preside at its meetings. The document offers a convention by which the Chairperson should come from the Branch in the Parliament acting as host to the Conference while the Vice-Chairperson to be appointed from the Branch whose Parliament will be host to the next Conference. In this way, Members will feel that their Forum will continue to be truly representative. Fortunately, the Speaker, Dr. Fehmida Mirza will have the singular privilege being elected as the first-ever Chairperson of the new Parliamentary Assembly of ECO.

The Permanent Secretariat of the Parliamentary Assembly of Economic Cooperation organization (PAECO) will be situated in Islamabad. The Assembly will have annual conferences and other regular gatherings as and when required. Its Charter is elaborative on its multidimensional activities.

Islamabad: February 6, 2013: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker, National Assembly have condoled the death of Dr. Mohammad Ali Shah, Advisor to CM Sindh.

In their separate condolence messages, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Dr. Mohammad Ali Shah. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to members of the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker also condoled the death of sister of Eng. Usman Khan Tarakai, MNA. In their condolence messages to Usman Khan Tarakai, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to him and the members of the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad; February 4, 2013: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly said that the peaceful settlement of Kashmir issue in accordance with the aspirations of Kashmiri people was imperative for the peace and development of the region. She said that Pakistan would continued its unwavering moral, political and diplomatic support to the just struggle of the Kashmiri people for their unalienable right of self determination, as enshrined in the UN Charter and relevant UN resolutions. She said this in her message on the eve of Kashmir Solidarity Day being commemorated on February 5.

Madam Speaker said that this day serves us an opportunity to recognize the countless sacrifices of the brave people of Kashmir who have remained resolute and steadfast against the oppression, spreading more than six decades. She said that Pakistan remains firmly committed to finding a just and peaceful solution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the People of Kashmir.

She assured the Kashmiri People of Pakistan's continued moral, political and diplomatic support at all regional and international forums till realization of their objective. She said that the hearts of Pakistani people throbbed with their Kashmiri brethrens; therefore, they would not leave them in lurch. She called upon the United Nations and International Community to play their due role in bringing an end to the repression, violence and human rights violations being committed against the people of Kashmir.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza called an end to the human rights violations in the occupied Kashmir. She also urged for association of Kashmiri people in the dialogue process so that the dispute comes to its peaceful settlement in accordance with due aspirations and wishes of Kashmiri people.

Islamabad: February 3, 2013: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have condoled the passing away of Jam Muhammad Yousaf, Senior Leader of PML and Minister for Privatization who died in Islamabad yesterday.

In their separate condolence messages to bereaved family, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the said demise of Jam Muhammad Yousaf. They prayed Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to bereaved family to bear the loss with patience and forbearance.

Islamabad February 3, 2013:  Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly said that cancer is a leading cause of deaths globally and needed stringent awareness campaign to save the lives of the people who died from this fatal disease. She said this in her message on the World Cancer Day being observed through out the globe tomorrow.

She said that the Cancer Day was observed to create awareness about the diseases and prevention aspects. The Speaker said cancer is leading cause of deaths globally and more than 70% of all cancer death occurred in developing countries, where resources from prevention diagnoses and treatment of cancer were limited. She said that tobacco was the main cause of cancer and many cancers can be prevented by avoiding tobacco smoking. She said that healthy diet, physical activities and living in clean atmosphere has also proved helpful in reducing the risk factors of cancer and other chronic diseases. She said that a significant proportion of cancer can be cured if it was diagnosis at early stages.

She said that inequalities between developing counties in term of cancer prevention, treatment and cure needed to address. She also called upon the NGOs involved in Medical field to persuade people to take early medication to curtail this fatal disease after it has been diagnosed.

She asked the provincial health department to provide diagnostic and treatment facilities for cancer at all the hospitals especially in the rural areas on priority basis.

Islamabad January 30, 2013: Senator Farhatullah Babar Chairman of the Commission on the creation of new province in Punjab and Senators Syeda Sughra Imam, Kamil Ali Agha, Moulana Abdul Ghafoor Hiaderi, Haji Adeel and MNA Arif Aziz Shaikh, Members of the Commission today formally presented the report of the Commission to the Speaker National Assembly in her Chamber in the National Assembly Secretariat. Syed Khursheed Shah, Federal Minister and chief whip in the National Assembly was also present on the occasion.

The Speaker National Assembly expressed deep appreciation of all members of the Commission for completing the assignment and thanked them for finalizing and presenting the report.

Talking to the media after presenting the report Senator Farhatullah Babar said that the report covered all aspect that were needed to be covered and also included a proposed Constitutional Amendment Bill to give effect to its proposal about the creation of the new province in Punjab.

He said that a Constitutional Amendment Bill that concerned the alteration in the boundaries of an existing province required more than adoption with two thirds majority by the National Assembly and the Senate. Even after its passage by both Houses of Parliament with the constitutional majority it had also to be passed by the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab with two third majority before the President could give his assent to the Bill, he said.

Senator Farhatullah Babar paid tributes to the members of the Commission and thanked all those who made presentations before it either in person or through communication. He said that completion of the report on such a critical and emotional issue would not have been possible without the commitment, understanding and cooperation of all its members. He praised the members of the Commission for demonstrating a remarkable spirit of accommodation without which he said it would not have been possible to achieve the objective. He also thanked the Speaker National Assembly and Senate Chairman for reposing confidence in the MNAs and Senators nominated to the Commission. He said that he personally felt that it was great education for him as experts and knowledgeable people made presentations about the deprivations of the people and the need for carving out a new province for addressing their grievances. He paid tributes to Senator Syeda Sughra Imam and her team for carrying out a comprehensive study supported with facts and figures that were irrefutable.

He said that the Commission was required under its terms to submit report to the Speaker National Assembly and also to the Prime Minister which it had done. He said that a copy of the report had also been sent to the Prime Minister. Further action on the report will be taken by the Speaker National Assembly as deemed appropriate, he said.

Recalling the events leading up to the report he said that National Assembly’s Speaker Dr Fehmida Mirza formed the 14-member Parliamentary Commission in pursuance of a message received from President Asif Ali Zardari and authorization by the National Assembly in this regard.

The commission was composed of appropriate and proportionate representation of all political parties. The federal government did not form the Commission but it was created in light of the resolutions passed by the Punjab Assembly and the one passed by the National Assembly. No other provincial Assembly had passed any such resolution.

The Punjab Assembly had demanded that the commission should look into various issues involved including geographical demarcation, allocation/re-adjustment of seats in the National Assembly, Senate and the provincial assemblies concerned, seats of minorities and women, and other constitutional, legal and administrative matters.

He said that it was the right of the Parliament to amend, alter, accept or reject the report and the Constitutional Amendment Bill. Likewise, it was also the right of the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab to reject it after which the President could not give his assent to it even if it had been passed by both the Houses of Parliament with two third majority. However, the Bill and the report is a powerful political voice in articulating the grievances the people belonging to southern regions of Punjab and demanding their redressal through creation of a new province, he said adding, "the echo of this voice will reverberate in the annals of time till the demands of the oppressed and suppressed people of the neglected areas were met". The journey towards a new province in the Punjab may be long and tortuous and the road may be bumpy but the process is irreversible, the Chairman said.

He said that felt sad that the PML-N members did not attend the meetings of the Commission and the Speaker Punjab Assembly declined to forward names of two MPAs as members of the Commission. He said he wished they had joined the effort. However, they still have a great chance to make significant contributions to the debate in the Parliament and the Provincial Assembly if and when it came up for such debate.

Islamabad; January 24, 2013: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has said that the Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) is emblem of tranquility, justice, modesty peace, love and brotherhood. She said that Ummah should seek salvage from the difficulties by following and practicing the teaching of Holy Prophet. She expressed these views in her message on the eve of “Eid Milladunnabi” being commemorated through out the Muslim World tomorrow.

The Speaker said that Holy Prophet (PBUH) was a torch bearer and blessing for the entire universe. She said that it was the strength of the Holy Prophet’s character and preaching through self example and charms of personality that moulded the hearts and minds of the people and compelled the enemies to embrace Islam. “Holy prophet articulated a comprehensive code of conduct for interpersonal relations and formulating a healthy society through his personal conduct” Speaker said.

She said that the prophet (PBUH) revolutionized the world in a shortest time and changed every aspects of people life through his personal example and deeds. She stressed upon the Ummah to follow the Sunnah of the Holy prophet (PBUH) which provided the guidance in every sphere of life. She said that Muslim Ummah was confronting the challenges of sectarianism and extremism and added that best solution to all those problems lied in following the teaching of holy prophet (PBUH).

Islamabad: January 11, 2013: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have condoled the untimely passing away of Mian Abbas Sharif  younger brother of Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif , President, PML (N) and Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, Chief Minister of Punjab.

In their separate condolence messages to Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif and Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Shahbaz the Speaker and Deputy Speaker said that they were shocked to learn the sad news of demise of Mian Abbas Sharif.  They expressed their heart felt grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Mian Abbas Sharif .  They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the members of the bereaved family to bear irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad: January 7 2013: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker, National Assembly have condoled the death of sisters of Raja Asghar, Senior Reporter, Daily Dawn.

In their separate condolence messages to Raja Asghar, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demises of his sisters. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed souls in eternal peace and grant courage to him and other members of the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

BADIN, Jan.7, 2013: The Speaker National Assembly, Dr. Fehmida Mirza has taken notice of the gross irregularities, committed in the tendering and execution of the ongoing Left Bank Outflow Drainage project in Badin. She ordered an inquiry into the scandal and asked the Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah to suspend the Project Director, Sardar Shah.

Dr. Mirza, who is currently touring her constituency, was informed by the locals about the negligence in this important project. They alleged that the Project Director Sardar Shah was personally involved in the poor and sub-standard work quality and the massive corruption in this project.

It was also brought to her notice that the project had been hastily tendered without following the legal formalities, as to accommodate favorite contractor.

On receiving these reports, the Speaker ordered an immediate inquiry and asked the Chief Minster to take the Project Director to task. She has also vowed to bring it to the notice of President Asif Zardari.

The “Restoration of LBOD and Kotri Drainage Network System, including the activation of Old Dhoras” is vital for the worst flood-hit Badin District as the defects in the project has already played havoc to the existing physical and agricultural infrastructure in the area.

Islamabad: January 6, 2013: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker, National Assembly have condoled the death of Qazi Hussain Ahmad, former Chief of Jammat-e-Islami and Ex-MNA.

In their separate condolence messages, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise. They termed the death of Qazi Hussain Ahmad a national loss and paid rich tribute to his services for promotion of democracy and supremacy of Constitution in the country. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad: January 01, 2013: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker, National Assembly have congratulated Syed Matiullah Agha and Dr. Fauzia Marri on their unopposed election as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Balochistan Assembly.

In their separate congratulatory message to Syed Matiullah Agha and Dr. Fauzia Marri the Speaker and Deputy Speaker said that their unopposed election as Speaker and Deputy Speaker of Balochistan Assembly was an evidence of trust and confidence of leadership, members of Balochistan Assembly reposed in them. They expressed the hope that under their sagacious leadership Balochistan Assembly will play more vital role to further strengthen the democratic norms and institutions in the Province. The Speaker and Deputy Speaker prayed for their success.

Islamabad December 27, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have condoled the death of Professor Ghafoor Ahmad, Former MNA, Senator and Naib Amir of Jamat-e-Islami.

In their separate condolence messages the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker expressed their profound grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Prof. Ghafoor Ahmed . They said that he was politician of high repute and during his tenure as Member, National Assembly and senator he had rendered valuable contributions in legislative business. His services for promotion of democracy and supremacy of constitution in the country will be remembered for a long time to come, they said.

They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant the bereaved family the strength to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

The Speaker and Deputy Speaker have also condoled the death of brother of Zahid Malik, Editor-in-Chief daily Pakistan Observer.. In their condolence messages to Zahid Malik, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed souls in eternal peace and grant courage to the members of the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with patience and fortitude.

Islamabad December 26, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has said that Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was a visionary and a stateswoman. She said that Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto believed in supremacy of Parliament and always worked for strengthening the democratic institutions and promotion of democratic norms in the country. She fought for the downtrodden and oppressed and longed for a forward-looking Pakistan, where women were not subjected to humiliation, torture and treated with respect as equal partners to progress and prosperity. Dr. Fehmida Mirza said this in her message on 5th Death Anniversary being observed, tomorrow.

The Speaker said that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto had a towering and multi-dimensional personality and was bacon of light for the downtrodden, oppressed and marginalized segments of the society. She said that Mohtarma had the courage to challenge the worst dictatorship of the times when compared with other contemporary politicians. She bravely faced the oppression  and continued to challenge and dictatorships and remained steadfast in her commitment to the people and democracy.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that the challenges confronted to the nation at present can be resolved with joint efforts. She said that people of all the provinces had their confidence in Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and whenever the nation was given a relatively free of chance to choose, her political party returned successful from all the four federating units. She said that Pakistan witnessed a phenomenal development in all sectors of economy and made the country impregnable during her both tenures as Prime Minister.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that Mohtarma worked diligently as twice-elected Prime Minister towards the well-defined goals of women empowerment. Shaheed Mohtarma brought women to the main-stream by appointing them as judges of the superior courts, opened first women bank, ensured state protection for women by coming up to with the idea of separate women police stations, dedicated funds and schemes in shape of women health workers to bring sea-change in plight of misery and disease stricken women and last but surely least, encouraged women at every tier of political hierarchy.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that Mohtarma strongly believed in reconciliation and forbearance she was always forgiving and tried to look for similarities rather than to seek difference and believed in building bridges and not living in isolation, both on the international level as well as on the national front.  The Speaker called upon all the political forces to rise above party lines to work for the democracy and rebuild Pakistan as Mohtarma dreamed, aspired worked for. She termed it the befitting way of paying homage and remembrance Benazir Bhutto deserves as a visionary leader of our times. May Allah Rest the souls of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto in eternal peace (Ameen), Madam Speaker prayed.

Islamabad December 24, 2012:  Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has said that to attain a respectable and dignified place for Pakistan in the comity of nations, every Pakistani should follow the golden principles of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.  She said that we should focus on unity, faith and discipline in order to lead Pakistan to progress and prosperity.  She expressed these views in her message to nation on 136th Birth Anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

The Speaker said that Quaid-e-Azam was a great leader of 20th Century and was a symbol of integrity and honesty.  He won a free homeland for Muslims of India and defeated colonial powers and Hindu majority with his principled stand and un-tiring struggle, she said.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that Quaid-e-Azam envisioned Pakistan as a democratic impregnable welfare state where people could live with peace, love, fraternity and harmony.  Quaid also desired that every citizen should have equal opportunities of education, health, progress and justice, she said.

The Speaker said that the befitting way to pay tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah is to forge unity among our ranks, work hard for the progress and prosperity of the country and follow the golden principles of Quaid-e-Azam to overcome the challenges confronting the country.

Islamabad December 24, 2012: Dr Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has extended warm felicitation to Christian Members of the parliament and the Christian community on eve of Christmas.

She said that this day may bring bounties for the Christian community and peace and prosperity in the country. She said that this day is celebrated as the birthday of Jesus Christ who was not only the prophet of   Christian community but also he was much more revered by the Muslims as we believed on all the prophets of almighty Allah and their teachings were cradle for us.  Hazrat Essa (AS) advocated selfless services for humanity and preached the philosophy of non-violence, love, peace, tolerance and brotherhood.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza also extended her appreciation to the Christian community for their deep sense of patriotism and dedicated services for the progress and prosperity of the country. Their unmatched contributions in the process of nation building, especially in the field of health and education were a glowing chapter of our national history, she said.

The Speaker reiterated that society would be purged of the menace of terrorism and militancy by following the Christ’s philosophy of non-violence, love and peace to face the current challenging situation in the country, she added.

Islamabad; December 22, 2012. Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have strongly condemned the killing of Bashir Ahmad Bilour, Senior Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa who was seriously injured in bomb blast and later on died in hospital.

In their separate message to bereaved family, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker strongly condemned the bomb blast and term it an inhuman act of terrorism. They expressed their heartfelt grief over the tragic death of Bashir Ahmad Bilour and prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant the courage to bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad; December, 19, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker, National Assembly have strongly condemned attacks on anti-Polio Field Workers in Karachi and Peshawar.

In their separate statements, Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their profound grief and sorrow over the killing of female anti Polio field workers. They said that anti-polio field workers were working for safeguarding the children from crippling disease and they are true heroes. They said the elements involved in killing of anti polio vaccinators were the enemies of humanity and country. They said that federal and provincial governments should provide foolproof security to the personnel involved in this noble cause and bring the culprits involved in the killings to justice. They prayed Almighty Allah to rest the departed souls in eternal peace and sympathized with the bereaved families.

Islamabad; December, 18, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have congratulated the newly elected office bearers of National Press Club (NPC).

In their separate messages to the newly elected President of NPC Mr. Farooq Faisal Khan, Vice Presidents Mr. Abdul Razzak Sial, Mr. Asim Ali Rana and Syed Ijaz Shah, Secretary General, Mr. Sheryar Khan, Finance Secretary Mr. Afzal Javed and other office bearers, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker extended their warmest felicitation on their success. They said that their election was an evidence of trust and confidence of Journalist fraternity reposed in them. They hoped that they will work for welfare of Journalist Community and freedom of press. The Speaker and Deputy Speaker said that freedom of expression was essential for strengthening democracy in the country. They expressed the hope that under the new leadership the problems of Journalist’s community would be resolved. They prayed for their success during their tenure.

Islamabad: December 17, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have strongly condemned the bomb blast in Khyber Agency, Tehsil Jamrud and  expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives.

In their separate statements, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker termed it a barbaric and shameful act of terrorism. They said that the elements involved in such activities were the enemies of humanity and the country. They said that such shameful acts could not deter the Government from its firm resolve to fight against terrorism. They were confident that the culprits involved in such activities will not be spared and will be brought to justice.

They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the souls of martyred in eternal peace and sympathized with bereaved families and prayed for early recovery of injured.

Islamabad: 16th December, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Acting Speaker National Assembly have strongly condemned terrorist attack on Bacha Khan Airport, Peshawar and expressed deep sense of sorrow over the killing of four civilians and injuring several people.

In their separate statements, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker termed it a cowardice and shameful act of terrorism. They said that the elements involved in such activities were the enemies of humanity and the country. They said that entire nation is united in war against terrorism and terrorists could not succeed in their nefarious design.

Expressing their firm resolve, the Speaker and Acting Speaker said that such acts of terrorism could not deter the Government from its determination to fight against terrorism. They were confident that the culprits involved in such activities will not be spared and will be brought to justice.

They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the soul of deceased in eternal peace and sympathized with bereaved families and prayed for early recovery of injured.

Islamabad: December 10, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have expressed their grief and sorrow over the deaths of Senator Salahuddin Dogar and Senator Wali Mohammad Badini.

In their separate condolence messages to the bereaved families, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demises. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed souls in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved families to bear the loss with equanimity.

Islamabad; December 5, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly would perform the functions of the President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan under Article 49(2) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan w.e.f. 5th December, 2012.

The Speaker, National Assembly will act as President till the President or Chairman Senate returns to Pakistan from their official visits abroad.

Islamabad; December 4, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has accepted resignation of Mr. Araish Kumar, MNA belonging to PML (N) w.e.f. 29th November, 2012. Notification to this effect has been issued by the National Assembly Secretariat today and sent to Election Commission for further necessary action.

Dr. Araish Kumar has tendered his resignation due to personal reasons.

Islamabad; December 3, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has accepted resignation of Mrs. Sabeen Rizvi, MNA w.e.f. 29th November, 2012. National Assembly Secretariat has sent a notification in this regard to Election Commission for further necessary action.

Mrs. Sabeen Rizvi has tendered her resignation due to personal reasons.

Islamabad; December, 3, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have congratulated the newly elected office bearers of Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE) 

In their separate messages to the newly elected President of CPNE Mr. Jamil Athar Qazi, Senior Vice President Shaheen Qureshi, Secretary General Aamer Mehmood and other office bearers, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker extended their warmest felicitation on their success. They said that their election was an evidence of trust and confidence of Journalist Community reposed on them. They hoped that they will work for welfare of Journalist Community and freedom of press. The Speaker and Deputy Speaker said that freedom of expression was essential for strengthening democracy in the country and free independent media serve the interest of the people by acting an impartial critic of government policies.

Islamabad; December 2, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has accepted resignations of 4 MNAs belonging to MQM w.e.f. 29th November, 2012. Their resignations have been sent to Election Commission for further necessary action.

Members namely Syed Haider Abbas Rizvi, Syed Tayyab Hussain, Mrs. Fauzia Ejaz and Dr. Nadeem Ahsan have tendered their resignations due to personal reasons.

Islamabad; November 24, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has said that incident of Karbala give us a message of true spirit of sacrifices and firm determination among the Muslim Ummah. Hazrat Imam Hussain (RA) along with his companions made an example of courage, tolerance, upholding truth and principles which could not be ignored in time to comes, said NA Speaker in her message on the occasion of Ashura.

The Speaker said that Ashura reminds us that we should not hesitate to render any sacrifice for upholding the principles of truthfulness and Islamic values. She said that today the Muslim Ummah was passing through difficult phase and was confronting problems and challenges like extremism and terrorism. She said that today Ummah needed the spirit of Karbala and added that with the true spirit of sacrifice and firm determination we could overcome all difficulties.

The Speaker said that the best way to pay tributes to the martyrs of Karbala was to make commitment on this day to work and devote oneself for the development and strength of the country.
 

Islamabad; November 13, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, speaker National Assembly has greeted Hindu Members of the National Assembly and the Hindu community on Diwali being celebrated today.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that she was delighted to send her warmest greetings to Hindu MNAs and everyone in Hindu community on the auspicious occasion of Diwali. She said that Diwali was such a wonderful inclusive festival, which reaches beyond your communities to people of many backgrounds all over the world. The symbolic illuminations on the occasion represent life and hope and send a powerful message of unity and peace to all of us.

In her message, the Speaker also recognized the “huge contributions made by Pakistani Hindu community to the prosperity of the country” as something “we can all be immensely proud of”. She said that their involvement in every sphere of our national life was extremely commendable. “Once again, my very best wishes are for joyous occasion, Happy Diwali”, she wished.

Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly also conveyed his sincere and warm greetings on Diwali to his fellow Hindu Members of the National Assembly. He also appreciated their contribution in national development, fostering national unity and cohesion.

Islamabad November 13, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza Speaker National Assembly has urged the World health organization, diabetes organizations, NGOs and health departments for concerted efforts for awareness against diabetes. She called for joining hands to stop the spread of global outbreak of this chronic disease. She said this in her message on the World Diabetes Day being commemorated under the auspicious of United Nations throughout the globe.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that World Diabetes Day serves as an opportunity to promote awareness that every person with diabetes or at risk of diabetes deserves the best possible quality of education, prevention and care available. She said that a cohesive and a comprehensive strategy should be adopted to set norms and standards, promote surveillance, encourage prevention, raise awareness and strengthen prevention and control of this fatal disease.

She said that Diabetes apart from adults, adolescents could also strike children of any age, even toddlers and babies. She said that if diabetes is not detected early enough in a child or misdiagnosed, the disease could be fatal or result in serious brain damage. She attributed the lack of financial constraints, the main of deaths of Children because their families cannot afford the medication they need. She said that as reported by World health agencies, diabetes causes 5% deaths of all deaths globally due to diabetes.

The Speaker said that a multidisciplinary approach should be adopted involving health professionals for raising awareness against diabetes and its proper mediation and prognosis after its diagnosis to overcome this disease. The global diabetes community including International Diabetes Federation member associations, diabetes organizations, NGOs, health departments and companies should develop an extensive range of activities, tailored to a variety of groups for promoting advocacy amongst masses against adverse effects of diabetes on electronic and print media emphasizing on screenings of information relating to diabetes and its complications, conducting of walks, conferences, seminars and press conferences.

She called upon the federal and provincial healthcare agencies for focusing on disadvantaged communities and vulnerable groups worldwide, with particular attention on populations migrating from rural to urban centers. She said that those people face highest difficulties in accessing optimal healthcare those who are outside the health care system, or are less likely to access or become aware of available services. She said that our mission should be to prevent diabetes whenever possible and, where not possible, to minimize complications and maximize quality of life.

Islamabad; November 13, 2012: President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari has conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly on successful holding of 6th SAARC Speakers and Parliamentarians Conference in Islamabad on November 4-6, 2012. The President conveyed his felicitations through a letter address to Dr. Fehmida Mira, Speaker National Assembly.

The President said that the Conference played an instrumental role in projecting our unremitting commitment to the meaningful participating democracy in South Asia and strengthening people-to-people contacts. He believed that the region has a destiny which could be realized through meaningful and sincere collaborative actions of the SAARC member states. The forum of the Association of SAARC Speakers and Parliamentarians can play its part for cementing regional integration with a view to achieving accelerated socio-economic development, the President remarked.

The President said that he would like to recognize Speaker’s great personal contribution for making excellent arrangements for the events and for projecting Pakistan’s positive image. He hoped that she would continue to work for strengthening parliamentary democracy and to achieving the objectives of regional cooperation through parliamentary diplomacy. The President was confident that our concerted efforts would create conducive atmosphere for transforming the lives of the millions of people in South Asia. Please accept my sincere compliments on your efforts and very best wishes for this great cause, he said.

The President wished, very good health, his profound regards and continued progress in her future endeavors to Speaker Dr. Fehmida Mirza.

Islamabad: November 13, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has condoled the death of father of Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker, National Assembly who died today. The funeral prayer of father of Deputy Speaker will be held at 10:00 am tomorrow at Kundi Model Farm Chashma Road D.I.Khan.

In her condolence message to Faisal Karim Kundi, she expressed her heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise of his father Fazal Karim Kundi. She prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to him and the members of the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.
 

Islamabad: November 11, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker has condoled the death of grandmother of Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly. In her telephonic call to the Deputy Speaker after hearing the news, said that she was deeply grieved to hear the sad news. She prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul and forbearance for the entire Kundi family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza also condoled the death of Syed Iqbal Haider, Former Minister for Law and Col ® Ghulam Sarwar Cheema, former Minister of State for Defence. In her condolence messages to the bereaved families, the Speaker expressed her heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise. She prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed souls in eternal peace and grant courage to the members of the bereaved families to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad; November 8, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has called upon the nation to personify the teachings and poetry of Allama Iqbal in their personal and social lives in order to steer Pakistan out of the menace of extremism and terrorism. She called for a cohesive strategy for fostering the human values of fraternity, brotherhood and truthfulness. Speaker National Assembly said this in her message on the birth anniversary of the national poet Allama Mohammad Iqbal.

The Speaker said that the poetry and thoughts of Allama Iqbal awoke Muslims from their deep slumber and injected spirit of independence and freedom in the Muslim Ummah. His poetry was the source of inspiration for the Muslims of the subcontinent, which enabled them to break the shackles of slavery and lead them to achieve a separate homeland for them, she said. The Speaker said that Iqbal knew the real worth of Muslim Ummah and wanted to revive their past glory which had dwindled due to the drift from the religion. The Speaker said that Allama Iqbal advocated the Muslim Ummah to recuperate their lost glory through reverting back to the teachings of Islam by holding steadfastly the teaching of Quran and Sunnah.

The Speaker advised the youth to adopt a role, which personifies the human values of fraternity, brotherhood and truthfulness in their personal and social lives. She also urged them to idealize Allama Mohammad Iqbal and adopt traits of honesty and dedication in their routine affairs to take out Pakistan from the present crisis.

Islamabad: November 8, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have strongly condemned the bomb blast in Sachal Rangers Headquarters, Karachi and  expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives.

In their separate statements, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker termed it a barbaric and shameful act of terrorism. They said that the elements involved in such activities were the enemies of humanity and the country. They said that such shameful acts could not deter the Government from its firm resolve to fight against terrorism. They were confident that the culprits involved in such activities will not be spared and will be brought to justice.

They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the souls of martyred in eternal peace and sympathized with bereaved families and prayed for early recovery of injured.

ISLAMABAD November5, 2012: Speaker National Assembly Dr Fehmida Mirza Monday said the association of Saarc Speakers and Parliamentarians could help making the South Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) more effective by accelerating people to people contacts among the member countries.

Addressing the 6th conference of the Association of Saarc Speakers and Parliamentarians, she said the parliamentarians, as the representatives of the people are the ideal agents of change. The regular and more frequent meetings of the forum can help focusing the issues of urgent importance affecting the daily lives of the people.  The association could imbue new life in Saarc.

“I am pleased to note that since our last meeting in New Delhi in 2011, all our member Parliaments have shown determination to benefit from the Association,” she added.

SAARC has been instrumental in promoting regional integration through sustained dialogue and cooperation in diverse fields of economic and human development, environment and climate concerns, science, technology, culture and tourism since the last two decades. However, the gap between the promise of SAARC and the reality of its accomplishment still remains large, she observed.

She said the charter of SAARC was guiding the governments to seek for a peaceful, progressive and democratic South Asia by “promoting the welfare of the peoples in mutual trust, understanding and appreciation of one another’s problems”.

Welcoming the delegates she said: “It is indeed an honour for me to assume the Chair of the President of the 6thConference of the Association of SAARC Speakers and Parliamentarians. The Parliament of Pakistan is privileged to hold this important regional parliamentary event and on its behalf.”   

She said the Women Parliamentarians have agreed on setting up a permanent “Women’s Committee of SAARC Association of Speakers and Parliamentarians.” She urged the secretary general to take up the matter at the earliest.

She said the Council on Sunday discussed ways and means to encourage young parliamentarians from its platform. It was decided that the Committee of Secretaries General and Secretaries would present a detailed plan of action in the next Conference in 2013 in Male, the Maldives.

The decisions are indeed positive developments and reflect the common desire to promote and strengthen the mutual parliamentary contact, she said.

The Conference provides the worthy delegates a perfect setting to discuss matters placed before this Conference in friendship and candour, she added.

Deputy Speaker Faisal Karim Kundi said under the leadership of Dr Fehmida Mirza the association of speakers and parliamentarians would help peaceful and progressive region.

Speaking on topic titled “Meaningful Participatory Democracy in South Asia,” he said the Saarc parliamentarians have the requisite powers and means to express the will of the people through law making and oversight and advocacy functions therefore they can contribute effectively to guaranteeing the people’s rights and liberties, securing civil peace and ensuring harmonious development.

The relationships between the parliament and democracy can only be cemented with the active participation of the people.

South Asia face common challenges of terrorism, extremism, mass poverty, unemployment, lack of adequate health care, literacy, governance and environmental degradation. All the problems could be overcome by adopting a strengthened and collective democratic approach.

The deputy speaker said unity is the key for meeting all challenges. The modern technology has enabled the people of remote areas to contribute their views in strengthening democratic culture.

Islamabad; November 4, 2012: Ms. Meira Kumar, Speaker Indian Lok Sabha chaired a meeting of the SAARC Council of Speakers in Parliament House, this afternoon. The Council of Speakers approved the agenda for the 6th SAARC Speakers and Parliamentarians Conference, elected the Chairperson for the 6th Conference and decided the next venue for holding the 7th SAARC Speakers Conference.

Ms. Meira Kumar proposed the named of Dr. Fehmida Mirza for the Chairpersonship of current Speakers Conference which was unanimously approved by all the Members of the Council. The outgoing chairperson Ms. Meira Kumar congratulated Dr. Fehmida Mirza on her election and thanked all the Members of the Council for their cooperation extended to her during her Chairpersonship of the Council. She was of the view that under the leadership of Dr. Fehmida Mirza, the SAARC Speaker’s Forum would flourish and enhance parliamentary cooperation between SAARC countries.

After assuming the Chair of the Council of Speakers, Dr. Fehmida Mirza thanked her SAARC counterparts for reposing confidence in her. She paid her special gratitude to the outgoing chairperson Ms. Meira Kumar for her efforts due to which the SAARC parliamentarians forum witnessed continued progress and which would be a guiding principle for her during her tenure as Chairperson.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza on the occasion missed Nepal and Afghanistan who could not attend the conference due to the dissolution of N.A in Nepal and preoccupation Afghanistan in its domestic affairs, however, She wished them good luck and hoped that they would participate in the next conferences.

Later the Council unanimously approved the agenda of the 6th Conference of the SAARC Speakers and parliamentarians meeting besides approving the names of Maldives for Vice Chair and panel of Chairpersons for the 6th Conference of SAARC Speakers and parliamentarians Conference. The Council also decided that the next CASSP will be held in Maldives in last quarter of year 2013. All members of the Council separately congratulated Dr. Fehmida Mirza for excellent arrangements for holding 6th Conference in Islamabad.

Islamabad: October 23, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker, National Assembly have condoled the death of father of Senior Journalist and Group Editor Daily Dunya Muhammad Maalik.

In their separate condolence messages to Muhammad Maalik, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise of his father. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to him and other members of the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad October 19, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has called for a stringent media awareness campaign against Osteoporosis. She said this in her message on the World Osteoporosis Day being observed through out the globe on 20th  October.

Highlighting the importance of awareness against the disease “Osteoporosis”, She said that this day serves as a focal point for international community to inform and educate public and policymakers on the importance of Osteoporosis prevention, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.

Speaker, National Assembly said that the persistent increase of Osteoporosis disease especially in the females has reached an alarming situation. She said that this disease decreases the density and quality of the bones increasing the risk of bone fractures. She said that out of every 3 women and 5 men, across the world, one each of them is suffering from Osteoporosis.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that Pakistan is one of those countries where prevalence rate of Osteoporosis is high. She said that as per medical census 97% of women aged 75 to 84 years and 55% of women aged 45 to 55 years are suffering from Osteoporosis. She attributed the lack of calcium intake in our food, the main cause of Osteoporosis. She stressed for increase of calcium products intake in our daily diet to curb the disease. She called upon the NGOs involved in Medical and healthcare sector to persuade people to take early medication to curtail degeneration of bones after it has been diagnosed. She asked the provincial health departments to provide diagnostic and treatment facilities for Osteoporosis at all the hospitals especially in the rural areas on priority basis.

Islamabad October 14, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has said rural women were one of the most vulnerable and marginalized segments of the society despite their significant role in the rural economy. She said that they were also subject to violence, economic exploitation and lack of basic healthcare. She said that in her message on the occasion of International Rural Women’s is commemorated throughout the globe under the auspicious of United Nations on October 15.

The Speaker said that rural women comprise a major chunk of the population and play a significant role in agriculture sector rural development but their contributions were not recognized at any level. She said that with the advent of latest technology in the agriculture sector, the involvement of women had not been decreased and still has to perform extensive agriculture work and in addition to that they carry out vital functions in caring for children, older persons and in household chore. She underlined the need for officially reorganization of women participation in national economy and asked the government to devise policies for the betterment of women folk in the country and to ensure their rights.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that women in our rural socio-cultural panorama were confined to household cores and laborious work in the fields and do not have access to education. She said that education was an inalienable right of every individual; therefore, it was imperative to educate rural women to make them able to understand and face their diverse problems. She asked the government to allocate required funds for establishment of schools for females in the rural areas.

She stressed the need for provision of shelters, livelihood and medical assistance to rural women in affected areas on priority basis. She asked the government to extend SME network to rural areas where enterprising rural women could have excess to credit facilities to make them self-sustaining and economically empowered. She also stressed the need to establish training and display centers at Tehsil level for rural women artisans so that they could get appropriate proceeds for their crafts and would also eliminate the role of middlemen who economically exploit rural women. She called upon the Banking Sector provide loans to rural women so that they could better contribute in national development.
 

Islamabad: October 11, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker, National Assembly have condoled the death of former Federal Minister Dr. Sher Afgan Niazi.

In their separate condolence messages, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise. They said that Dr. Sher Afgan Niazi was a politician of high repute and his services for promotion of democracy and supremacy of Constitution in the country will be remembered for along time to come. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

They also condoled the passing away of Ashiq Diyal, Ex-MNA. They expressed grief and sorrow over the said demise and prayed Almighty Allah to shower his blessing on the departed soul and grant fortitude and patience to bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss.

Islamabad October 10, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have condemned the attack on school Van in Mingora, Swat injuring Malala Yousafzai and her school fellows. They termed it a barbaric and cowardly act which warrants exemplary punishment for those who committed those acts.

The Speaker and Deputy Speaker in their separate messages said that the terrorists would never be able to shake the resolve of the nation through such cowardly acts and would continue its fight against terrorism. They said that Malala Yousafzai symbolizes the quest for knowledge of the girls throughout Pakistan and her steadfastness during the military initiative against Taliban in Swat was commendable. They said that the nation stands with the families of Malala and other injured girls. Speaker and Deputy Speaker prayed for early recovery and long life of Malala and her class fellows.

Islamabad: October 5, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker, National Assembly have condoled the death of Razia Butt renowned novelist.

In their separate condolence messages, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad; October, 5, 2012: Speaker, National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza called Ms Meira Kumar, Speaker Indian Lok Sabha yesterday to felicitate her on successfully holding the 7th Women Speakers Conference in New Delhi on 2-4, October, 2012. She also conveyed her regrets for not attending the Speakers moot due to her pressing engagements.

Ms. Meira Kumar thanked Dr. Fehmida Mirza for making the call, saying that her absence was felt by all the Women Speakers attending the Conference. She also conveyed her Pakistani counterpart, good health and best wishes.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza expressed her gratitude for the good wishes and said that she was deeply touched and indebted for her kind sentiments. Both the Speakers also exchanged views on further strengthening of bilateral parliamentary cooperation with particular focus on enhancing people to people contacts and hosting of the 6th Conference of the Association of SAARC Speakers and Parliamentarians to be held in Islamabad this year.

Islamabad October 4, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker has urged the nation to pledge for enhancing the respect and dignity of teachers in the society as ordained by our religious, social and cultural values. She said that we should take all measures to restore dignity, honour and respect of the teachers in society to promote education in real sense. She said this in her message on world’s Teacher Day observed worldwide under the auspices of United Nation on 5th October.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that teachers are the greatest builders because they give vision and direction to the youth who are future of a nation. She said that the teachers serve as a guide to deliver people from darkness of ignorance. The teachers besides teaching, also concentrate on promoting wisdom, integrity, character and tolerance among the students so that they could become good citizens, she added.

The Speaker said that a nation can only prosper if it gives due respect and honour to its teachers. She regretted that in the past teachers had been neglected in our society. She assured the teaching community that they were important members of the society. She said teaching has been universally acclaimed as one of the noblest of professions.

She said that promotion of education was top priority of the present government. She said that in 18th Amendment of the Constitution the Ministry of Education has been devolved to provinces and share of the provinces in NFC Award also enhanced so that they could spent more in health and education sectors. She called upon the provincial governments to pay special attention towards the uplift of education and welfare of teachers. She also called upon the civil society organizations and individuals to come forward and supplement the efforts of the government in this noble cause. She also urged the teachers to work hard and acquire the latest knowledge and skills in order to better guide and train the students so that they could play an effective role in nation building.

Islamabad: October 1, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker, National Assembly have condoled the death of mother of Asma Jahangir, former President, Supreme Court Bar Association.

In their separate condolence messages to Asma Jahangir, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to her and other members of family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.
 

Islamabad; September 20, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has called upon the world leaders and United Nation to join hands to resolve disputes for establishment of durable and lasting peace across the glob. She said this in a message on the International Peace Day will be observed through out the world to highlight the importance of a sustainable peace across the globe tomorrow.

The Madam Speaker said that peace is imperative for progress and prosperity. She stressed for adoption of a multi-pronged strategy to counter the militancy and extremism throughout the world, which is detrimental to the world peace, harmony and development. She said that the strategy should focus on engaging nations into dialogue, to workout peaceful resolution of all outstanding disputes between the nations so that durable and sustainable peace could be achieved.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that the world was confronting numerous challenges, which are determental to the development of peace and prosperity of the people. She said that the poverty, illiteracy and unemployment were major causes of unrest and instability food shortages were the glaring of all, which needed to be addressed properly. It could only be achieved when peace is achieved. The Speaker said that media and leaders should play their role in spreading the message of peace in the world.

The Speaker condemned the blasphemous movie. She said that such hateful act were determental to interfaith harmony and peace of the world. She called upon world community and international organizations to enact laws to curb the such scurrilous acts. She was confident that the concerted efforts of leaders, individuals, communities and governments would usher in a peaceful era where prosperity and welfare would reign.

Islamabad, September 19, 2012: Dr. Nafisa Shah, MNA/Chairperson of the National Commission for Human Development has been unanimously elected as the Vice-Chairperson of the Executive Committee of the Common Wealth Parliamentary Association for 2nd consecutive term. According to a message received from Colombo, Sri Lanka, Dr. Nafisa Shah was unanimously supported by the CPA Members for the Vice-Chairpersonship of the Executive Committee.

The 58th Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association is being held from 11th to 15th September, 2012 in Colombo. A 22-member Parliamentary delegation with representation from Senate, National Assembly and four Provincial Assemblies is participating in the Conference. The Pakistani delegation has termed the un-opposed election of Dr. Nafisa Shah, for the 2nd term as a significant achievement for the Pakistan.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker, National Assembly have congratulated Dr. Nafisa Shah on her unanimous election. They termed it a befitting recognition of Pakistan’s role in the comity of democratic nations. They also expressed their gratitude to the CPA Members for extending their support in that regard.

Islamabad: September 19, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have strongly condemned the bomb blast in Peshawar and  expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives.

In their separate statements, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker termed it a barbaric and shameful act of terrorism. They said that the elements involved in such activities were the enemies of humanity and the country. They said that such shameful acts could not deter the Government from its firm resolve to fight against terrorism. They were confident that the culprits involved in such activities will not be spared and will be brought to justice.

They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the souls of martyred in eternal peace and sympathized with bereaved families and prayed for early recovery of injured.

Islamabad: September 18, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker, National Assembly have condoled the death of Raja Tridiv Roy, lifetime Minister and former ambassador.

In their separate condolence messages to bereaved family, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise. They termed the death of Raja Tridiv Roy is a national loss and said that the country has deprived of a patriotic and a sincere leader. They said that his services will be remembered for the long time to come.
 

Islamabad: September 17, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker, National Assembly have condoled the death of brother of Sardar Talib Hassan Nakai, Minister for Housing.

In their separate condolence messages to Sardar Talib Hassan Nakai, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to him and other members of family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad; September 14, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have condoled the death of father of Dr. Asim Hussain, Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources.

In their separate condolence messages to Dr. Asim Hussain, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to Dr. Asim Hussain and other members of family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

They also condoled the death of sister of Sheikh Aftab Ahmad, MNA/Chief Whip, PML(N) in the Parliament House. In their separate condolence messages to Sheikh Aftab Ahmad, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker conveyed deep sense of grief and sorrow over the passing away of his sister. They prayed for eternal peace of departed soul and grant of fortitude to bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with patience.

Islamabad; September 14, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has said that all political forces in the country should join hands in order to strengthening the democracy and to overcome the challenges being confronted to the country at present. She said this in her statement on the International Democracy Day being commemorated worldwide under the auspices of United Nations on 15th September.

The Speaker said that democracy was a universal value, based on the freely expressed will of the people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural system and their full participation in all aspects of life in order to achieve this objective, it is incumbent upon the political leadership to shun their political differences and join hands to strengthen the democratic process in the country.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza stressing the continued need for promotion of democratization and development of the political system in the country. She said that democracy, peace, development and respect for human rights are inter-dependent phenomena and therefore, it is imperative for democracy to flourish in the country. She said that the people’s participation in the affairs of the country would ensure fundamental independence, equality, achievements of the needs of the people and restoration of law and order.

She said that involvement of the people in public affairs of the country ensures basic freedom and equality, fulfillment of needs of people and preserve or restore peace. The Speaker said that the ultimate goal of democracy is to preserve and promote the dignity and fundamental rights of the individuals, to achieve social justice, foster the economic and social development of the community, strengthen the cohesion of society and building a propitious environment for international peace. She said that continuous electoral process ensures a democratic dispensation in the country.

Islamabad: September 13, 2012 Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan have condoled the passing away of legendary Artist Safirullah Siddiqui, “Lehri”.

In their separate condolence messages to members of bereaved family, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise. They paid rich tribute to his services. They said that he was legendary artist and his death is a great national loss. They said that the vacuum created by the death of Lehri is difficult to fill.

They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant strength and fortitude to the bereaved family and millions of his fans at home and abroad to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad; September 13, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have condoled the death of father of Dr. Asim Hussain, Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources.

In their separate condolence messages to Dr. Asim Hussain, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to Dr. Asim Hussain and other members of family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad; September 12, 2012: Speaker, National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza has been nominated for Sheikha Fatima Award of Leadership as an acknowledgement for her meritorious services for democracy.

The award has been named after the mother of President of United Arab Emirates (UAE). The award will be presented by the Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister for UAE on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

The award has been constituted by the Prestigious East West Institute of USA. Dr. Fehmida Mirza is the first recipient of this Leadership Award.

Islamabad: September 12, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker, National Assembly have expressed shock and grief over the loss of precious lives in unfortunate incidents of fire in factories at Karachi and Lahore.

In their separate condolence messages, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker conveyed their heartfelt grief and sincere sympathies with bereaved families. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed souls in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved families to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity. They also prayed for the early recovery of the injured and asked the concern authority to provide best treatment facilities to them.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza asked the provincial governments to investigate the factors leading to the unfortunate incidents and take appropriate action against the persons responsible.

Islamabad; September 7, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has said that Literacy was imperative for sustainable human development in today’s fast-changing societies. Therefore, we should strengthen our commitment to promote global literacy and to back this support with resources needed to achieve real progress. She said this in her message on the International Literacy Day being commemorated worldwide under the auspices of United Nations on 8th September. 

Speaker said that this day serves us an opportunity to renew our international obligations and put the spotlight on the empowering role of literacy and its importance for participation, citizenship and development. She said that literacy is not just about reading and writing, it is about self-respect and human dignity and about opportunities that give hope to individuals, families, communities and entire societies. “Literacy and integral part of the right to education has shown itself time and again to be a vital tool of empowerment” she added. “It is time for the right of education to all person of whatever age, to be realized in practice in order to help to eradicate extreme poverty and increase opportunities besides promoting gender equality and environment sustainability” she said. 

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that despite the fact that education and knowledge are the necessary for a better life, the scale of illiteracy is truly staggering. “It is really astonishing that more than 800 million adults have no secure command on the fundamentals of literacy; millions of children are not in school and even for those who get a start on their education, drop-out rates are very high” She added. She said that even the simplest acquisition of literacy can have a profoundly empowering effect personally, socially and politically.      

She said that we should focus on the empowering role of literacy since literacy gives people tools with which to improve their livelihoods, participate in community decision-making, gain access to information about health care, and much else above all it enables individuals to realize their rights as citizen and human beings, she added. 

Dr. Fehmida Mirza called upon Provincial Governments, international organizations, civil society organizations and private sector to give renewed attention and support to literacy as a vital instrument for achieving sustainable development especially in the rural areas. She said that each of us can make a contribution and all can be part of the solution.
 

Islamabad; the 5th September, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has said that the nation was needed the spirit of 6th September 1965 to fight and overcome the challenges confronting to the country at present. She said this in her message to nation on Defence Day, being celebrated tomorrow.

The Speaker said that 6th September reminds us of the resolve and the courage displayed by the country’s Armed Forces and the people of Pakistan while defending their motherland during 1965 War against India. The Speaker said that on the day the courageous soldiers of Pakistan defeated the numerically superior enemy and proved their worth for defence of the motherland. She said that armed forces and people of Pakistan wrote a golden history of bravery by sacrificing their lives to defend the country. “The Nation will always remember the unprecedented bravery and supreme sacrifices of the Armed Forces of the Country” she said. She said that it is a day to pay homage to our Shuhdas and Ghahzis and to draw the inspiration from their acts of valour and supreme sacrifices.

The Speaker said that today the nation needed the same unity and the spirit of September 1965 to resolve the problems it was confronting. The Speaker said that at present the country was facing the threat of militancy and extremism and passing through a difficult time and needed the same spirit of 6 September. She said that 6 September is a symbol of our enduring display of unity, faith and discipline as a nation and stressed the need for unity for national solidarity, integrity, prosperity and peace.

Islamabad: August 26, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker, National Assembly have condoled the death of father of Inzamam-ul-Haq, Former Test Cricketer and Pakistan Cricket Team Captain.

In their separate condolence messages to Inzamam-ul-Haq and other members of the bereaved family, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to all the members of bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad: 17th August, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has expressed her gratitude for the good wishes conveyed to her telephonically and through her office during her ailment.

According to a message received from USA,  the Speaker said that she was deeply touched and indebted to all her well wishers who prayed for her speedy recovery. The Speaker said that she had recovered with the prayers of her well wishers and would be resuming her constitutional responsibilities shortly.

Islamabad: 16th August, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Acting Speaker National Assembly have strongly condemned terrorist attack on Kamra Airbase, Kamra and expressed deep sense of sorrow over the martyrdom of security personnel and damage to national assets.

In their separate statements, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker termed it a cowardice and shameful act of terrorism. They said that the elements involved in such activities were the enemies of humanity and the country. They said that entire nation is united in war against terrorism and terrorists could not succeed in their nefarious design.

Expressing their firm resolve, the Speaker and Acting Speaker said that such acts of terrorism could not deter the Government from its determination to fight against terrorism. They were confident that the culprits involved in such activities will not be spared and will be brought to justice.

They also praised the headship of Base commander, Kamra Airbase who led the operation against the attackers and was shot in the shoulder. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the soul of martyred air personnel in eternal peace and sympathized with bereaved families and prayed for early recovery of injured.

Islamabad August 16, 2012:  Speaker   National   Assembly  has  constituted  a 14-member Commission for creation of new provinces in Punjab. Notification to this effect has been issued by National Assembly Secretariat, today.

The Speaker National Assembly has constituted the Commission in pursuance of the message received from the President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and authorization by the National Assembly on 11th July, 2012.

The Commission comprises of Senators Farahatullah Babar, Syeda Sughra Imam, Haji Mohammad Adeel, Mr. Kamil Ali Agha, Malik Muhammad Rafique Rajwana, Molana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri and MNAs Mr. Arif Aziz Sheikh, Jamshaid Ahmad Dasti, Syed Ali Musa Gillani, Mrs. Tahmina Daultana, Ch. Saud Majeed and Dr. Muhammad Farooq Sattar.

Two Members of the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab would be included as and when their nominations are received from the Speaker Provincial Assembly, Punjab.

Islamabad: July 31, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Acting Speaker, National Assembly have condoled the death of sister of Yousaf Baig Mirza, MD, PTV.

In their separate condolence messages to Yousaf Baig Mirza, the Speaker and Acting Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the members of bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad: July 23, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan have expressed grief and sorrow over the sad demise of mother of Muhammad Afzal Bajwa, Editor, News Agency, Online.

In their separate condolence messages to Muhammad Afzal Bajwa the Speaker and Deputy Speaker said that they were grieved over the passing away of his mother.  They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage and forbearance to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity (Amin).

Islamabad; July 20, 2012:   Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker have congratulated Syed Abdul Qadir Gillani on his election as a Member of National Assembly.

The Speaker and Deputy Speaker in their felicitation message to newly elected MNA they said that his success in bye-election was the reflection of trust of leadership and the people of his constituency reposed in him. They were confident that newly elected MNA would work for promotion of democracy in the country and welfare of the people of his constituency.

Islamabad: July 19, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have condoled the sad demise of younger sister of Pir Sahib Pagara Syed Sibghatullah Shah Rashdi who died in road accident in Saudi Arabia last night.

In their separate condolence messages to Pir Sahib Pagara, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to hum and the members of bereaved family to bear the irreparable losses with equanimity.

Islamabad July 18, 2012:  Mr. Cemil Cicek, Speaker of the Grant Turkish National Assembly has said that relations between Turkey and Pakistan were historic and deeply embedded in peoples’ hearts and minds of Turkish people. He said that his country would continue its unflinching support to Pakistan whenever required. He made these remarks in his meeting along with his three-member parliamentary delegation with Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly here in Parliament House, today.

Mr. Cemil Cicek termed the friendship between his country and Pakistan “a historic association that is deeply imbedded in our people’s hearts and minds”. He said that Turkey considers Pakistan a brother and would extend unflinching support in addressing problems confronted by its brotherly country. He said that he was a staunch believer of parliamentary diplomacy; therefore, enhancing interaction at parliamentary level could further cement the existing brotherly ties between both the countries. He said that Turk-Pakistan Friendship group in both the Parliaments could play important roles in furtherance of this cause. He said that his government has taken various initiatives to enhance economic cooperation with Pakistan for mutual benefit of both the countries. He thanked the Speaker for warm welcome extended to him and his delegation on his arrival at Parliament House.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that time immemorial relations between both the brotherly countries were intertwined in religious and historic bonds and Pakistan and Turkey were friends now and forever. She said that it was the desire of incumbent Pakistani leadership to further cement these relations through cooperation in diverse fields. She termed Mr. Cicek’s visit a step forward in consolidating existing exceptional ties of Pakistan with Turkey. The Speaker lauded relentless support of Government and people of Turkey in the aftermath of the fateful natural calamities in years 2008, 2010 and 2011 which effected large number of people throughout the country. She stressed the need for continued assistance to Pakistan in seeking sustainable solutions to its current economic problems, particularly in the energy sector besides enhancing the trade and economic ties between both the countries since immense economic potentials exist in Pakistan.

The Speaker said that frequent interaction between the parliamentarians and the people of Pakistan and Turkey would further strengthen the existing brotherhood between the two countries. She agreed that parliamentarians of the two sides could play a meaningful role in the region as “parliamentary diplomacy could enable the real policy makers to understand each-others’ points of view better. The Speaker suggested for establishment of a parliamentary group at ECO level and replicating the model of a Women Caucus on the pattern of National Assembly of Pakistan at regional level. Dr. Fehmida Mirza also recommended for sharing the legislation carried out by both the parliaments regarding women issues and public good besides collaboration between Legislative Capacity building Institutes of Pakistan and Turkey.

Earlier, Turkish Speaker planted a slapping of Magnolia in the Parliament Lawn after his arrival at Parliament House and later visited the Women Parliamentary Caucus.

Bismillah Irr Rehman Irr Raheem

Excellency Jamil Chi-chik!

Speaker of the Grand Turkish Assembly and my most distinguished Guest of Honour tonight!

Members of the Turkish Parliamentary delegation!

Honourable Ministers, Parliamentarians, Excellencies

Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen!

 Assalam-o-Alikum!

 It is my unique privilege and honour to welcome the Honourable Speaker of the Turkish Grand Assembly --- Excellency Jamil Chi-chik, and all members of the Turkish Parliamentary delegation on their visit to Pakistan on my invitation.

Khush-Amadeed ---  Hoşh Gel-di-niz

Excellency!

Your visit is of great importance to us!

It is not merely a routine interaction between the heads of two sovereign parliaments.

It is also home coming of a brother and a trusted friend.

It is said that:

Zuban-e-Yaar-e-Man Turkyee

Va Man Turkyee Nami Danam

I may also not be able to speak Turkish but in the case of our two nations, this has never remained a barrier. We convey our warmth and affection through the most proficient language of mutual respect, love, and friendship, which has been so diligently inculcated in every successive generation by our forefathers.

Our history bears testimony that the heroic pursuits of the great Turkish nation have been an inspiration for the Muslims of the Sub Continent for centuries. The mass-mobilization of our ancestors in defence of Turkey in the aftermath of the First World War are now part of our folklore and the tales of our grand-mothers, happily donating their jewellery and dowry, for the Turkish cause are still narrated with pride.  It will, therefore, be right to say that the genesis of Pakistan is deeply rooted in the Khilafat Movement.

The modern states of Turkey and Pakistan have carried this legacy of people’s friendship forward and have progressed in all fields of mutual interest.The people of Pakistan can never forget the Turkish generosity, during the fateful earthquake of 2005 and the massive floods of 2010 and 2011. Turkey was the first country to come to Pakistan’s aid on both the catastrophies.

In fact, during the 2010 floods, Turkey launched the largest humanitarian assistance programme of its history for the misery-stricken people of Pakistan and none other than my honourable guest Excellency Chi-chik, supervised the entire operations in his capacity then as the Deputy Prime Minister of Turkey.  Such acts of goodwill are etched in the hearts and minds of every Pakistani. No wonder, we have also remained at the forefront as and when our Turk brethren needed us --- be it the fateful earthquake of Eastern Turkey or the Black Sea floods.

Excellency!

Pakistan is also genuinely proud of Turkey’s political, economic, technological and strategic progress in recent years. Today, at the crossroads of time, when people’s awakening is reshaping the political map of the Muslim World, Turkey provides a great inspiration for the entire Ummah. The success of Turkish system amply proves that the teachings of our Great Religion Islam and the concepts of western democracy can co-exist in peace and harmony, without any conflict.

In the realm of international politics, Turkey’s pro-active role for global peace and regional conflict resolutions also deserves special mention. It is widely respected as an advocate of all oppressed nations, be it Palestine, the Balkans or the innocent people of Kashmir. In fact, it has emerged as a trusted mediator in the entire Muslim World. The Trilateral Dialogue among Turkey, Pakistan and Afghanistan is a befitting example of this remarkable Turkish diplomacy.

All such impressive signs of progress are benchmarks of the political stability and institutional maturity in today’s Turkey. My country is passing through a crucial phase, where democracy is taking roots and state institutions are still evolving themselves. In such times, I sincerely believe we have much to learn from you.

Excellency!

It is heartening to note that ever-since the return of democracy in Pakistan in 2008, mutual relations between our two countries have seen a marked increase. Our leaderships have regularly paid state visits to each-other on annual basis while the present Parliament of Pakistan has a distinct honour of being addressed by the Prime Minister of Turkey twice within the last two years.

Such visits have yielded desired results as despite all impediments and global recession, our mutual political, economic and strategic ties have expanded. The volume of Pak-Turk Trade has already crossed the 1 Billion US Dollar mark and the desire to further expand our joint economic base has helped opening new vistas. The establishment of the “High Level Cooperation Council” is indeed a right step in the right direction. Now, with your visit Excellency, this relationship has reached new heights. You have held a number of meetings here and have covered a long distance in very short time. In this regard, I am especially pleased to note that this morning, both of us had a fruitful round of talks where we resolved to give a fresh parliamentary impetus to our existing ties.

We have agreed to mandate the two Friendship Groups to hold joint meetings for a regular parliamentary review on the ongoing progress in various areas of cooperation, such as security, economy, energy, human development and culture. I am also grateful to you for lending complete support to my idea of an ECO Region Parliamentary Forum and I will now soon be convening its first meeting with your cooperation. As a strong advocate of parliamentary diplomacy, I find great scope of regional progress through such target-oriented parliamentary oversight.

Excellency!

The poet Philosopher of Pakistan Allama Iqbal always cherished his special bond with Maulana Jalal-ud-din Rumi of Konya, Turkey, and called him his Peer --- the spiritual guide.

This innate and sacred bonding best describes our mutual relationship.

We have stood by each-other in every thick and thin.

We have shared our joys and sorrows together.

We may have remained two nations but we were; we are, and Inshahallah we will remain one people.

 Yasha.sin. Pakistan Turkiye Dost.lu.o

Pak-Turk Dosti Zindabaad

Islamabad July 17, 2012: Speaker, National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza has asked EU for its support for the socio-economic development in the country especially in the flood affected areas in Pakistan She remarked that EU has been always supportive of the democratic governments in Pakistan in their development initiatives. Dr. Fehmida Mirza said this while talking to Ms. Jean Lumbert, Chair of the South Asian Delegation of the European Parliament who called on her along with a 3-member delegation in Parliament House, this afternoon.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that Pakistan attaches high importance to its relations with European Union which are deep rooted in bonds of friendship, cooperation and mutual understanding on various issues. She appreciated EU support for the strengthening of democratic process and institutions in Pakistan. She said that political leadership of Pakistan envisions a long term strategic partnership with EU with special emphasis on strengthening of economic and trade partnership, peace and security and parliamentary cooperation. Dr. Fehmida Mirza appreciated the economic assistance by EU after devastating floods and in time of devastating natural calamities. She also thanked EU Parliament for its support for trade concessions to Pakistan.

The Speaker said that the present democratic government in the country had inherited massive challenges that included terrorism, extremism, financial crunch and shortage of energy. She said that Pakistani nation has shown resilience and has supported government in time of crises. She said that government is committed to the socio-economic development in the country in consonance with the aspiration of the elected representatives through its indigenous resources. She said that support of friendly countries specially the EU would supplement its efforts. She apprised the EU delegation about the role of women in legislative process and functioning of Parliament.

Ms. Jean Lumbert, appreciated the remarks of the Speaker and said that EU would continue its unwavering support to Pakistan for the development of infrastructure, gender equality, education, health and strengthening of Election Commission and electoral reforms. She informed the Speaker that EU has chalked out a comprehensive development plan for which EU would be spending substantial amount of funds for the development process in Pakistan despite financial constrains in EU Region. She also appreciated unanimous appointment of Chief Election Commissioner. The Head of the Delegation assured Madam Speaker for assistance to the Parliament for the capacity building of Parliamentarians and secretarial staff, research, automation of parliamentary record and parliamentary library.

Islamabad: July 16, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Acting Speaker National Assembly have condoled the sad demise of Rao Hashim Ali Khan, Ex-MNA and former Chairman of Public Account Committee (PAC).

In their separate condolence messages to the members of bereaved family, the Speaker and Acting Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the members of the bereaved family to bear the irreparable losses with equanimity.

Islamabad: July 15, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Acting Speaker National Assembly have expressed their deep sense of shock and grief over the sad demise of Mr. Mehmood Hamadani, veteran journalist and former Editor of “The Nation”.

In their separate condolence messages to the bereaved family, they prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

They said that Mr. Hamadani was a man of conscience and possessed qualities as a fine human being. They said that his services for the journalism would be remembered in all times to come.

Islamabad; July 15, 2012: Dr Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly, Dr. Zulfiqar Mirza visited Green House Farm of Mr. Zubair Abul Adeeb, Secretary to H.H Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahayan, President of UAE in Al Ain yesterday, according to a message received from UAE. On arrival at the farm in Al Ain, the Speaker National Assembly was received by Mr. Zubair Abul Adeeb who welcomed the dignitaries and took them around the farm.

Briefing the Speaker about the Green House Farming Mr. Adeeb said that Greenhouse and organic farming are emerging as favorites amongst the farmers across the globe who are keen on experimenting with non-traditional ways and saving water. UAE, he said is no exception to this as 15% increase in organic greenhouse farming was reported last year.

Adeeb pointed out that it is generally believed that this kind of raise is a result of increase in the demand of organic food, This, he said, is the reason a noted increase in organic products sold by supermarket in recent times has been witnessed. Best advantage of greenhouse farming is saving of water due to evaporation, Adeeb pointed out.  Many farmers opt for plastic greenhouses as glass greenhouses require a greater investment.  Unlike previous years when the focus was only on greenhouse organic farming of onions and cucumbers, this year farmers have opted for pumpkins, leeks, peppers and other vegetables, he added.

Dr Fehmida Mirza appreciated the efforts of the Government and the farmers for providing organic fruits and vegetables to the people. She said People are now more aware about the safety of food and presence of chemical residues in the yield etc. She pointed out that as the world is facing scarcity of water resources every country in the world needs to convert to this kind of farming technology. This technology is not only suitable for this region it is ideal for Pakistan also as it reduces the evaporation of irrigation water and also reduces labour cost and ultimately the production cost of the agriculture products," She added.

She said that in Pakistan also we need to introduce this kind of farming to provide healthy fruits and vegetables to our people. The best benefit of green house farming, she said, is that under controlled temperatures all kind of fruits and vegetables can be grown. Dr. Fehmida Mirza also visited Al Khabra Agriculture Farm in Dubai where Hydroponics technique using water as base in place of soil is used. Dr. Fehmida Mirza is currently visiting UAE.

Islamabad: July 8, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have expressed their deep sense of shock and grief over the sad demise of father of Shaheen Kausar Dar, Deputy Speaker Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.
 
In their separate condolence messages to Shaheen Kausar Dar, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief over the sad demise of her beloved one. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

The Speaker and Deputy Speaker National Assembly have also condoled the death of Senior Journalist and Chief Reporter Irshad Gulabani. In their condolence messages to the bereaved family, they prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad; June 26, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has strongly condemned the firing incident at Business Recorder House in Karachi and asked the government to ensure maximum security to the Media.

In her message to the management of Business Recorder and AAJ TV, she said that such incidents are intolerable and the culprits should be apprehended and brought to the justice. She said that particular incident was a cowardice act to suppress the Media. She said that she has asked the government to provide maximum security to the media so that they could pursue the noble cause independently. Praising the management of Business Recorder and AAJ TV, Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that both the media organizations had always upheld the Journalistic norms and maintained its neutrality.

Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker, National Assembly also condemned the attack on Business Recorder House. In his message, he said that it was a shameful attempt to subdue the independence of media in the country. He urged the government to provide the maximum security to the media.

Islamabad: June 23, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have expressed their deep sense of shock and grief over the sad demise of wife of Jonaid Iqbal, Former Additional Secretary National Assembly Secretariat and mother of Nasir Iqbal, Senior Correspondent Daily Dawn.

In their separate condolence messages to Jonaid Iqbal and Nasir Iqbal, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise of their beloved one. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad; June 22, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has congratulated Raja Pervez Ashraf on his election as Prime Minister of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, today.

The Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf visited the Speaker chamber after his election in the House and thanked the Speaker for conducting the process of his election in the House smoothly. Congratulating the Prime Minister elect, the Speaker said that his election was an evidence of trust and confidence of the representatives of the people in his leadership and abilities.

She said that his election as Prime Minister will lead to strengthening the democratic institutions and democratic process in the country. The Speaker expressed the hope that under the leadership of Raja Pervez Ashraf, the country would successfully meet the challenges confronting it.

The Deputy Speaker, National Assembly Faisal Karim Kundi also congratulated Raja Pervez Ashraf on his election as Prime Minister of Pakistan.

Islamabad; June 20, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has said that Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was a visionary and a stateswoman and always aspired for a world, free from exploitation and discrimination between privileged and underprivileged, men and women. She fought for the downtrodden and oppressed and longed for a forward-looking Pakistan, where women were not subjected to humiliation, torture and treated with respect as equal partners to progress and prosperity. She said this in her message on the 58th Birth Anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto being observed tomorrow.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that Shaheed Mohtarma had a towering and multi-dimensional personality and was bacon of light for the downtrodden, oppressed and marginalized segments of the society. She said that Mohtarma had the courage to challenge the worst dictatorship of the times when compared with other contemporary politicians. Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that Mohtarma worked diligently as twice-elected Prime Minister towards the well-defined goals of women empowerment. Shaheed Mohtarma brought women to the main-stream by appointing them as judges of the superior courts, opened first women bank, ensured state protection for women.

The Speaker said that Mohtarma strongly believed in reconciliation and forbearance and tried to look for similarities rather than to seek differences and believed in building bridges and not living in isolation, both on the international level as well as on the national front. The Speaker said that today as the nation finds itself encircled by challenges and threats, therefore, we should follow the footsteps of the Mohtarma in order to steer the country out of the present quagmire. She said that Mohtarma was a strong believer of solidarity of Federation and provincial autonomy. She said that the people of the four provinces had their confidence in her and whenever the nation was given a relatively free chance to choose, her political party returned successful from all the four federating units. 

Madam Speaker called upon all the political forces to rise above party lines to work for the democracy and progress and prosperity of the country and rebuild Pakistan as Mohtarma dreamt, aspired and worked for. She termed it the befitting way of paying homage and remembrance, Benazir Bhutto deserves as a cherished off-spring of the Indus and a visionary of present times. May Allah Rest the soul of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto in eternal peace (Ameen), the Speaker prayed.
 

Islamabad; June 20, 2012: The President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan has summoned the session of the National Assembly on 22nd June, 2012 at 5:30 p.m. in the Parliament House, Islamabad for election of the Prime Minister.

The nominations of the candidates for the Premiership duly signed by the proposer and the seconder and by the candidate shall be delivered to the Secretary National Assembly by 2.00 p.m. on 21st June, 2012.

The Speaker shall in the presence of the candidates or their proposers and seconders who wish to be present, scrutinize the nomination papers at 3.00 p.m. on the same day.

The voting shall be recorded in accordance with the procedure set out on the second schedule of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007 on 22nd June, 2012 at 5.30 p.m.

Islamabad: June 17, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan have condoled the sad demise of Fauzia Wahab, Senior Leader of Pakistan Peoples Party.

In their separate condolence messages to the members of bereaved family, Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise. They paid rich tribute for her services for promotion and restoration of democracy in the country. They said that Fauzia Wahab was a seasoned politician and legislator of high repute. “She rendered valuable contributions during her tenure as member of National Assembly” they added. They said that the vacuum created by her death is difficult to fill, her services for legislation and promotion of democracy in the country will be remembered for a long time to come.

They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage and fortitude to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad; June 16, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has stressed the need for coordinated and stringent measures for combating the looming threat of desertification and drought. She called for immediate measures for saving the livelihoods, well-being and development of large number of population around the world. Dr. Fehmida Mirza said this in her message on the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, being observed tomorrow throughout the world under the auspices of United Nation.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that desertification and land degradation not only affect the earth's surface but also threatens the livelihoods, well-being and development of a large number of population around the world. Consequent to that, desertification also induces migration of the population, drought, famine and deepens poverty. She said that if the desertification goes unchecked, it would further deepen the miseries of the masses in the coming years.

She said that this day serves us an opportunity to highlight the growing threat to national and regional stability posed by desertification. She said that the climate changes was a contributing factor, but not the only one rendering nearly one third of the world's cropland to become unproductive and been abandoned in the previous years. She stressed for water conservation, reconsideration of our agricultural practices and afforestation. She said that growing demand for animal feed and biofuels will put further pressure on these scarce resources if not managed sustainably. The Speaker said that current global consumption and production patterns were unsustainable, which would consequently aggravate global food crises, desertification, land degradation and periods of drought. She feared that as usual, the poor will be the first victims of the last to recover.

The Speaker said that for sustainable Development, desertification and land degradation were global problems that require a global response, therefore, world leaders should think for a comprehensive strategy to slow down global warming. In particular, it must provide adequate and predictable financing to support improved land management, more efficient water use and sustainable agriculture.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza called upon the federal and provincial agriculture departments to raise awareness amongst the farming community to conserve water and sagaciously use it reconsider agriculture practices and plant more trees to avert the desertification.

Islamabad: June 16, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have expressed their deep sense of shock and grief over the sad demise of Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz, Saudi Crown Prince.

In their separate condolence messages to Saudi Royal family, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker said that the death of Prince Nayef bin Abdul Aziz was a great loss not only the Royal family and Saudi Nation but also for Pakistan. They said that Pakistan has lost a true friend and considers this tragedy a personal loss.

They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad: June 13, 2012 Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan have condoled the sad demise of Legendary Singer Mehdi Hasan.

In their separate condolence messages to members of bereaved family, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the passing away of Mehdi Hasan. While paying rich tribute to services of Mehdi Hasan the Speaker and Deputy Speaker said that he was legendary singer and his death is a great national loss. They said that the vacuum created by the death of Mehdi Hasan is difficult to fill.

They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant strength and fortitude to the bereaved family and millions of his fans at home and abroad to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad; June 13, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly chaired a meeting of the Special Committee to oversee the Speaker’s Relief Fund in Parliament House, today to discuss the utilization of available finances in the Fund.

After discussion and taking into account the suggestions of the Members of the Special Committee, it was decided that the available money would be utilized for establishing a Medical Center in the worst effected area of District Badin. The Members of the Committee were of the view that people of District Badin were worst effected by floods in previous years due to the geographical location of the District, therefore, they deserves a permanent healthcare facility. It was also decided that the provincial government would be asked to provide land for establishment of a state-of-art Medical Center. The Members of the Committee were tasked to monitor the whole process.

The meeting was attended by MNAs Mrs. Jamila Gillani, Mr. Abdul Rasheed Godil and Mr. Noor Alam Khan.

Islamabad: June 7, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Acting President and Faisal Karim Kundi, Acting Speaker National Assembly have strongly condemned the bomb blast in Quetta and  expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives.

In their separate statements, the Acting President and Acting Speaker termed it a barbaric and shameful act of terrorism. They said that the elements involved in such activities were the enemies of humanity and the country. They said that such shameful acts could not deter the Government from its firm resolve to fight against terrorism. They called upon the law enforcement agencies to apprehend the culprits involved in this act of terrorism and bring them to justice.

They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the souls of martyred in eternal peace and sympathized with bereaved families. They also prayed for early recovery of injured.

Islamabad June 5, 2012 Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have condoled the death of Journalist Amanullah Butt brother of Afzal Butt, Senior Journalist and former President of National Press Club.

In their separate condolence messages to Afzal Butt, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the members of bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad June 5, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly would perform the functions of the President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan under Article 49(2) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan w.e.f. 5th June, 2012.

The Speaker, National Assembly will act as President till the President or Chairman Senate returns to Pakistan from their official visits abroad.

Islamabad June 4, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has said that in order to preserve biodiversity and to rein in the rapidly deteriorating environment in the country, its imperative to preserve the ecology and curtail use of hydrocarbon. She also called upon the Environment Protection agencies and the environmentalists to gear up their efforts to improve the pervasive environment degradation. She said this on the occasion of World Environment Day being commemorated through out the world tomorrow.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that climate change impacts the dynamics, functioning and structure of ecosystems and reduces their productivity and has adverse effects on water availability food security, human health and well being. She further said that global recognition of the environment degradation throughout the world, has provided an opportunity to focus global attention on critical environment issues.

She said that by reducing the carbon emission we would be able to provide sustainability to our ecosystem besides saving energy, which could be utilized for the industrial sector enhancing its productivity. She also called upon the public to look their life through a carbon neutral lens which will help them in other ways increasing the efficiency of resource use, avoiding and reducing waste and ultimately improving overall performance.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza appreciated the efforts of the International Agencies collaborating with the Government of Pakistan for environmental protection. She said that let us recognize the need to slow the momentum of the dramatic environmental changes and pledge to do our best to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

She also called upon the governmental environmental protections agencies to take strict action against the violators of the environmental laws enacted by the legislature. She said that strict compliance of the university recognized environmental standards would ensure sustainable health environment and biodiversity for the coming generations. Speaker emphasized that media was most important source of information. She asked the media to play is due role to create awareness among the masses about the advantages of healthy environment. She also urged for more plantation to save the environment of the planet.

Islamabad: June 2, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has summoned a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee on 4th June, 2012 at 2.00 p.m. in Parliament House to discuss the business to be transacted during the 42nd Session (Budget Session) of the National Assembly.

Islamabad: June 2, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have condoled the death of father of Senator Mian Raza Rabbani, Chairman Parliamentary National Security Committee.

In their separate condolence messages to Mian Raza Rabbani, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise of his father. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad May 30, 2012: A meeting of the Board of Governors (BoG) of Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services (PIPS) was held in newly inaugurated PIPS Campus Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly/President Board of Governor (PIPS) in the chair.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that the Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services (PIPS) was a landmark achievement of the incumbent parliament besides being a premier training and research facility for the national as well as provincial legislatures. She eulogized the immense contributions of Members of the BoG from its initial stage of development to the completion of permanent campus. She said that institutionalization of the capacity building of Members of the Parliament and training facility for the legislative staff was imperative and was turned into functioning reality with the assistance of United State of America. She was confident that the establishment of PIPS would be beneficial for strengthening of democracy in Pakistan and building strong and robust democratic institutions.

Members of the Board of Governors were appreciative of the dynamic leadership of Dr. Fehmida Mirza under whose able leadership; the idea of PIPS was turned into reality. Mr. Sabir Ali Baloch, Deputy Chairman Senate paying tribute to the Speaker, said that national parliament and provincial legislatures were indebted to her for establishment of the state-of-art parliamentary services institute. Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan, Speaker Punjab Assembly complementing Madam Speaker, said that she needs to be commended as the concept of PIPS was conceived and fulfilled in during her tenure. He said that Provincial legislature would benefit a lot from PIPS. Mr. Nisar Ahmad Khuro, Speaker Sindh Assembly eulogized the stewardship of Madam Speaker for making PIPS a reality. He suggested for setting up of provincial campuses of PIPS in all the provincial capitals. Mr. Aslam Bhootani Speaker Balochistan Assembly paid tribute to Madam Speaker and said that the idea of PIPS turning into a beaming reality in short span of three years owe to the relentless efforts of the Speaker.

The other Members of the Board of Governors also individually commended Madam Speaker’s efforts and said that her name would always be remembered in the annals of history for her valuable contributions for institutionalizing the capacity building and research facility for the parliamentarians. They said that the national, provincial and regional legislatures. Earlier, fateha was also offered for the deceased nephew of Speaker Khyber-pukhtoonkhwa Assembly.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Sabir Ali Baloch, Deputy Chairman Senate, Rana Muhammad Iqbal, Speaker Punjab Assembly, Mr. Nisar Ahmad Khuro, Speaker Sindh Assembly, Mr. Muhammad Aslam Bhootani, Speaker Balochistan Assembly, Senators Dr. Saeeda Iqbal, Engr. Muhammad Hamayun Khan Mandokhel, MNAs Mrs. Yasmeen Rehman, Mr. Aftab Shaban Mirani, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Mr. S.A Iqbal Qadri, Mr. Pervaiz Khan, Mr. Zafar beg Bhittani, Executive Director (PIPS) and Secretaries of Senate and National Assembly.

Islamabad: May 27, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have condoled the death of Col. (R) Ali Gohar Khan father of Ms. Bushra Gohar, MNA.

In their separate condolence messages to Ms. Bushra Gohar, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise of her father. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad: May 23, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have condoled the death of elder brother of Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah, Minister for Religious Affairs

In their separate condolence messages to Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise of his elder brother Syed Ali Nawaz Shah. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad May 21, 2012:  Prime Minister of Republic of Turkey H.E Recep Tayyip Erdogan has assured of his country’s continued unflinching support to Pakistan. He made these remarks in his meeting with Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly and Mr. Sabir Baloch, Acting Chairman Senate here in Parliament House, today.

The Turkish Prime Minister termed the friendship between his country and Pakistan “a historic association that is deeply imbedded in our people’s hearts and minds”. He said that the Turkish people can never forget the sacrifices of the Muslims of the Indo-Pakistan during the Turk War of Liberation. Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that Turkey considers Pakistan a brother and would extend unflinching support in addressing problems confronted by it specially the fight against terrorism. He said that his government has taken various initiatives to enhance economic cooperation with Pakistan for mutual benefit of both the countries. He thanked the Speaker for warm welcome extended to him and his delegation on his arrival at Parliament House. He said that it was an honour for him to address the August House for the second time.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that time immemorial relations between both the brotherly countries were intertwined in religious and historic bonds and Pakistan and Turkey were friends now and forever. She said that it was the desire of incumbent Pakistani leadership to further cement these relations through cooperation in diverse fields. She termed Mr. Erdogan as a true leader of the Muslim World and his visionary leadership has ushered in an exceptional development in Turkey. The Speaker lauded relentless support of Government and people of Turkey in the aftermath of the fateful natural calamities in years 2008, 2010 and 2011 which effected large number of people throughout the country. She stressed the need for continued assistance to Pakistan in seeking sustainable solutions to its current economic problems, particularly in the energy sector. The Speaker stressed for enhancing the trade and economic ties between both the countries since immense economic potentials exist in Pakistan

The Speaker said that frequent interaction between the parliamentarians and the people of Pakistan and Turkey would further strengthen the existing brotherhood between the two countries. She said that parliamentarians of the two sides could play a meaningful role in the region as “parliamentary diplomacy could enable the real policy makers to understand each-others’ points of view better. The Speaker highly appreciated the role played by Turkey in bringing Afghanistan and Pakistan closer through the Trilateral Process. She informed the Turkish Premier about the government’s firm resolve against fight against terror.

Islamabad May 18, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly chaired a meeting to discussed the security arrangements for the Joint Sitting of Parliament for address of the Turkish Prime Minister to be held on 21st May, 2012. The meeting was attended by Secretary M/o Interior, Chairman CDA, Inspector General of Police (ICT) and other senior officers of the concerned departments.

The Inspector General of Police briefed the Speaker about the elaborate security arrangements which have been made keeping in view the importance of the visit of the Turkish Prime Minister. Madam Speaker expressed satisfaction over the security arrangements, however directed for close liaison between all the departments since the visit of Turkish Prime Minister carries special significance for Pakistan.

Later, after thorough discussion it was decided that entry into Parliament House would be through special passes issued by the National Assembly Secretariat and parking of vehicles would be in the designated parking lots for which red and green stickers would be issued. It was further decided that a shuttle services would ply between Parliament Lodges and Parliament House for the convenience of Members of the Parliament. It was also decided that no armed guards of the Parliamentarians will be allowed in the precincts of the Parliament House on 21st May, 2012.

 

Islamabad; May 14, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has constituted a Special Committee on Missing Persons. Notification to this effect has been issued by the National Assembly Secretariat today.

The Speaker has constituted the Special committee in pursuance of resolution adopted by the National Assembly on 14th March, 2012. The Special Committee has been mandated to investigate the issue of Missing Persons.

The Committee will comprise of MNAs Mr. Abdul Qadir Patel, Dr. Attiya Inayatuallh, Mr. Sajid Ahmed, Mr. Himayatullah Mayar, Lt. Gen. (Retd) Abdul Qadir Baloch, Engineer Khurram Dastagir Khan, Mr. Naseer Bhutta and Maulana Atta ur Rehman.

Islamabad; May 14, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has invited Leader of the Opposition Ch. Nisar Ali Khan in her chamber in Parliament House, Islamabad.

She extended this invitation in response to a letter written by the Leader of the Opposition to Madam Speaker few days ago.

Islamabad; May 14, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has called Mr. Abid Sher Ali, MNA in her chamber in Parliament House, Islamabad. Madam Speaker has asked Mr. Abid Sher Ali to see her during the current week.

Islamabad: May 9, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have condoled the death of uncle of Syed Mehdi Shah, CM Gilgit-Baltistan.

In their separate condolence messages to Syed Mehdi Shah, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.
 

Islamabad: May 8, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have condoled the death of sister of Syed Hamid Saeed Kazmi, MNA.

In their separate condolence messages to Syed Hamid Saeed Kazmi, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise.  They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad May 7, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly stressed the need for stringent public awareness campaign to make the country free from Thalassemia. She said that today, millions of children across the world were suffering from Thalassemia, which needed immediate attention of the nations individually and collectively. She expressed these views in her message on the Thalassemia Day being observed tomorrow across the world.

The Speaker said that like other Asian countries Thalassemia is amongst major health concerns in Pakistan. She said lack of awareness among the masses was the main cause behind the increase in Thalassemia disorder in country. She stressed the need for creating public awareness for prevention of the dreadful blood disorder. She said that Thalassemia was a genetically transmitted blood disorder, which had affected million of people around the world and its further proliferation could only be slashed down by avoiding intra-family marriages.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza called upon the provincial governments to allocate necessary funds for establishment of Thalassemia Centers to ensure health coverage and blood transfusion services to the deserving patients in both the rural and urban areas of the country. She also appealed to the non-governmental organizations and philanthropist community to generously donate for establishment of such Centers where deserving Thalassemia patients could undergo clinical care besides having free blood transfusion services. Dr. Fehmida Mirza also called upon the media to create awareness among masses to stop further proliferation of the blood disorder. The Speaker eulogized the services of the volunteers and philanthropists working for wellbeing of Thalassemia patients.

Islamabad; May 4, 2012: Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza has ordered immediate restoration of a rare portrait of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah for placing it in the Parliament House. This is considered one of the rare and best portraits painted by legendary Prof. Saeed Akhtar in the early seventies and measures 10 x 8 feet.

Madam Speaker passed these orders when the dismal condition of this antique portrait of the Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, currently placed in the former National Assembly Hall at the State Bank Building was brought into the notice of Madam Speaker.

This precious piece of Art after restoration would be placed at a befitting place in the Parliament Building. The Parliamentarians, Artists and Art lovers have appreciated Madam Speaker’s determination to save and protect every symbol of our national heritage for passing to the future generations with all its glory and prestige.
 

Islamabad; April 30, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has said that any nation’s economic strength and vigour was determined by the status and standard of living of its labour class and protection of their rights. She said this in her message on May Day being commemorated world over tomorrow.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that the labour class plays a vital role in the development progress of a country, therefore, it was essential to ensure their welfare and payment of proper and timely remuneration for their services. The Speaker said that Islam lays a great emphasis on the welfare and proper award of labour. She said that all the civilized societies in the world have legislated to ensure the rights and welfare of t heir labour forces. The Speaker said that the commemoration of May Day is a tribute to all those who sacrificed their lives for labour rights and renewal of determination to ponder and work for betterment of labour class.

The Speaker said that Pakistan was bless by Allah with enormous labour potential which if properly taped may create huge economic activity in the country. The Speaker said that Pakistani labour force was rendering valuable services and contribution in the economics of other countries and was great source of our foreign exchange earnings. She said that the present democratic government was pursuing labour friendly policies and have made legislation for ensuring welfare of the labour class in the country. She said that policies of the government were continuation of the commitment of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto toward labour class. She said that government had increased the minimum remuneration to the unskilled labour and distributed shares of the public sector companies to their employees. She said that the steps of government have rejuvenated the zeal of the work force beside created their ownership in the public sector companies.

The Speaker said that the rights and duties go side by side and urged the labour class of the country to work hard with devotion to harness the country’s resources for the prosperity and development of the country and its people.

Islamabad; April 27, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza Speaker National Assembly chaired a meeting of Business Advisory Committee in the Parliament House to discuss the Business of the House for 41st Session of the National Assembly.

After thorough discussion, it was decided that the 41st Session of the National Assembly will continue till 4 May, 2012. It was decided that debate on Adjournment Motion regarding Bhoja Plane Crash will be held on Monday followed by discussion on President’s Address to the Parliament. The Committee also discussed and approved the Calendar for the 5th Parliamentary year of the National Assembly.

The meeting was attended by Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker, Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah, Minister for Religious Affairs, Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister for Water & Power, Mr. Farooq H. Naek, Minister for Law and Justice, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Minister for Information Technology, Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Minister for Professional and Technical Training, MNAs; Nawab Muhammad Yousaf Talpur, Sheikh Aftab Ahmed, Rana Tanveer, Hussain, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Dr. Abdul Kadir Khanzada and Ms. Jamila Gilani.

Islamabad; April 26, 2012: Ch. Abdul Ghafoor, MNA has been unanimously elected as Chairman, Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges in the Committee’s meeting held at Parliament House, today.

Mr. Nadeem Afzal Gondal proposed the name of Ch. Abdul Ghafoor as a Chairman of the Committee while all other members seconded his name. Additional Secretary, Mr. Moosa Raza Effendi conducted the election of the Chairman.

Ch. Abdul Ghafoor thanked the members of the committee for reposing confidence and trust in him by electing the Chairman Standing Committee on Rules of Procedure and Privileges. He assured the members that he will come up to their expectation and make the Committee purposeful.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker have congratulated Ch. Abdul Ghafoor on his election as Chairman. The Speaker and Deputy Speaker in their felicitation message to newly elected Chairman said that his election was the reflection of trust of the members of committee reposed in him and assured National Assembly Secretariat’s full cooperation for smooth functioning of the committee.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Nadeem Afzal Gondal, Mr. Ghulam Ali Nizamani, Nawab Muhammad Yousuf Talpur, Mr. Sajjad-ul-Hassan, Mr. Mehmood Hayat Khan Tochi Khan, Mr. S. A. Iqbal Quadri and Mr. Shakeel Awan.

Islamabad: April 23, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker, National Assembly have expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the death of Abdul Salam Thaheem, Sindh Minister for Technical Education.

In their separate condolence messages to the members of bereaved family the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise.  They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad; April 20, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has called upon the nation to personify the teachings and poetry of Allama Iqbal in their personal and social lives in order to overcome the challenges being confronted to the country. She called for a cohesive strategy for fostering the human values of fraternity, brotherhood and truthfulness. Speaker National Assembly said this in her message on the death anniversary of the national poet Allama Mohammad Iqbal.

The Speaker said that the poetry and thoughts of Allama Iqbal awoke Muslims from their deep slumber and injected spirit of independence and freedom in the Muslim Ummah. His poetry was the source of inspiration for the Muslims of the subcontinent, which enabled them to break the shackles of slavery and lead them to achieve a separate homeland for them, she said. The Speaker said that Iqbal knew the real worth of Muslim Ummah and wanted to revive their past glory which had dwindled due to the drift from the religion. The Speaker said that Allama Iqbal advocated the Muslim Ummah to recuperate their lost glory through reverting back to the teachings of Islam by holding steadfastly the teaching of Quran and Sunnah.

The Speaker said that ideas of Iqbal laid emphasis on the progressive human thought and called for advancement in philosophical interpretation in the present days as the extremist elements in our society were interpreting Islamic scripture and verse to pursue their nefarious designs. She said that Iqbal believed in religion as a living force to be interpreted in the light of modern thoughts for opening fresh avenues perspectives and constructive views.

The Speaker advised the youth to adopt a role, which personifies the human values of fraternity, brotherhood and truthfulness in their personal and social lives. She also urged them to idealize Allama Mohammad Iqbal and adopt traits of honesty and dedication in their routine affairs to take out Pakistan from the present crisis. 
 

Islamabad April 20 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker, National Assembly have condemn the murder of Senior Journalist and Assistant Editor, Daily Dawn Murtaza Razvi. 

In their separate condolence messages to the bereaved family, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker paid rich tributes to the contribution of Murtaza Razvi for promotion of healthy journalism and freedom of press in the country. They expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the tragic murder of Murtaza Razvi and prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant the courage to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

They called upon the law enforcing agencies to apprehend the culprits behind the murder of Murtaza Razvi and bring them to justice.
 

Islamabad; April 11, 2012: Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Asif Sandila paid a courtesy call on Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly in Parliament House, today.

While talking to the Naval Chief, Dr. Fehmida Mirza praised the State of preparedness of Pakistan Navy for defending the maritime frontiers of the country. She said that the Pakistan Navy has played an important role in making the Defence of the country, impregnable. Dr. Fehmida Mirza also praised the role of Pak Navy personnel during rescue and rehabilitation activities in the catastrophic floods in Sindh.

Naval Chief expressed his gratitude to Madam Speaker for her kind words. He said that Pakistan Navy remains vigilant at all times to thwart any threat to the country. He said that Pak Navy is always prepared to play its role in calamites. He praised the sagacious role of Madam Speaker in conducting the proceedings of the House. He also praised the role of women legislators for women emancipation and creating gender parity. Naval Chief informed the Speaker that Pakistan Navy has always encouraged women whereby a significant number of women have been inducted in Navy during the recent years. He said that the women naval officers were actively playing their role in Naval Education and Medical cores.

Islamabad April, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly/President Board of Governors of Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services (PIPS) chaired a meeting of the PIPS Board of Governors (BoG) in Parliament House, this afternoon.

The Board of Governors considered and approved the Budget estimates for PIPS for the financial year 2012-13 amount to Rs.107,722,000/-. The BoG also assented to proposal of contribution by provincial Assemblies in respect of the capacity building/training services provided by PIPS to the Members and staff of the Provincial Assemblies. The Speaker Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan Assemblies agreed to the proposal. It was decided that all the four provincial assemblies would initially contribute Rs.7 million which would be increased keeping in view the frequency and training requirements of the provincial legislatures.

The BoG later discussed the progress of the completion of the PIPS Premises. The Executive Director (PIPS) apprised the BoG that the new state of art building was under completion stage and would be handed over to the PIPS Administration within coming days. He said that the donors were keenly pursuing completion process so that the Institute could formally starts functioning without further delay. He said that the Building has been powered by solar energy, furnished with excellent equipment and furniture commensurating with the status of the National Legislature.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza and other Members of the BoG appreciated the efforts of the ED (PIPS) and the contribution/assistance of Donors in that regard. The Speaker said that PIPS was a feather in the cap of the incumbent parliament and would provide an excellent facility for the capacity building/training of Parliamentarians and the parliamentary support staff.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Chairman Senate/ Vice President PIPS Mr. Sabir Baloch, Speaker Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Mr. Kiramat Ullah Khan, Speaker Balochistan Assembly Mr. Muhammad Aslam Bhootani, Senators Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi, Dr. Saeeda Iqbal, Engineer Muhammad Humayun Mandokhel, MNAs Mrs. Yasmeen Rehman, Mr. Aftab Shahban Mirani, Ch. Muhammad Barjees Tahir, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Mr. S. A Iqbal Qadri, Mr. Pervez Khan, Secretary, National Assembly and Secretary Senate of Pakistan.
 

Islamabad April 8, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly and Dr. Zulfiqar Mirza have expressed their deep grief and sorrow over sudden death of Jeay Sindh Quami Mahaz Leader Bashir Qureshi.

In their condolence messages to the family of the deceased leader and his followers, the Speaker Dr. Fehmida Mirza and Dr. Zulfiqar Mirza prayed to Allah Almighty to bless the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to fortitude to the members of the bereaved family and his followers to bear this irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad: April 3, 2012:  Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has said that Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was a visionary and dauntless leader who will live forever in the hearts and minds of the people of Pakistan . “Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto struggled for a modern, democratic and developed Pakistan free from exploitation and obscurantism where people’s will shall prevail. She said this in her message on the 33rd Death Anniversary of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto being observed tomorrow.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was beacon of light for the downtrodden and disadvantaged people and his political objective was based on the common man’s right to rule through a fair representative system and their economic empowerment. She said that Shaheed Bhutto was an icon of principles and opted for martyrdom rather than leaning down in front of the dictatorial forces.

Madam Speaker said that the framing of the unanimous Federal, Democratic and representative Constitution of 1973, initiation the Nuclear program, holding of the OIC summit of 1974 at Lahore, the construction of Karakoram Highway, Steel Mills, Port Qasim, Heavy Mechanical Complex, and land reforms are the silent monuments to Shaheed Bhutto’s memory. She said that Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto undoubtedly laid the foundation of strong support structures for the economy of the country.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza called upon the Nation to forge unity and shun political differences in order to strengthen the democracy and to face the diverse challenges presently being faced by the country. She said that by following the footsteps of the Quaid-e-Awam, we would be able to rise as a progressive and a responsible nation in the comity of Nations. She prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the soul of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto in eternal peace.

Islamabad, April 01, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have congratulated Syed Sarmad Ali, Mr. Mehtab Khan, Ms. Rameeza Majid Nizami and Mr. Masood Hamid on their election for slots of President, Sr. Vice President, Vice President and General Secretary of the All Pakistan News Society (APNS), respectively.

In their separate congratulatory messages to Syed Sarmad Ali, Mr. Mehtab Khan, Ms. Rameeza Nizami and other office bearers of APNS, the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker said that their election to the office of President, Sr. & Vice President and Secretary General of the APNS was an evidence of trust and confidence of the members of the General Council of APNS reposed in them.

The Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed the hope that newspapers and publication industry will progress under the guidance of new APNS Leadership and would guide the Government to improve governance and formulating pro-people policies besides taking care of the welfare initiatives for the Journalistic community.

Islamabad March 27, 2012: The Finance Committee of the National Assembly met under the chairpersonship of Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly in Parliament House, today.

The committee approved the proposed budget of the National Assembly Secretariat for the fiscal year 2012-2013 amounting to Rs.2,073,556,000/-. The Committee was informed that there was no variation between the revised estimates and sanctioned budget for the year 2011-2012.

The committee appreciated the prudent leadership of Madam Speaker for initiating austerity measures and maintaining financial discipline in the expenditures of the National Assembly Secretariat.

The Committee also approved the continuation of 113 temporary posts in different cadres for the financial year 2012-2013. The said posts were required to be continued for the smooth functioning of the National Assembly Secretariat.

The meeting was attended by MNAs Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, Ms. Fauzia Wahab, Ms. Nafisa Shah, Mrs. Yasmeen Rahman, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Ch. Saud Majeed, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Mr. Noor-ul-Haq Qadri, Mr. Istiqbal Khan, Secretary National Assembly, Additional Secretary M/o Finance and other senior officers of the National Assembly Secretariat.

Islamabad the 26th March, 2012:  Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker of the National Assembly and Patron of the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus along-with all members of the Caucus have expressed deep sorrow at the death of Fakhra Yunus and expressed concern that even 12 years after the heinous incident, the culprits had not been identified and brought to the book.

“The Women Parliamentary Caucus and women parliamentarians have worked for a provision for a strict law in the case of victims of acid burns and such a law has been passed in the National Assembly,” says Secretary Nafisa Shah. “However a lot more needs to be done for the victims themselves, who remain scarred for life,” she added.

The WPC also noted that it was time that the judiciary and the law enforcement agencies examined the criminal justice system as a whole, while the National and provincial governments must create a comprehensive medical and social system through which victims of acid burns are provided with treatment, rehabilitation and care. In addition, the provinces needed to make a dedicated law for the burn victims, covering all aspects, such as the crime, prevention and rehabilitation, recommended the WPC.

In order to ensure that Fakra’s story is not repeated, we must all wake up to the call and work to ensure that justice is done and seen to be done, asserted the women parliamentarians.

Islamabad: March 22, 2012:  Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has greeted the nation on the auspicious occasion of Pakistan Day and said that March 23 has a special significance in the history sub-continent.

In her message, the Speaker said that 72 years ago, on this day the Muslim of South Asia, under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Lahore, resolved to work for independent Muslim state. She said that the Lahore Resolution induced a new vigor and impetus to the movement of independence gave Muslim new sense of purpose and direction.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that for centuries, non-Muslims lived peacefully, enjoyed complete religious freedom under the Muslim rule in sub-continent, however the government which came in power under government of India Act, 1935 give a rude shock to the Muslims forcing them that their rights would not be protected with in a united India.  “They were thus left no choice except to demand independence not only from the Yoke of Colonialism but also from the Hindu domination” She said.

The Speaker said that the Quaid-e-Azam embodied Islamic principles of tolerance and humanism which encourage him to rally around, not only Muslim public opinion but also support from other minorities to demand and create a separate Muslim homeland. “It is a tribute to his leadership and honesty of purpose that with in short period of seven years, he secured Pakistan against heavy odds through peaceful means” She said that.

She said that while celebrating Pakistan day, it was incumbent upon us to resolve the spirit of national unity and follow the Quaid’s guiding principles of unity, faith and discipline “let us make a firm resolve to make all our efforts to achieve the objectives of creation of Pakistan and also to make Pakistan a strong and prosperous, democratic country where the will of the people, equality, justice and brotherhood reign supreme” she said. Madam Speaker said that democracy was best solution of all ours problems, therefore, on this auspicious occasion let us resolved to work hard to strengthening democracy in Pakistan.

Islamabad: March 20, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza , Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan have expressed their heartfelt condolence over the sad demise of mother of Liaqat Baloch Ex-MNA and Secretary General of Jamat Islami.

In their separate condolence messages to Liaqat Baloch the Speaker and Deputy Speaker said that they were deeply grieved over the death of his mother. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage and fortitude to the bereaved family to bear the loss with equanimity.

Full text of speech of Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly on occasion of convocation ceremony of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto institute for Science & Technology

Bismillah Irr Rehman Irr Raheem

Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, Chancellor of ZABIST!

Mr. Aftab Shaban Mirani, MNA, Vice Chairman, ZABIST!

Dr. Saqib Rizavi, President of ZABIST!

Mr. Amanat Ali Jalbani, the Vice President of the Institute!

Syed Asad Hussain, Director of the Islamabad Campus of ZABIST!

Mr. Jawaid Bhatti, Keynote Speaker!

Members of the Faculty, the graduating students, parents,

Ladies and Gentlemen!

Assalam-o-Alikum!

It gives me immense pleasure to join you all at today’s convocation, organized by Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST) Islamabad.

I thank the Organizing Committee, especially the worthy Chancellor Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho MNA for inviting me here, and enabling me to share the joys and excitement of the young graduates, who truly represent our country’s bright future.

My dear Students!

Congratulations! Your hard work and dedication has earned you your well-deserved success. What is more, it is also a moment of pride for your teachers and parents as well. I, therefore, have every reason to believe that as you enter your chosen fields, you will continue to work with the same passion and zeal to bring laurels to your Alma Mater, your family and your country.

Ladies and Gentlemen!

The world around us is changing with tumultuous speed and so are the requirements of society, business and industry. In today’s global interdependent environment, higher educational institutions are under a tremendous pressure to take up more responsible roles for developing the future leaders. By doing so, they are needed to play the most powerful role in knowledge creation and its dissemination for a wider array of stakeholders. Their cumulative contribution has been an ever-evolving source of prosperity and improved standards of living.

The present century is dedicated to knowledge. In the words of Alvin Toffler, the great American futurologist:

“The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn and relearn.”

It is thus that the world is witnessing a paradigm shift from isolated growth oriented factors of production. Now, the human, intellectual, and psychological capitals are also considered essential for the sustainable increase in a country’s gross domestic produce. And this cannot happen without creating the requisite knowledge in organization’s ecologies, embedded with advanced knowledge management system.

This, in turn, has posed a huge challenge. With the emergence of new standards and benchmarks, we are left with no alternatives except to raise the bar and internationalize our education and research on the advanced world’s models.

On this note, I congratulate SZABIST, which is endeavoring to raise the banner of quality education and is pursuing anticipatory approach towards trends in global academic and research developments.

And in this regard, it is heartening to note that SZABIST is giving great importance to newer dimensions of triple helix: that is university-industry and community linkages, hence giving research a meaningful context. The need for conducting relevant studies, which can contribute to creating jobs and building economies, cannot be over exaggerated. Your university believes in ensuring uninterrupted supply of quality graduates as leaders of the next generation. And therefore making the dream of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto come true to turn SZABIST into the “Howard of Asia”.

Ladies and Gentlemen!

It is my firm belief that we in Pakistan have to be awake to the challenges of creating learning opportunities and application of literacy, education and knowledge through higher education. Literacy has to be redefined to include extended learning.

If we talk of literacy rates of Pakistan, it is highly alarming that Pakistan trails behind many countries. With the given constraints and resource crunch, the country may not be able to achieve the MDGs, targeted at 100 percent by year 2015. It is estimated that with the present growth rate, we may increase the literacy rate, at the most, by 58% by 2015. Some recent indexes have placed Pakistan at a very low position; for example, HDI 2011 ranks Pakistan 145 out of 187 countries. The Education for All (EFA) Development Index ranks Pakistan at 118 out of 129 countries. Similarly, the Prosperity Index ranks Pakistan at 105 out of 110 countries in the education category. .

Pakistan spends only 1.7 percent of GDP on education, which is quite insufficient to embark on an ambitious academic agenda to be able to survive and thrive in the global business environment. If we take the case of our neighbors, Bangladesh and India, they are spending much more than we do on education and especially on higher education.

So my dear Students!

The wakeup call is loud and clear; if we do not anticipate the imminent change coming to destroy the fine fabric that we built in so many years, we may lose --- God forbid --- decades and a whole generation. The short, medium and long-term strategies, therefore, are to be worked out to gain a competitive edge over others.

In all these realms, the academic institutions, being the breeding grounds of fresh ideas and thoughts, have to take a lead. The future belongs to you. You must, therefore, take the driving seat. Influence the mindset by your research findings and guide the nation towards a better tomorrow.

As I conclude, I am reminded of the excerpts of the Quaid-e-Awam Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s historic speech, made from the floor of the first popularly elected National Assembly of Pakistan on August 14, 1972. While quoting the Founder of the Nation, Shaheed Bhutto said:

“Don’t forget the Quaid-e-Azam’s words: Failure is a word unknown to me.” Such resolve and determination brought Pakistan into being… So let us together resolve to banish the word failure from the vocabulary of Pakistan. Let us build our own success and Inshahallah we shall realize the dream of Pakistan.”

With these words, Ladies and Gentlemen! I once again congratulate you all and pray for the continued progress and prosperity of your acclaimed institution.

Thank you!

Pakistan Zindabad

ISLAMABAD: March, 17.Dr Fehminda Mirza, speaker of the National Assembly Saturday gave a loud and clear wake up call for development of education fearing that the country would suffer badly if it continues to lag behind in this vital sector.

“If we do not anticipate the sporadic change coming to destroy the fine fabric we have built with lot of hard work, God forbids we may lose for years to come” she issued this caution while addressing the 4th Annual Convocation of SZABIST held here at Convention Centre, Islamabad today.

The speaker in the same breath added that present government was fully committed to implementation of an ambitious academic agenda to help Pakistan not only survive but thrive in the increasingly competitive global arena.

Ms Mirza was of the view that majority of the internal problems confronting Pakistan including the economic woes can be redressed only through knowledge and education. She said human and intellectual capitals are the real drivers of sustainable national growth.

Speaker of the lower house lamented   that Pakistan spends only 1.7 percent of its GDP on education, which is quite insufficient to ensure an ambitious academic revolution. “If we take the case of our neighbor s Bangladesh and India, they are spending much higher that we do on education and especially higher education”, she said.

Fehmida Mirza said  given constraints and resource crunch, the country may not be able to achieve the MDGs by having literacy target of 100 percent by year 2015 and estimated that with the present growth rate, the country may increase the literacy rate by 58% by 2015.

She promised that as speaker of the national assembly she would impress upon the government to further expedite its educational development agenda and allocate maximum resources on this account.

“ We in Pakistan have to be awake to the challenges of creating learning opportunities and application of literacy, education and knowledge through higher education”

Chancellor of SZABIST, Dr Azra Fazal Pechuho said the institute will be ungraded, expanded and developed further to produce most qualified, knowledgeable and valuable human resources for Pakistan.

President of the institute Dr Saqib Razavi while congratulating the graduating students said that SZABIST is endeavoring to bring the students education par excellence that nurtures and prepares them to face challenges of the modern age.

Director SZABIST Islamabad campus, Syed Asad Hussain said his institution is striving to contribute the goals of knowledge-based economy by training and producing maximum number of entrepreneurs in a variety of sectors.

Vice Chancellor of SZABIST Dr Amanat Ali Jalbani  and President Rawalpindi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Javed Akhter Bhatti also addressed the occasion and stressed the need for industry-academia linkages to promote knowledge based economy.

A total of 532 students were awarded degrees during the convocation which included 76 under-graduates, 455 masters and postgraduates and one P.hD. Twenty students received gold medals in different disciplines.

Islamabad: March 12, 2012:  Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker have extended congratulations to Syed Nayyar Hussain Bukhari and Sabir Baloch on their unopposed election as Chairman and Deputy Chairman, Senate, respectively.

In their separate messages to Syed Nayyar Bukhari and Sabir Baloch, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker said that their election as the custodians of Upper House was an evidence of trust and confidence of their leadership and their colleagues, reposed in them.  They expressed, the hope that they will prove precious assets for the Senate and will play pragmatic and active role in strengthening of democratic norms and institutions in the country.
 

Islamabad; March 11, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly, have condoled the death of mother of Javed Miandad, Member of Board of Governors, PCB/former Cricketer.

In their separate condolence messages to Javed Miandad, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed grief and sorrow over the death of his mother. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage and forbearance to him and the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

The Speaker and Deputy Speaker also condoled the death of brother of Pervez Shaukat, Senior Journalist, Daily Jang. They prayed to almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant the courage to the bereaved family to bear the loss with equanimity.

Islamabad: March 11, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have strongly condemned the bomb blast in Peshawar and expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives.

In their separate statements, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker termed it a barbaric and shameful act of terrorism. They said that the elements involved in such activities were the enemies of humanity and the country. They said that such shameful acts could not deter the Government from its firm resolve to fight against terrorism. They were confident that the culprits involved in such activities will not be spared and will be brought to justice.

They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the souls of martyred in eternal peace and sympathized with bereaved families and prayed for early recovery of injured.

Islamabad March 11, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has accepted the resignation of Ms. Nuzhat Sadiq MNA (PML-N) (RS-Punjab) who has tendered resignation from her seat consequent to her election as Senator.

Notification to this effect has been issued by the National Assembly Secretariat on 10th March, 2012. The Notification has been sent to Election Commission of Pakistan for further necessary action.

Islamabad March 9, 2012: Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza has felicitated the Hindu Members of the National Assembly and Hindu community on the festival of colours - Holi that is celebrated on the advent of spring season.

Extending her warm greetings to the Hindu Members of the National Assembly and Hindu community, Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that "Holi brings joy, festivity, freedom, love, respect and happiness for all sections of the society and promotes harmony among all communities". She said that the festival of colours this year may bring joy, happiness and prosperity to the people of country and strengthen our resolve to follow true ethical values in our lives.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that present democratic government strongly committed itself to ensure equal rights for all minority communities as enshrined in Constitution of Pakistan, hence officially patronizes all the major festivals of minorities officially throughout the year to follow the true ethical values. She said that the government would not leave any stone unturned for social uplift, economic empowerment and removal of discriminatory actions against the minorities. She said that creating interfaith harmony amongst the diverse religious communities in the country is the government's top priority.

Praising the valuable services rendered by minorities in the field of education, health and socio-economic development in the country, the Speaker said that their contributions were highly commendable. She also praised the active participation of Hindu MNAs in the legislative proceedings of the National Assembly during last four years.

Islamabad; March 7, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has said that denial of equal opportunities and gender inequality was the biggest obstacle to the progress of the women folk. She said that no nation can make progress without the active participation of its women and no struggle can succeed without the active participation of women along with the men. She said this in her message on the occasion of International Women’s Day being commemorated throughout the globe under the auspicious of United National on 8th March.

The Speaker said that women comprise a major chunk of the population and play significant role in different sectors of national economy but their contributions were not recognized at any level. She said that women in our society were confined to household chores and laborious work in the fields and do not have access to education. She said that education was an inalienable right of every individual; therefore, it was imperative to educate women to make them able to understand and face there diverse problems.  She asked the government to allocate required funds for enhancing the female literacy in the country especially in the rural areas.

Madam Speaker said that women participation in public affairs was central to the functioning and strengthening of democracy and struggle against the oppression.  She said that it was the vision of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed to empower women so that they could better contribute in the national development.  In realization of the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma, women have been sufficiently represented in the present Parliament and opportunities were being provided to them for their enhanced role in the national development, she added.

Madam Speaker said that present parliament is fully cognizant to the plight of women has enacted various pro-women laws, included protection against the harassment at work place, Acid Crime Prevention, the prevention of anti-women practices Laws, Amendments in CPC and PPC and establishment of Fund for women in distress. She said that parliament also passed the Bill for establishment of an independent National Commission on Status of Women. She said that these legislative measures would prove a milestone in the women’s journey of empowerment and emancipation and would also help reducing gender gap and enable women to contribute to the national development with more confidence.

The Madam Speaker said that the present government was committed to women emancipation and their empowerment and had taken a numbers of legislative and economic initiatives to empower the women folk and ensuring their role in social, economic and political sphere of the life. She commended the government’s decision to launch Benazir Income Support Program to offset the impact of inflation on the purchasing power of the poorer sections of the society.

Islamabad; March 2, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have extended warm felicitations to the newly elected Senators from Islamabad, Sindh, Punjab, FATA, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.

In their separate felicitation messages to the Senators-elect, they said that their election to the Upper House of the Parliament was a evidence of trust and confidence reposed in them by the leadership of their respective parties and the Members of the National and Provincial Assemblies. They expressed their optimism that they would uphold the democratic norms and work for strengthening of democracy in the country besides articulating issues of vital importance pertaining to their respective provinces at federal level.

Islamabad: February 28, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have strongly condemned the incident of firing on a bus by unknown assailants in Kohistan today. They expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives.

In their separate statements, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker said that it is a shameful and barbaric act of terrorism which reflect inhuman nature of the perpetrators. They said that the elements involved in such activities were the enemies of humanity and the country. They called upon law enforcement agencies to apprehend the culprits bring them to justice. 

They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed souls in eternal peace and sympathized with bereaved families and prayed for early recovery of injured. 
 

Islamabad: February 27, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have strongly condemned the bomb blast in Noshehra and  expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives.

In their separate statements, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker termed it a barbaric and shameful act of terrorism. They said that the elements involved in such activities were the enemies of humanity and the country. They said that such shameful acts could not deter the Government from its firm resolve to fight against terrorism. They were confident that the culprits involved in such activities will not be spared and will be brought to justice. 

They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the souls of martyred in eternal peace and sympathized with bereaved families and prayed for early recovery of injured. 
 

Islamabad; February 22, 2011: Smt. Meira Kumar, Speaker Lok Sabha who is visiting Pakistan alongwith Indian parliamentary delegation on the invitation of Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has planted a sapling of Mangolia Grandi Flora in the lawn of Parliament House, today.

Speaker, National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Members of Indian parliamentary delegation, Members of National Assembly of Pakistan and senior functionaries of National Assembly were also present on the occasion. Speaker Lok Sabha laid soil and sprinkled water on the sapling by her own hands as symbol of good will gesture. On this occasion she said that this sapling will be remembered as a symbol of love and friendship between the two neighbouring countries and expressed her desire for the cordial relations between the two countries. She said that parliamentarians of both the countries could play vital role in strengthening the relations between two countries. She thanked Speaker, National Assembly on warm welcomed and hospitality extended to her and her delegation during their visit to Pakistan. The participants present on the occasion prayed for the rapid growth of sapling and peace, progress and prosperity of both the countries.

Islamabad February 21, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly and Mrs. Meira Kumar, Speaker Lok Sabha have both agreed for enhanced interaction between the parliamentarians of Pakistan and India to built bridges of understanding and friendship between both the neighboring countries. They also agreed that dialogue was the only way forward to addressing the contentious issues between both the countries. Mrs. Meira Kumar met Dr. Fehmida Mirza along with a Parliamentary delegation comprising Members of Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha, in Parliament House this evening. Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly and Members of the Pak-India Friendship group were also present during the meeting.

Talking to the her Indian Counterpart, Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that Pakistan and Indian not only share boundaries but were intertwined in bonds of culture, history and heritage. She said that both the countries shared common problems, therefore, a common strategy needed to be forged to address those problems. She said that regular
interaction between the parliamentarians of both the countries was the only way forward for solidifying bilateral relations. She said that Pakistan has been the victim of terrorism and the terrorism was posing threat to the region. She called for a joint strategy by the neighboring countries to counter that menace.
       
Referring to the economic and commercial ties between Pakistan and India, Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that immense economical potential exists in both the countries, which needed to be exploited for mutual benefit of both the nations. She said that grant of MNF status to India would further boost commercial activities between the two countries. She also suggested for exploring possibilities of cooperation amongst the Indian and Pakistan Institutes of Parliamentary Services for capacity building of Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff.

Speaker Lok Sabha, Mrs. Meira Kumar reciprocating to the remarks of her Pakistani counterpart said that it was indeed a pleasure to visit Pakistan and she had brought with her, message of good-will, friendship, peace and prosperity for the people of Pakistan. She said that relationship between both the countries was not confined to
politics and trade alone; rather these were based on emotional and cultural grounds. She agreed that regular interaction between parliamentarians and people of both the countries would remove misperceptions against each other and create better understanding. She said that people of India wish to see cordial relations between both
the countries. She said that all the contentious issues needed to be resolved through dialogue. She presented an invitation to Dr. Fehmida Mirza to visit India along with a parliamentary delegation.

Earlier on arrival at Parliament House, the Speaker Lok Sabha was accorded arousing welcome. Speaker National Assembly and Deputy Speaker received the Indian Speaker and her delegation. The delegation also visited the National Assembly Hall and signed visitors book.

Islamabad; February 20, 2012 Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has stressed the need for taking measures for preserving and promotion multilingualism in the country. She said that respect for all the regional languages will promote harmony, unity, brotherhood and solidarity among the cultural communities inhabiting all the federating units. She said that in her message on the International Mother Language Day being commemorated under the auspices of United Nations Tomorrow.

She said that this day serves us an opportunity to recognize the significance of the mother tongue, the language in which a child communicates in, with his parents and siblings. The day aims to promote awareness regarding preservation of mother tongue when a lot of people speak other languages due to their social necessities. She said that mother tongue represents the thoughts, culture and heritage of an individual; therefore, the diverse languages should be preserved and promoted in order to create harmony amongst all the cultural communities.

The Speaker said that Pakistan characterizes a rich linguistic and cultural diversity which needs to be promoted and preserved in order to acquire the harmonious and fruitful coexistence of diverse languages spoken in the country. She stressed for incorporation of all the regional languages in formal and informal education systems in vogue. She also called for initiation of measures to give rightful status and importance to all the languages spoken in the country.

She appreciated the efforts of United Nations specially the UNESCO for pursuing the multilingualism as a means of promoting, protecting and preserving diversity of languages and cultures globally. She called upon the government and international organizations, civil society, educational institutions and the private sector to join hands to ensure that this respect for diversity is translated into the language of peace and an understanding of universal values we all share to realize a better world.

Islamabad February 16, 2012: Commonwealth (CW) Secretary-General Mr. Kamalesh Sharma called on Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly in Parliament House, this morning. The discussion between Speaker National Assembly and Secretary General (CW) focused broad range of issues related to the enhancement of relations and cooperation between Pakistan and Commonwealth.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza appreciated the support of Commonwealth for strengthening of democracy in Pakistan. She said that the incumbent parliament comprised of diverse progressive forces who were actively contributing towards the betterment of the masses which has been clearly substantiated by the unanimous passage of more than ninety bills and 18th, 19, and 20th constitutional amendments. She said that in order to carrying forward Shaheed Leader’s policy of reconciliation, opposition has been given chairs of the Public Accounts Committee and other important standing committees. She said that nascent democracy in the country inherited numerous challenges for which support of the friendly countries was imperative. She agreed for building linkages between the democratic nations for strengthening of relations and sharing best practices.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that she had a strong persuasion that parliaments and parliamentarians could building bridges of understanding and friendship between their respective nations. In realization of her persuasion, she said that she had activated friendship groups with all the friendly parliaments which had been widely acclaimed and reciprocated in other parliaments. She said that her visit to India in 2010 had given impetus to the existing bilateral relations. She said that forthcoming visit of Indian Lok Sabha Speaker along with her delegation would further revitalize relations between parliaments of both the countries.

Mr. Kamalesh Sharma said that Commonwealth has always been supportive of strengthening of democracy and democratic process in Pakistan and would continue its unwavering support in that regard. He said that passage of 20th Amendment will be another feather in the cap of the incumbent parliament which will ensure an Independent Election Commission, transparent and credible next general election in the country. He also ensured Commonwealth support for gender mainstreaming, encouraging participation of youth in the national development, socio-economic development in Pakistan besides institutionalizing support for capacity building of legislators through Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services. He also suggested making the networking of Speaker of the Commonwealth States more active for knowledge sharing and cooperation between parliaments.

Islamabad 15th February, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has constituted a Special Committee to review the present prices of petroleum products. Notification to this effect has been issued by the National Assembly Secretariat, today.

The Committee has been mandated to review the present prices of petroleum products within one week.

The Committee will comprise of MNAs Syed Naveed Qamar, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Dr. Muhammad Farooq Sattar, Engineer Khurrum Dastgir Khan and Rana Tanveer Hussain, however, Advisor to the P.M on Finance will be the ex-offico Member of the Committee.

Islamabad; February 11, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has said that women folk comprise more than 50 % of the population of the country and their participation was imperative for the national development and prosperity. She said this in her message on the National Women Day being commemorating throughout Pakistan tomorrow.

Madam Speaker said that women participation in public affairs was imperative to the functioning and strengthening of democracy and struggle against the oppression. She said that that it was a vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto to empower women so that they could actively contribute in the national development. In realization of the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma, women have been sufficiently represented in the present parliament and opportunities were being provided to them for their enhanced role in the national development, she added.

Madam Speaker said that the present democratic setup was committed to bring change in the laws to provide safe working environment for women. She said that the parliament has passed various pro-women laws including establishment of independent Women Commission, protection of women from harassment at workplace, acid attacks and domestic violence and ensuring the right of inheritance to them. She said that the several laws in that regard are in under consideration in concerned Standing Committees which will be presented in the House soon after finalizing necessary procedural requirements. These laws would help reducing gender gap and enable women to contribute to the national development with more confidence, she said. The Madam Speaker said that the present government was committed to women emancipation and their empowerment and had taken numbers of steps to empower the women folk and ensuring their role in social, economic and political sphere of the life.

She said that provision of basic health facilities and education to women was top priority of the government and substantial funds has been allocated for this purpose in the current budget. She said that establishing of Women Parliamentary Caucus in the National Assembly was a significant achievements which has been formed with the objectives of protecting women rights and empowering them politically and economically.

Islamabad February 7, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza has said that Pakistan attaches immense importance to its relations with France and wants to further diversify existing relations through enhancing parliamentary and economic ties. She appreciated French support for granting trade preferences to Pakistani exports in European Market. She was talking to Mr. Philippe Thiebaud, Ambassador of France who called on Speaker National Assembly in Parliament House, this afternoon.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that French has always been supportive of Pakistan in catastrophes especially in the FoDP forum. She said that Government of Pakistan strongly desires a long-term strategic engagement with France for mutual benefit of both the countries. She stressed the need for enhancing support of friendly countries like France to meet the challenges inherited by the present democratic dispensation. She informed the Ambassador that the present diverse parliament consists of progressive and liberal forces who were proactively working for the betterment of masses. She also expressed the desire to enhance parliamentary ties between parliaments of both the countries.

Mr. Philippe Thiebaud, the Ambassador said that France is cognizant of the geo-strategic importance of Pakistan and would continue extending its support to the present democratic government. He informed the Speaker that a five year Engagement plan has been chalked out and areas of possible cooperation would be identified for mutual benefit of the two countries. He agreed for enhancing parliamentary cooperation between the two parliaments of both the countries.

Later, Mr. Lars Hjalmar Wide, Ambassador of Sweden called on Speaker National Assembly. While talking to the Swedish Ambassador, Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that enhanced interaction between parliaments of Pakistan and Sweden could play an important role in strengthening existing warm and cordial relations between two countries. She appreciated Swedish support for grant of Trade preferences to Pakistani exports in EU market. She also stressed for diversifying existing economic relations for mutual benefit of both the nations. She asked the Ambassador to take up the establishment of Pak-Sweden Friendship Group in Swedish Parliament with the Speaker of the Parliament.

Mr. Lars Hjalmar Wide, Ambassador, agreed with the Speaker and said that parliamentarians being the true representatives of the people could play an important role in taking the existing bilateral relations between two countries to new heights. He said that Sweden would continue its support for strengthening of democracy and democratic institutions in Pakistan. He further apprised the Speaker about the measures inherited for enhancement of economic and trade ties between the two countries.

Islamabad February 4, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has said that the Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) is emblem of tranquility, justice, modesty peace, love and brotherhood. She said that Ummah should seek salvage from the difficulties by following and practicing the teaching of Holy Prophet. She expressed these views in her message on the eve of “Eid Milladunnabi” being commemorated through out the Muslim World tomorrow.

The Speaker said that Holy Prophet (PBUH) was a torch bearer and blessing for the entire universe. She said that it was the strength of the Holy Prophet’s character and preaching through self example and charms of personality that moulded the hearts and minds of the people and compelled the enemies to embrace Islam. “ Holy prophet articulated a comprehensive code of conduct for interpersonal relations and formulating a healthy society through his personal conduct” Speaker said.

She said that the prophet (PBUH) revolutionized the world in a shortest time and changed every aspects of people life through his personal example and deeds. She stressed upon the Ummah to follow the sunnah of the Holy prophet (PBUH) which provided the guidance in every sphere of life. She said that Muslim Ummah was confronting the challenges of sectarianism and extremism and added that best solution to all those problems lied in following the teaching of holy prophet (PBUH).

Islamabad February 4, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly said that the peaceful settlement of Kashmir issue in accordance with the aspirations of Kashmiri people was imperative for the peace and development of the region. She said that Pakistan would continued its unwavering moral, political and diplomatic support to the just struggle of the Kashmiri people for their unalienable right of self determination, as enshrined in the UN Charter and relevant UN resolutions. She said this in her message on the eve of Kashmir Solidarity Day being commemorated on February 5.

Madam Speaker said that this day serves us an opportunity to recognize the countless sacrifices of the brave people of Kashmir who have remained resolute and steadfast against the oppression, spreading more than six decades. She said that Pakistan remains firmly committed to finding a just and peaceful solution of the Kashmir dispute in accordance with the aspirations of the People of Kashmir.

She assured the Kashmiri People of Pakistan's continued moral, political and diplomatic support at all regional and international forums till realization of their objective. She said that the hearts of Pakistani people throbbed with their Kashmiri brethrens; therefore, they would not leave them in lurch. She called upon the United Nations and International Community to play their due role in bringing an end to the repression, violence and human rights violations being committed against the people of Kashmir.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza called an end to the human rights violations in the occupied Kashmir. She also urged for association of Kashmiri people in the dialogue process so that the dispute comes to its peaceful settlement in accordance with due aspirations and wishes of Kashmiri people.

Islamabad February 3, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly said that cancer is a leading cause of deaths globally and needed stringent awareness campaign to save the lives of the people who died from this fatal disease. She said this in her message on the World Cancer Day being observed through out the globe tomorrow.

She said that the Cancer Day was observed to create awareness about the diseases and prevention aspects. The Speaker said cancer is leading cause of deaths globally and more than 70% of all cancer death occurred in low income countries, where resources from prevention diagnoses and treatment of cancer were limited. She said that tobacco was the main cause of cancer and many cancers can be prevented by avoiding tobacco smoking. She said that healthy diet, physical activities and living in clean atmosphere has also proved helpful in reducing the risk factors of cancer and other chronic diseases. She said that a significant proportion of cancer can be cured if it was diagnosis at early stages.

She said that inequalities between developing counties in term of cancer prevention, treatment and cure needed to address. She also called upon the NGOs involved in Medical field to persuade people to take early medication to curtail this fatal disease after it has been diagnosed.

She asked the provincial health department to provide diagnostic and treatment facilities for cancer at all the hospitals especially in the rural areas on priority basis.

Islamabad January 31, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has underlined the need for a joint strategy by OIC countries for promotion of democratic norms, fighting hunger, disease, illiteracy and natural calamities. She was confident that in this quest, a robust Parliamentary Union of Islamic Countries (PUIC) can play a pivotal role. She said that this in her key note address to the 7th Conference of the PUIC Speakers being held in Palembeng, South Sumatra according to a message received from Indonesia.

She said that the globalization and technological advancements in the world was leading to higher levels of income inequality, marginalizing masses to get quality education and better health facilities and improved civic amenities. She feared that such inadequacies imperil young democracies and leads to a state of hopelessness, which translates into hatred and feeds extremism and terrorism. She suggested that in the vital interest of the Muslim Ummah, we should engage into a workable and mutually beneficial mechanism of resource sharing. She said that we can actually lay the foundations of sustainable democracies in our respective countries by jointly fighting hunger, disease, illiteracy and natural calamities. She was positive that a strongly mandated PUIC, through its various existing and expanded organs can play a bridging role.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that the Palembeng Conference is taking place at a crucial juncture of our history when the winds of change are blowing across continents, calling for all-inclusive and meaningful democratic transformation. She said that we as the democratic representatives of 57 nations and over 1.5 billion Muslim people cannot remain oblivious to this challenge, therefore, a guiding wisdom must emerge from this important platform in order to steer the Ummah through the present testing times. She opined that the Democracy is the only way out to translate the ideals of across-the board economic prosperity, social justice and international peace into practical reality.

She suggested that in order to rebuild our economies, the OIC Member States should encourage trade and investments; assist each other in developing critical areas of education and healthcare and support us in reviving a pluralistic, tolerant and an all-inclusive society. She said that it was right time to take tangible steps and translate the sentiments of Islamic unity into concrete measures of cooperation, common prosperity and mutual benefit.

The Speaker said that 65years of democratic struggle in Pakistan has demonstrated that the only way to sustainable democracy is through building stronger systems of equitable social and economic justice. She said that it the widening gap between the “Haves” and the “have-nots” around the world cannot and will not, serve the interests of democracy. She called for a culture of dialogue through PUIC should be initiated across the Muslim World to find long-lasting solutions through peaceful means. She viewed that democracies cannot prosper in an ambiance of injustice, unfair practices and violation of human rights.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that the return of democracy in Pakistan has actively sought to address issues through dialogue and reconciliation. She said that the spirit of accommodation and understanding has paved the way for a strong Parliament which has been illustrated through the unanimous passage of 18th and 19th Constitutional Amendments. She said that during past four years, the Parliament has primarily focused on social reforms agenda and has passed more than 90 Bills mostly relating to welfare and protection of women, children and other marginalized sections of the society.

Islamabad January 30, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has urged people from all segments of society to enthusiastically participate in the Polio campaign to save children from the crippling disease. The Speaker said this in her message on the Polio Campaign being conducted today across the county.

The Speaker urged parents, teachers, ulema and other public functionaries for their cooperation to administer polio drops to children up to age of five years. She said that Ministry of Health, Provincial and District Health department have chalked out a comprehensive strategy and arranged mobile teams to vaccinate children
door-to-door throughout the country. She said that Polio was a crippling disease that continues to threaten health of our children. She said that unfortunately Pakistan was amongst those countries in the world which were still not completely polio free.

Recalling the first Polio Eradication Initiative launched by the government of Shaheed Mohtarma Banazir Bhutto. Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that Shaheed Mohtarma had a strong conviction to eradicate polio from the country which was demonstration of her commitment to improve the social sector, particularly the health of children. She said that government had nominated Aseefa Bhutto Zardari, as Pakistan’s Ambassador for Polio Eradication, to carry forward the mission of her great mother.

The Speaker said that aim of the government was to make Pakistan completely polio free where no child lives in the fear of being crippled for life. Let us pledge that no child should get polio drops, will be missed out, She said.
 

Islamabad; January 17, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has underlined the need for diversity cooperation between Pakistan and Norway for mutual benefits of both the nations. She stressed for Norwegian support in Hydro-Power sector in order to overcome the energy crises in Pakistan. The Speaker was talking to Ms. Cecilie Landsverk, Norwegian Ambassador in Parliament House, today.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that Pakistan attaches immense importance to its existing cordial relations with Norway which has always been supportive of Pakistan in need of hour. She said that Norwegian support during the August, 2011 unprecedented rains in Sindh was highly commendable. She said that the miseries of the flood effectees in Sindh still persist, therefore, support from international community’s support was require. She also asked for Norway’s support
in socio-economic, health and education sectors.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza emphasized the need for enhancing cooperation and interaction between the parliaments and parliamentarians of both the countries. She said that a bipartisan women parliamentarian’s caucus has been established under her patronage which had worked for creating gender parity, helped passage of various pro-women legislation besides achieving breakthrough on women policing, compulsory education for children and creating job opportunities for women. She said that dialogue between Parliamentarians of both the countries would help to learn from their experiences.

Ms. Cecilie Landsverk, the Norwegian Ambassador said that her country also attaches importance to Pakistan being an important nation in the region and expressed her country’s desire to further cement existing ties through people-to-people contacts and cooperation in social and economic sectors. She said that Norway has an expertise in Hydro-power sector, therefore, it would willingly help Pakistan in construction of hydro-power projects to meet its energy deficit. She further apprised the Speaker about the cooperation in health and education sectors and rehabilitation process in flood-torn areas of Sindh. She said that Norwegian investors would certainly benefit from pro-investment policies in Pakistan.

Later Ambassador of Mr. Hugo Gajus Scheltma called on Speaker National Assembly in Parliament House. While talking to the Dutch Ambassador, the Speaker said that Pakistan attaches importance to its relations with Netherlands and desire to enhance them through bilateral economic and parliamentary cooperation. Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that both the countries have huge economic potential which needed to be exploited for mutual benefit. She said that regular interaction between the parliamentarians and trading communities of both the countries would be helpful in exploring avenues of possible cooperation. She thanked Dutch support in FoD forum and devastation in Pakistan.

Ambassador of Netherlands Mr. Hugo Gajus Scheltma agreed with Madam Speaker and said that his government also strongly desires to have congenial relations with Pakistan. He said that Dutch and Pakistani business communities were in regular contact which would help in collaboration in various fields. He assured Madam Speaker of his country’s support for Pakistan in health, education, fisheries, manufacturing and economic sectors.

Islamabad; January 13, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker chaired a meeting of Business Advisory Committee in the Parliament House to discuss the Business of the House for 38th Session of the National Assembly.

After thorough discussion, it was decided that the 38th Session of the National Assembly will continue till 20th January, 2012 and the sittings of the National Assembly will be held in evenings on Monday and Wednesday (in case of Cabinet Meeting) and in the mornings on the remaining days. It was also decided that the next session of the National Assembly will be convened on 15th February, 2012. It was also decided that legislative business and issues of public importance would be taken up for discussion, however, the question hour will not be held during the current session due to non-completion of mandatory time period of 15-days.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly, Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah, Minister for Religious Affairs, Mr. Maula Bukhsh Chandio, Minister for Law & Justice, Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources, Mr. Ghous Bux Mahar Minister for Privatization, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Minister for Professional and Technical Training, MNAs Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Dr. Abdul Kadir Khanzada, Mr. Iqbal Muhammad Ali Khan, Nawab Abdul Ghani Talpur, Ms Jamila Gillani. Sheikh Aftab Ahmad, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Ch. Muhammad Barjees Tahir and Mr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhary.

Islamabad: January 11, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Acting Speaker, National Assembly have condoled the sad demise of eminent spiritual leader,  veteran politician and Chief of PML(F) Pir Sahib Pagara who died in London last night.

In their separate condolence messages to the members of bereaved family, the Speaker and Acting Speaker paid rich tribute to Pir Sahib Pagara. They said that the death of Pir Sahib Pagara was a great loss to nation and country. They said that the vacuum created by his death will difficult to be filled. They expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Pir Sahib Pagara and prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family and the his followers to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad: January 10, 2012:   Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Acting Speaker, National Assembly have strongly condemned bomb blast at Jamrood today.

In their separate messages, the Speaker and the Acting Speaker said that it is a barbaric act of terrorism, which reflected inhumane and callous nature of the perpetrators. They said that the criminals were playing with the lives of innocent people without realizing that they can not save themselves from wrath of Allah.

The Speaker and the Acting Speaker prayed Almighty Allah to rest the departed souls in eternal peace. They also sympathized with the families of deceased and prayed for speedy recovery of injured.

Islamabad: January 10, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Acting Speaker, National Assembly have expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the death of Azeem Daultana, Parliamentary Secretary and Member, National Assembly, who died in a road accident today.

In their separate condolence messages to the members of bereaved family, the Speaker and Acting Speaker said that they were shocked to learn the sad news about the passing away of Azeem Daultana. They paid rich tribute to his services for supremacy of constitution and promotion of democracy in the country.   They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and give the bereaved family the courage and patience to bear the loss with equanimity.

Islamabad January 10, 2012: National Assembly Speaker, Dr. Fehmida Mirza has said that Speakers and the Presiding officers of the Parliament were exposed to the numerous challenges in multiparty chambers and minority/coalition Governments through out the commonwealth which needed to be addressed in order to ensure neutrality of the Speakers and Presiding Officers. She called for a joint way forward for the Commonwealth democracies for projecting and ensuring the impartiality, authority and independence of the Chair. She said this in her keynote address to the 21st Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of Commonwealth (CSPOC) being held in Port of Spain according to message received from Trinidad and Tobago. 

She said that the customary “two-party system”, which remained the hallmark of the Westminster model for centuries was now increasingly giving way to not only hung parliaments but also multi-party coalitions and even minority governments. She said that while the Executive finds it a walk on a tight rope, it’s also not a smooth sailing for the Presiding Officers of such variedly divided Chambers. She said that in fact, in some cases, it was even hard to keep the established lines of the “treasury” and the “opposition” intact. Sharing her experiences, the Speaker said that she handled “voices of dissent, emerging from the government benches” as well as “opposition to the opposition from within the opposition benches”.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that the present circumstances have naturally posed new questions to the authority, integrity, scope and dynamics of the institution of the Speaker. She said that even the established parliamentary democracies have so far not been fully able to keep the Chair completely out of the party politics. She said that like any other candidate, the Speaker too has to get a party ticket and remain loyal to its basic membership which naturally affects his/her impartiality.

She said that there was no denial to the fact that the Chair has numerous powers which are drawn from the House and if he conducts himself with utmost impartiality and with all fairness, the strength and power of the House would be on his side. She said that his independence must reflect through his rulings, given on day-to-day constitutional, legal and procedural issues, raised during the proceedings of the House.  She said that this independence is also essential in protecting the rights of the minorities and special interest groups, present in the House. 

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that independence of the Speakers cannot be achieved if they were not supported by the Opposition, the Treasury and their respective allies who must cooperate with the Chair by complying with the Rules of Business and precedents, set for maintaining decorum and orderly atmosphere. She said that the requisite goal can be achieved through the forum of Business Advisory Committee, a viable means for ensuring the smooth functioning of the system. She said that this platform has proved effective in Pakistan where agreement on annual calendar of sessions, consensus on the debate on issues of urgent public importance through motions, tabling of bills and time allocation for all such matters have been achieved.

She said that the last general elections of 2008 in Pakistan paved way for the return of parliamentary democracy after its remaining under the shadows of a military dictatorship for almost nine years. She said that the diverse mandate in present Parliament, was united in one aspect whereby the House had an overwhelming majority of anti-status quo voices, calling for a meaningful change and a woman elected with an over two-third majority to be its Speaker for the first time in the history of the entire Muslim World.

She was confident that the present discourse upon the emerging challenges would provide a way forward for the Speakers and Presiding Officers to address the challenges confronting them to maintain their neutrality while chairing the House. She said that we all should forge a joint strategy and way forward for our Westminster democracies of the Commonwealth, whereby the impartiality, authority and independence of the Chair is fully protected.

Islamabad January 4, 2012: National Assembly Speaker Dr. Fehmida Mirza will proceed to Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, today to attend the 21st Conference of the Speaker and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) to be held from 7th to 12th January, 2012 at Port of Spain.

The Conference is being hosted by the Trinidad and Tobago Parliament. The Conference of the Speaker and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth (CSPOC) will ponder and determine the agenda and venue for organization of CSPOC, 2013, venues, dates and topics for biannual conferences of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association besides
reviewing rules and other matters concerning the organization and conduct of Conferences.

The Speaker will also meet Speakers and Presiding Officers of the Commonwealth Member States on sidelines of the Conference and discuss matters related to enhancement of bilateral relations between their respective parliaments.

The Conference will be attended by Speakers and Presiding Officers of Australian House of Representatives, Canadian House of Commons, British House of commons, National Assembly of Pakistan, Indian Lok Sabha and other Member countries of Commonwealth.

Islamabad January 4, 2012: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has accepted the resignations of the following Members of the National Assembly with effect from dates mentioned against their names. Notifications in that regard have been issued by the National Assembly Secretariat today.

 
 Name                                                                Constituency                       Date
 

1.  Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, NA-148 (Multan),                15.11.2011

2.  Nawabzada Muhammad Khan Hoti,  NA-9 (Mardan),                    16.12.2011

3.  Mr. Jahangir Khan Tareen,                  NA-195 (Rahimyar Khan), 21.12.2011                 

4.  Makhdoom Javed Hashmi,                 NA-149 (Multan),                 29.12.2011

5.  Mrs. Maimoona Hashmi,                     RS (Punjab),                       29.12.2011

6.  Sardar Asif Ahmad Ali,                         NA-140 (Kasur),                 29.12.2011

Islamabad: January 03, 2012: Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza chaired a meeting of the National Assembly Finance Committee in Parliament House, today.

After discussion, the Committee approved expenditure of Rs.24.26 million and Rs.4.04 million incurred on the outgoing/incoming parliamentary delegations and outgoing delegations of Kashmir Committee, respectively. The Committee also approved the expenditure incurred on purchase of tyres and repair of Hino buses and other vehicles amounting to Rs.0.4 million meant for providing pick and drop facility to the staff of the Secretariat. The Committee also approved the writing-off loss of Rs.1.52 million on account of 2-vehicles stolen in year 2006. Both the vehicles were under use of former Chairmen Standing Committees and despite efforts by the police, the vehicles could not be recovered. The Committee was also consulted for continuation of various posts in the Secretariat in BS-17 to BS-21 which was agreed upon.

The meeting was attended by MNAs Mrs. Asma Arbab Alamgir, Mrs. Yasmeen Rehman, Rana Tanvir Hussian, Mrs. Bushra Rehman, Mufti Ajmal Khan, Mr. Saeed Ahmad Zafar, Begum Ishrat Ashraf, Malik Ibrar Ahmad, Mr. Noor-ul-Haq Qadri, Secretary National Assembly, Additional Secretary M/o Finance and other senior officers of National Assembly Secretariat.

Islamabad: January 02, 2012: Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza has said that Tajikistan and Pakistan were intertwined in bonds of religion, culture and history, therefore, Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Tajikistan. She said that Pakistan strongly desire to enhance its bilateral, economic and parliamentary ties with its brotherly country. She was talking to Ambassador of Tajikistan Mr. Zubaydullo Zubaydov called on Madam Speaker in Parliament House, this evening.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that both the countries have huge economic potential which needs to be exploited for mutual benefit. She said that regular interaction between the political hierarchy, parliamentarians and trading communities of both the countries would be helpful in exploring avenues of possible cooperation. Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that parliamentarians of both the countries could also play an important role in creating better understanding between both the countries. She invited Tajik MPs to visit Pakistan and interact with their Pakistani counterparts. She said that Tajikistan can help Pakistan in addressing the energy crisis in the country. She suggested for enhancing parliamentary cooperation between Member countries of ECO.

Ambassador of Tajikistan Mr. Zubaydullo Zubaydov agreed with Madam Speaker and said that his government also strongly desires to have congenial relations with Pakistan. He said that Tajik and Pakistani business communities were in regular contact and various agreements have been signed for mutual cooperation. He said that Tajikistan was keen to support Pakistan to meet its energy shortages. He said that a stable Pakistan was imperative for the peace in the region. He assured Madam Speaker of his country’s support for Pakistan on all regional and international forums. The Tajik Ambassador also presented an invitation on behalf of Speaker Tajik Parliament to Madam Speaker to visit Tajikistan. Madam Speaker accepted the invitation and said that she would visit Tajikistan with a parliamentary delegation soon.

Islamabad December 26, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has said that Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto was a visionary and a stateswoman. She said that Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto believed in supremacy of Parliament and always worked for strengthening the democratic institutions and promotion of democratic norms in the country. She fought for the downtrodden and oppressed and longed for a forward-looking Pakistan, where women were not subjected to humiliation, torture and treated with respect as equal partners to progress and prosperity. Dr. Fehmida Mirza said this in her message on 4th Death Anniversary being observed, tomorrow.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto had a towering and multi-dimensional personality and was bacon of light for the downtrodden, oppressed and marginalized segments of the society. She said that Mohtarma had the courage to challenge the worst dictatorship of the times when compared with other contemporary politicians. She had to pass through the whirlpool of vendetta by repressive regime in shape of brutal assassination of her father Quaid-e-Awam Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, the murders of her two brothers, the hardships of her mother, her own and her husband’s imprisonments, physical and mental torture, nevertheless, she bravely faced whatever came in her way, continued to challenge and dictatorships and remained steadfast in her commitment to the people and democracy.

Madam Speaker said that the challenges confronted to the nation at present can be resolved with joint efforts. She said that people of all the provinces had their confidence in Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and whenever the nation was given a relatively free of chance to choose, her political party returned successful from all the four federating units. She said that Pakistan witnessed a phenomenal development in all sectors of economy and made the country impregnable during her both tenures as Prime Minister.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that Mohtarma worked diligently as twice-elected Prime Minister towards the well-defined goals of women empowerment. Shaheed Mohtarma brought women to the main-stream by appointing them as judges of the superior courts, opened first women bank, ensured state protection for women by coming up to with the idea of separate women police stations, dedicated funds and schemes in shape of women health workers to bring sea-change in plight of misery and disease stricken women and last but surely least, encouraged women at every tier of political hierarchy.

Madam Speaker said that Mohtarma strongly believed in reconciliation and forbearance she was always forgiving and tried to look for similarities rather than to seek difference and believed in building bridges and not living in isolation, both on the international level as well as on the national front.

Madam Speaker called upon all the political forces to rise above party lines to work for the democracy and rebuild Pakistan as Mohtarma dreamed, aspired worked for. She termed it the befitting way of paying homage and remembrance Benazir Bhutto deserves as a cherished off-spring of the Indus, a gifted soul of Pakistan, the befitting daughter of the East and the visionary of our times. May Allah Rest the souls of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto in eternal peace (Ameen), Madam Speaker prayed.

Islamabad December 24, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has extended warm felicitation to Christian Members of the Parliament and the Christian community on Christmas.

She said that this day may bring bounties for the Christian community and peace and prosperity in the country. She said that this day is celebrated as the birthday of Jesus Christ who was not the prophet of only Christian community but also he was much more reward for the Muslims as we believe on all the prophets of almighty Allah and their teachings were cradle for us. Hazrat Essa (AS) advocated selfless services for humanity and preached the philosophy of non-violence, love, peace, tolerance and brotherhood.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza also extended her appreciation to the Christian community for their deep sense of patriotism and dedicated services for the progress and prosperity of the country. Their unmatched contributions in the process of nation building, especially in the field of health and education were a glowing chapter of our national history, she said.

The Speaker reiterated that society would be purged of the menace of terrorism and militancy by following the Christ’s philosophy of non-violence, love and peace to face the current Challenging situation in the country, she added.

Islamabad December 24, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has said that to attain a respectable and dignified place for Pakistan in the comity of nations, every Pakistani should follow the golden principles of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. She said that we should focus on unity, faith and discipline in order to lead Pakistan to progress and prosperity. She expressed these views in her message to nation on 135th Birth Anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

The Speaker said that Quaid-e-Azam was a great leader of 20th Century and was a symbol of integrity and honesty. He won a free homeland for Muslims of India and defeated colonial powers and Hindu majority with his principled stand an un-tiring struggle, she said.  

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that Quaid-e-Azam versioned Pakistan as democratic impregnable welfare state where people could live with peace, love, fraternity and harmony. Quaid also desired that every citizen should have equal opportunities of education, health, progress and justice, she said.

The Speaker said that the befitting way to pay tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah is to forge unity among our ranks, work hard for the progress and prosperity of the county and follow the golden principles of Quaid-e-Azam to overcome the challenges confronting the county.

Islamabad December 23, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has urged the need for enhancing interaction between the political hierarchies of Pakistan and Austria to building bridges of understanding and cooperation. She also stressed for activating parliamentary friendship groups in the National Assemblies of both the countries. Dr. Fehmida Mirza was talking to H.E Axel Wech, Ambassador of Austria who called on the Speaker in Parliament House, this morning.

While talking to the Ambassador, the speaker said that Pakistan attaches immense importance to its cordial relations with Austria and wants to further strengthen them through parliamentary and economic cooperation. She said that frequent interaction between parliamentarians and business communities would further lead to betterment of relation between two states. She also stress for persuading Austrian business community to invest in Pakistan and take advantage of immense business potential in Pakistan.

H.E Axel Wech, Austrian Ambassador agreed with the Speaker and said that Austrian political hierarchy is also keen in strengthening bilateral relations between both the countries. He said that Austria acknowledges the sacrifices of Pakistan in fight against militancy. He said that during his tenure in Islamabad, he found Pakistanis peace loving, industrious and resilient. He said that frequent interaction between Pakistan and Austrian people would help removing negative perceptions against Pakistan. He also agreed for enhancing economic ties for mutual benefit of both the countries.

Later, H.E Gonzalo Maria Quintero Saravia, Ambassador of Spain met Speaker National Assembly in Parliament House. Dr. Fehmida Mirza while talking to the Ambassador said that Spain is an important nation in the European Union and a friend Pakistan. She said that Pakistan attaches importance to its relations with Spain and wants to further solidify those relations through parliamentary and people-to-people exchanges. She said that interaction between parliamentarians would further pave way for creating better understanding. She also stressed for enhancing economic cooperation in diverse fields especially in the energy sector.

H.E Gonzalo Maria Quintero Saravia, Ambassador of Spain reciprocating to the sentiments of Speaker said that his country also desires to further cement ties with Pakistan. He said that Spain and Pakistan had been trading partners and had been collaborating in various fields. He agreed that frequent interaction between business communities and parliamentarians would be beneficial for both the nations. Appreciating Pakistan’s role in fight against militancy, he said that Spain greatly values sacrifices of Pakistani nation in creating peace in the region since Spain had been victim of terrorism in past. He also conveyed the good wishes of Spanish Speaker to Dr. Fehmida Mirza and said that Spanish Speaker wants to enhance parliamentary cooperation with National Assembly of Pakistan.

Islamabad December 22, 2011: A meeting of Members of the Treasury and Opposition Bench was held in Parliament House, this afternoon with Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly in the chair.

Ch. Nisar Ali Khan, Leader of the Opposition, Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly, Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah, Minster for Religious Affairs, Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister for Water and Power, MNAs Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Nawab Yousaf Talpur, Ch. Muhammad Barjees Tahir, Rana Tanvir Ahmad Khan, Sheikh Aftab Ahmad, Dr. Tariq Fazal Ch. attended the meeting.

The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere. The Speaker appreciated the sagacious role of Leader of the House and Leader of the Opposition for strengthening of the parliament. Leader of Opposition thanked Madam Speaker for arranging this meeting and praised the Speaker and Deputy Speaker for their exceptional role as the custodian of the House.

After thorough discussion broader outlines were agreed between the Treasury and Opposition benches to uphold the supremacy of parliament, to make its proceedings, meaningful and productive. It was decided that all the issues of urgent public interest would be taken up in the Business Advisory Committee at the commencement of the each session of the National Assembly and its decision would be conveyed to all the Members of the Parliamentary parties for strict adherence.

It was also decided that the attendance of the Members would be responsibility of the Chief Whips of the respective parliamentary parties especially during the Question Hour and other important parliamentary debates. Both the parties had a consensus that the Ministers and the concerned Secretaries would remain present during the Question hours on their Rota days and while their legislative business was being taken up in the House.

Islamabad December 20, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has announced donating her organs for organ transplant. She made this decision on her 55th Birthday falling today.

As a mark of gratitude to her people and in order to set a role model for others to follow, Dr. Fehmida Mirza used this day to make this important announcement. Citing the growing need for organ donation, she said that organ donation helps to save and improve lives of ailing patients. She urged her fellow Pakistanis to donate their organs for the ailing patients, who desperately need, organ transplant.

The organs will be donated through noted urologist Dr. Adeeb Rizvi of the Sindh Institute of Urology. December 20th is the Speaker’s birthday and she received an overwhelming number of messages from her well wishers.

Islamabad: December 19, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise of  mother  of Azhar Farooq, Senior Reporter,  ARY News.

In their separate condolence messages to Azhar Farooq, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker said that they were shocked to learn the sad news about the passing away of his mother. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to Azhar Farooq and the other members of the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad December 16, 2011: National Assembly Speaker Dr. Fehmida Mirza has stressed the need for enduring support for strengthening of Democratic Institutions in Pakistan by United States. She appreciated the US support extended for the construction of Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services (PIPS) however, expressed her concern on the delay of construction work. Dr. Fehmida Mirza was talking to Ms. Robin Raphel, Advisor to US Special Envoy on Afghanistan and Pakistan in Parliament House, this evening.

While talking to the US Envoy, Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that democracy in Pakistan has taken its roots and democratic institutions were vibrant and performing their functions in a promising manner. She said that issues of national importance were being deliberated upon in the Parliament and the subsequent discussions serve as the guidelines for the government. She said that regrettable 26th November incident was a blow to the Pak-US relations. She said that the incident was being deliberated by Parliamentary Committee on National Security and its recommendations/findings would be discussed in parliament for assessing future relations between the two countries.

The Speaker said that Pakistan has been a victim of militancy and terrorism. She said that the economy of Pakistan confronted a major blow while playing its role as frontline state against fight against militancy from across the border and within the country. She said that illiteracy; poverty and lack of employment opportunities in FATA were major causes of extremism and terrorism. She said that provision of basic amenities and creating employment opportunities in those areas would help in eliminating this menace. She also asked for fulfilling US pledge for establishing ROZs in the tribal best of Pakistan. She said that continued assistance and tangible steps by United States in that regard were imperative. She also asked for enhancing US assistance for meeting energy crisis, infrastructure development, health and education. Dr. Fehmida Mirza cited that forums like PIPS for enhancing cooperation between the parliaments of two countries.

Ms. Robin Raphel, Special US Envoy appreciated Madam Speaker for meeting her and agreed that 26th November incident was regrettable. She appreciated the role played by Pakistan in fight against terrorism and extremism. She said that U.S wanted to see Pakistan a strong and prosperous and was committed to help strengthen democratic institution in Pakistan. She said that development of FATA was the priority of U.S government and all efforts will be made to eliminate backwardness from the area. She also assured Madam Speaker of US continued assistance for socio-economic uplift in the country besides accelerating the pace of work at PIPS Building so that it could be handed over to the Parliament within stipulated deadline.

Islamabad December 14, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has accepted the resignation of Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan from the office of Chairman Public Accounts Committee with immediate effect.

Notification in this regard has been issued by the National Assembly Secretariat, today.

Islamabad; December 9, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has said that Human Rights were the foundation of freedom, peace, dignity, justice and development and had no preference on each others. She expressed these views in her message on Universal Human Rights Day being commemorated tomorrow all over the world.

The Speaker that Human Rights Day is an important landmark in the history of the United Nations. She said that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is the guiding force which leads every nation towards a unified goal, which is to restore the human dignity to the highest pedestals of humanism. She said that basic objective of all the humanistic movements of the world has always been to restore human dignity and humanize the world culture. Pakistan is one of those countries who have always committed itself to the promotion and protection of Human Rights, she added. 

The Speaker said that Human Rights, mentioned in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, have emanated from the basic principles of Islam. These rights are enshrined in the last address of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), on the occasion of Hujja-Tul-Wida. The status of women and slaves was elevated to a respectful status from a downtrodden position. Islam guarantees equality with equity and prohibits discrimination on the basis of cast, creed, colour, race or religion, she said. 

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said the present Government is committed to safeguarding human rights of its people and has undertaken legislative and political reforms which aim to protect the rights of women, minorities, and special people through affirmative policy action. The Constitution of Pakistan also guarantees all forms of human freedoms to its people and the Government is bound to respond more vocally to its vulnerable and marginalized sections of society. The Government is conscious of its International commitments and has ratified Convention Against Torture (CAT) and International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), she added.

Islamabad December 5, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has said that incident of karbala gave us a message of true spirit of sacrifices and firm determination among the Muslim Ummah. Hazrat Imam Hussain along with his companion made an example of courage, tolerance, upholding truth and principles which could not be ignored in time to comes, said NA Speaker in her message on the occasion of Ashura.

The Speaker said that Ashura reminds us that we should not hesitate to render any sacrifice for upholding the principles of truthfulness and Islamic values. She said that today the Muslim Ummah was passing through difficult phase and was confronting problems and challenges like extremism and terrorism. She said that today Ummah needed the spirit of Karbala and added that with the true spirit of sacrifice and firm determination we could overcome all difficulties.

The Speaker said that the best way to pay tributes to the martyrs of Karbala was to make commitment on this day to work and devote oneself for the development and strength of the country.

Islamabad; November 24, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have condoled the passing away of eminent Columnist, writer and Artist Rauf Khalid.

In their separate condolence messages to bereaved family the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise.  They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad November 24, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has said that the passing of the Prevention of Anti-Women Practices Law was a land achievement of National Assembly under which denial of property rights to women and forced marriages have been recognized as severe offences. These are laws which enabling the state machinery to effectively control violence against women. The passage of the VAW Bill, amendment in the penal code to check Harassment at work place and the tabling of the related bills were few examples which credit goes to the present Parliament. She said this while on the International Day against elimination of violence against women being commemorated though out the world on 25th November.

The Speaker appreciated the long and hard global struggle of the women rights activist for up lift a women folk. She said that the progressive political and civil societies have playing an important role in curbing this evil. She said that role of the youth and media of this country can not be ignored. She said that together with the civil society and the emerging practice of policy reviews by the present-day government was a step forward to eliminate VAW.

Dr. Fehmida said that according to the latest data complied so far reveals shocking trends about 70% of women experience physical or sexual violence from men in their life time. It happens everywhere—at home and at work, on streets and in schools, during peacetime and in conflicts. She said that though it is a global issue, that trend nevertheless, had been more vehement in south Asia, including Pakistan. The growing cases of acid and stove burn victims, honor killings and harassment in general have seen a steady increase during the present decade, which surely calls for urgent preventive steps, she added.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that the women parliamentarians was working actively for curbing the evil of violence against women and doing efforts for the welfare of the women. She said that WPC was more committed to play a key role in putting together all different areas around a common agenda to ensure protection and access of rights for women. She said that in order to eliminate VAW, we need to engage men and youth in this struggle.

Islamabad; November 22, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have condoled the passing away of Mustafa Sadiq, Eminent journalist and Editor of Daily Wafaq.

In their separate condolence messages to bereaved family the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise.  They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Bismillah Irr Rehman Irr Raheem

Excellency Dr. Michael Koch, Ambassador of the Republic of Germany to Pakistan!

Mr. Khwaja Mohammad Akbar, Federal Secretary, Ministry of Interior!

Dr. Wasim Kausar, Director General National Police Bureau!

Dr. Khola Iram,

Principal Adviser GIZ on Gender Responsive Policing Project!

Honourable International and local Delegates,

Lady Police Officers,

Excellencies, Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen!

Assalam-o-Alaikum and very good morning to all of you.

I am pleased to join you all at the inauguration of the 2nd International Islamic Women Police Conference, jointly organised by the National Police Bureau and the German Agency for International Development, GIZ.

I avail this opportunity to welcome the distinguished Muslim women police officers and experts from many important countries of the Far East, Middle East, South and Central Asia, Africa and Europe.

Your presence in Islamabad for the coming four days will indeed provide all participants of this Conference an opportunity to share ideas, identify best practices and gain from mutual experiences on a subject which is not only critical but also common in the Muslim World in terms of social, cultural and religious similarities.

Dear Guests!

The role of women in peace-building and security can not be over-emphasised. In fact, this has re-emerged as a pivotal area of concern in the recent times in wake of the current global scenario.

The wave of change, triggered by the fall of the iron curtain, has continued to reshape our respective societies during the last two decades. On one hand, it escalated global movements of democracy to write new chaptersof people’s power in Europe, South Asia,East Timor and Africawhile also giving a fresh direction to the Middle East throughthe recent Arab Spring.

And on the other, it has also caused the re-surfacing of tensions among states, communities and clans. The fact that there has been more bloodshed, mass-displacement and forced migrations as a result of armed conflicts, sectarian and ethnic violence and acts of genocide during the last two decades than the entire previous century is a bitter reminder to all of us that the world around us continues to be a dangerous place to live.

And in this respect Ladies and Gentlemen! Women and children have come out as the most vulnerable of all segments of society. Gender-based crimes have not only remained a common war tactics in the conflict-ridden areas but have also been on increase in the so-called peaceful localities.

It is in this wider international context that we have seen rapid developments in international law to address the complex issues of peace and security on gender lines. Since 2000, the United Nations Security Council has passed numerous Resolutions, such as 1325, 1820, 1888 and 1889, which have sought tangible steps from the Member states to protect the rights of women and children during and after conflicts. It is equally important to note that in doing so; these Resolutions have also called for a meaningful role of women in conflict prevention and resolution.And this surely includes policing.

In fact, the UN has launched a global effort since August 2009 to recruit more female police officers into national police services, setting a goal of 20% by 2014.

The Muslim World, naturally, cannot remain oblivious to all such developments. On the contrary, being the most volatile regions of the world, our societies are in dire need of such reforms.

This gender-friendly approach is also essential to collectively address the rising trends of extremism and bigotry in our respective countries.

It is high time that the true and emancipated message of our great religion Islam be spread, which not only ensures all rights of women but also provides for their effective protection.

·        Islam does not believe in segregating people but calls for their integration.
·        Islam is a message of harmony and not conflict.
·        It gives women freedom to work for the benefit of the human society and expects from every righteous man and woman to establish a just order in Allah’s lands to ensure peace and prosperity.

As a leading face of Islam, I have always felt the responsibility to propagate this message and dispel the negative image, false-fully created through the narrow

interpretations of our great religion.

And in doing so, nothing has inspired me more than the sight of a smartly-turned lady Police Officer, confidently and efficiently discharging her duties with courage and determination.

This image has to be protected and propagated if we wish to join the comity of nations as self-respecting and forward-looking people.

It is in this spirit that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto embarked upon the idea of setting up independent Women Police Stations across Pakistan during her second stint as Prime Minister in 1994. As a true leader, she knew it well that the ideals of women’s empowerment would but remain a mere dream if theywere not provided with a viable mechanism for women’s security and safety through a guaranteed access to speedy justice.

While inaugurating the first-ever such Women Police Station in Islamabad in 1994, she said and I quote:

“Women Police Stations are a step towards justice. Today women are being treated as if they were the accused. I want you, the women of my country, to be recruited in the police so that you may catch the criminals and the accused yourself.”

It is unfortunate to note that such a wonderful idea was later discarded by the successive regimes. No further recruitment of women took place and women police stations lost their utility in the absence of any power to register or investigate a case. What is more, the much-publicised Police Order 2000 did not even carry a passing reference about them.

However, having said that, my own experience as a politician and a 3rd-time representative of my pre-dominantly rural constituency had taught me well the importance

and utility of women policing. As a legislator, I am privy to the fact that no matter howmuch women-centric legislation we may enact, but if we fail to sensitize our police force on gender-lines, we will never be able to practically implement such laws.

Therefore, when the first-ever cross-party Caucus of Women Parliamentarians was formed under my patronage in the Federal Parliament in 2009, itsearliest step was to highlight the plight ofwomen policing in Pakistan. I personally visited the first Women Police Station in Islamabad while many of my colleagues inspected these Stations in other parts of the country. As a result, the Caucus published first-of-its kind Parliamentary Report, which not only brought to light their prevailing status but also proposed important wide-ranging recommendations in making women policing an essential, integrated and effective part of the overall law-enforcing mechanism in Pakistan.

It goes to the credit of this effort by the Caucus that as a result of its Report on Women Policing in Pakistan, the federal and provincial governments agreed to take key steps for improving the existing infrastructure. New Women Police Stations were opened in numerous cities and I myself had the pleasure of inaugurating and inspecting some of these Stations in Karachi and Badin.

I would, therefore, like to recommendtothe organisers of this important moot to also include and refer to the observations and recommendations of this Report during the Working Sessions of your Conference.

In addition to it, I would also draw your attention to the Declaration of the National Convention of Women Parliamentarians, which was held in Islamabad in May last year. This important gathering of all women parliamentarians from the Federal Parliament, the four provincial assemblies, the legislative assemblies of Gilgit Baltistan and Azad Jammu & Kashmir, along-with representations from the countries of the SAARC region, raised a strong voice in demanding a substantive role of women in critical areas of peace-building, security and reconciliation. This Declaration hence provides a guideline for governments to address these vital issues on gender lines.

Ladies and Gentlemen!

No democracy can claim to be truly representative of its people if it does not include its women. The present Parliament adheres to this notion, which is reflected in its over three-year performance. 

I am indeed proud to have presided over a House that has so far legislatedon more than a dozen Bills, pertaining to women and children. On one hand, the House passed the historic 18th Amendment in the Constitution, which paved the way for Universal Education through the inclusion of Article 25-A, while on the other, it has also specifically dealt with issues like gender-based violence and crimes.

The Act on Protection Against Harassment at Workplace is now being fully implemented all over the country while the National Assembly only last week passed the Anti-Women Practices Bill, which comprehensively aims at checking the socio-cultural taboos, which hamper the progress of our women. This is in addition to many other key interventions such as the Acid Crimes Bill.  This will, nevertheless be a challenge for our law-enforcing agencies, especially the police to fully implement them once these bills become laws after their passage from the Senate.

This, in my view, can only be done if the gender-sensitization programmes in policing are taken more seriously. The collaboration of the German Development Agency GIZ and National Police Bureau in this respect is indeed commendable and I congratulate Mr. Heinrich Juergen, the Country Director of GIZ for the success of the Joint Project on Gender Responsive Policing. I would also suggest our German friends to look into the possibilities of extending the scope of their project and also work directly with the provincial police departments. I offer them my complete support for any such venture in the district of Badin, Sindh, where I am personally monitoring and patronising women policing. At the same time, your cooperation with the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus for numerous other projects will also be whole-heartedly welcomed.

Nevertheless, by holding this important Conference under this project, all stake-holders have achieved a major milestone. This sharing of experiences is key to finding practical answers to various similar problems.  For example, we must all learn from the success story of our brotherly country Bangladesh, which today has the highest number of women officers in UN peace-keeping missions.

The impressive accounts of women policing in Iran or in Indonesia can also provide an effective guidelines for all of us. And in this list, let me also add India and Brazil, where the idea of independent Women Police Stations has really proved effective in curbing gender-based crimes.

On this note, I would also like to advise all concerned, especially the National Police Bureau, that it must be ensured that women police officers are not marginalised within their department. They should not be segregated into administrative positions or restricted to specialized police units based on their gender. This would perpetuate the traditional mindsets and the police culture would not change with regard to accepting women as colleagues and equal partners in combating crime and maintaining law and order.

It’s high time we accept the change with an open heart and mind by giving women their rightful place in the society.

And on this note, let me leave you with a moving episode from the life and teachings ofour great leader, the Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah. You are all aware that

throughouthis long struggle for Pakistan, our Quaid was always assisted by his closest confidant, his younger sister, Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah.

She also accompanied him to the legendary Sibi Darbar in 1947.It was the traditional gathering of all the noted tribal chieftains of the province of Baluchistan and many believed that Miss Jinnah would be kept in the rear in order to please the conservative mindset of that area. But this was not what the Quaid had always stood for. So to the shock of many, he specifically instructed Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah to sit next to him as he chaired the ceremony. His remarks on that occasion remain a living message even today for all of us. He said and I quote:

“Muslim women must take their place in the history of Pakistan.”

I thank you all.

Pakistan Paindabad

Islamabad November 21, 2011: Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza has said that Pakistan attaches high value to its exceptional relations with UAE and wishes to further take them to new heights. She said that Pakistan is thankful to the Government of UAE for its support in time of crisis. She said this while talking to H.E Essa Abdulla Al-Basha Al-Noaimi, Ambassador of United Arab Emirate (UAE) in Parliament House, today.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that UAE and Pakistan were tied in eternal bonds of religion, culture and history, therefore, step needs to be taken for further solidifying the existing brotherly relations between two countries. She stressed the need to enhance interaction between parliamentarians and business communities of both the countries. Madam Speaker praised the role of Sheikha Lubna, UAE Minister for Commerce for enhancing trade between two countries. She asked the Ambassador to convey her felicitations to H.E Mohammed Ahmed Al-Mur, newly elected Speaker of the UAE Federal Council of UAE (National Assembly).

Reciprocating the sentiments, the Ambassador said that his country also attaches immense importance to its relations with Pakistan and would keep on extending its support in time of need. He said that his country would utilize huge economic potential in Pakistan for mutual benefit of both the nations. He said that interaction between parliamentarians and business communities would strengthen relations between two countries.

Later, Ambassador of South Korea Mr. Rok Yong Choc met Speaker National Assembly in Parliament House. While talking to the Ambassador, the Speaker stressed the need to further strengthen relations between Pakistan and South Korea. She said that steps need to be taken to explore possible venues of collaboration between two countries. She also thanked South Korea for its support in Friend of Democratic Pakistan forum and for floods in Sindh.

Mr. Rok Yong Choc, the Ambassador agreed with Madam Speaker and said that South Korea attaches importance to its relations with Pakistan and wants to further strengthen them through people-to-people and parliamentary interaction. He said that business communities of both the countries were actively exploring the venues of productive partnership for mutual benefit of both the nations. He invited Madam Speaker to visit South Korea at her early convenience.

Islamabad November 21, 2011: Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza visited the under construction building of Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services (PIPS) in Islamabad today to inspected the ongoing construction work.

The Speaker expressed her satisfaction on the pace of the construction work, however, directed the Project Management to accelerate the work to meet the fast approaching deadline i.e last week of December, 2011.

The Executive Director (PIPS) and Representatives of Unicon Consultants and Habib Rafiq Construction Company briefed the Speaker about the progress on the project. They informed that 85% of the work had been completed and the remaining work will be completed within stipulated deadline. They further informed that the orders for furniture, fixtures and equipment have been placed and would be the installed upon receipt of the same well before the expiry of the deadline.

Islamabad November 18, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has constituted a Special Committee to “Oversee the Implementation of Resolution of APC etc”. Notification to this effect has been issued by the National Assembly Secretariat today.
The Speaker has constituted the Special Committee in pursuance of the motion moved under Rule 244(B) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the National Assembly 2007 and unanimously adopted by the House on 18th October, 2011.

The Special Committee has been mandated to oversee the implementation of earlier resolutions as well as joint resolution passed in the All Parties Conference (APC) of the leaders of the political parties at the Prime Minister’s House, Islamabad on 29th September, 2011 and to make public, the progress on the same on monthly basis.

The Committee will comprise of MNAs Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Ms. Sherry Rehman, Dr. Ayatullah Durrani, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Sardar Mehtab Ahmad Khan, Dr. Attiya Inayatullah, Syed Haider Abbas Rizvi, Ms. Bushra Gohar, Mr. Atta-ur-Rehman, Haji Khuda Bux Rajar and Mr. Munir Khan Orakzai.

Islamabad November 17, 2011: Ambassador of Argentine Mr. Rodolfo J. Martin Sravia has said that his country would extend its all-out support to Pakistan for overcoming prevailing energy crisis in the country. He also expressed his country’s desire to utilize huge economic and human resource potential in Pakistan. He said this in a meeting with Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly in Parliament House, this afternoon.

While talking to the Argentinean Ambassador, Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that Pakistan attaches immense importance to Argentine which is an important state of South American Continent. She said that the existing 60-years old warm relations between the two countries need to be taken up to new heights through economic and parliamentary cooperation. She appreciated Argentinean support in energy sector, however, stressed for exploring other avenues of cooperation between the two countries.

Reciprocating to the sentiments of Madam Speaker, the Mr. Rodolfo J. Martin Sravia, Ambassador said that his country also attaches great significance to Pakistan and wants to see a stable and prosperous country. He said that his country strongly desires to enhance parliamentary relations between both the countries. He said that Argentinean investor were keen to invest in energy, trade, agriculture and fishery sectors to take advantage of pro-investment policies in Pakistan. He presented an invitation on behalf of his government to Madam Speaker  to attend the transition to power ceremony being held early next month after the recent presidential elections.

Later, Ambassador of Iraq Dr. Rushdi Mahmood Al-Ani met Speaker National Assembly in Parliament House. Talking to the Iraqi Ambassador, Madam Speaker said that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Iraq since both the brotherly countries were tied in bonds of religion, history and culture. She said that Pakistan wishes to see Iraq a stable and a prosperous country which was in the interest of Iraqi nation and the region. She said that Pakistan would support reconstruction and rehabilitation process in Iraq. She also stressed the need for enhancing parliamentary and economic ties between the two nations.

The Ambassador of Iraq, acknowledging the sentiments of the Speaker and said that Iraq also considers Pakistan one of its close friend and economic partner. He said that law and order situation in Iraq has improved and the government was actively pursuing the reconstruction and rehabilitation process. He said that his country was keen in importing human resource from Pakistan besides rice, dairy products, machinery, and medical equipment. He conveyed invitation to Madam Speaker to visit Iraq on behalf of Speaker of Iraqi Parliament. He said that parliamentary relations between both the countries would induce impetus to strengthening of existing bilateral relations.

Islamabad November 15, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker chaired a meeting of Business Advisory Committee in the Parliament House to discuss the Business of the House for 36th Session of the National Assembly.

After thorough discussion, it was decided that the 36th Session of the National Assembly will continue till 25th November, 2011 and the sittings of the National Assembly will be held in evenings on Monday and Wednesday (in case of Cabinet Meeting) and in the mornings on the remaining days. It was decided that adjournment motions on Railway crisis and price hike would be taken up for discussion apart from and other legislative business. It was also decided that the 37th Session of the National Assembly will commence on 15th December, 2011.

The Business Advisory Committee also decided that Special Committees of the National Assembly be asked to expedite their deliberations on the issues referred to them so that their reports could be laid before the House for subsequent discussion.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly, Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah, Minister for Religious Affairs, Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister for Water and Power, MNAs Dr. Abdul Kadir Khanzada, Mr. Iqbal Muhammad Ali Khan, Nawab Abdul Ghani Talpur, Ch. Muhammad Barjees Tahir, Sheikh Aftab Ahmad, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq and Ms Jamila Gillani. 
 

Islamabad: November 1, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise of  father of Khushnood Ali Khan, President CPNE and Editor in chief of Daily Jinnah.

In their separate condolence messages to Khushnood Ali Khan, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker said that they were shocked to learn the sad news about the passing away of his father. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to Khushnood Ali Khan and the other members of the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

The Speaker and Deputy Speaker also condoled the passing away of Mother of Pir Sabir Shah MPA and former Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

In their separate condolence messages to Pir Sabir Shah, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise. They prayed to Almighty Allah to shower his blessing on the departed soul and grant courage and strength to him and other members of the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss.

Islamabad: October 29, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have expressed their grief and sorrow over the passing away of Abdul Rasheed Qureshi, brother-in-law of Syed Munawar Abass, Additional Secretary National Assembly who died on Friday in Islamabad after protracted illness.

In their separate condolence messages to Syed Munawar Abass and the other members of the bereaved family, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Abdul Rasheed Qureshi. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Rasm-e-Qul of Abdul Rasheed Qureshi will be held on 30th October, 2011 after Namaz-e-Zohar in Al-fateh Masjid, St.No.4, Sector G-9/3, Islamabad.

Islamabad: October 28, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have expressed their grief and sorrow over the passing away of Sheikh   Ikramul Haq, veteran journalist and former bureau chief of the Business Recorder who died in Saudi Arabia.

In their separate condolence messages to bereaved family the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Sheikh Ikramul Haq.  They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad: October 27, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have expressed their grief and sorrow over the Passing away Of Maulana Abdul Ghani former MNA who was died in an accident in Chamman Town, District Killa Abdullah, Balochistan.

In their separate condolence messages to bereaved family  the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise of  Maulana Abdul Ghani.  They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad: October 26, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have expressed their grief and sorrow over the Passing away OF Mian Muhammad  Aqeelur Rehman former MNA and father of  Mian Muhammad  Baleegur Rehman, MNA.

In their separate condolence messages to Mian Muhammad Baleegur Rehmen, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise of  his father.  They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad October 23, 2011: Speaker National Assembly and Patron Women’s Parliamentary Caucus Dr. Fehmida Mirza and Dr. Nafisa Shah secretary WPC, have expressed great shock and sorrow on the sad demise of Begum Nusrat Bhutto.  In a message to the bereaved Bhutto family, the Speaker termed Begum Bhutto’s death as not only a personal loss but also a loss for the people of Pakistan. She was a woman of substance and a woman of many graces. Her strong personality as a leader, as a mother and as a wife remained a motivating force and a source of strength not only for her family but also for the entire nation.

Terming the nature of Begum Bhutto as charismatic, dynamic, and dauntless, WPC recalls the relentless contributions of Begum Nusrat Bhutto for Pakistan.  From the very aftermath of partition in 1947, when hordes of refugees started pouring into Pakistan, Begum Bhutto then Nusrat Khanum, engaged herself in relief operations as a young woman from the Women’s National Guard. Her devotion and struggle for democracy and women of Pakistan despite all the challenges including personal losses of losing a husband, two sons and a daughter stand as a beacon for all. She was an Icon of women movement and her struggle for women rights and empowerment will always be remembered. WPC pays tribute to Begum Bhutto as the pride of Pakistan and specially women of Pakistan.

Islamabad: October 19, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have condoled the death of the Last ruler of former Chitral State Saiful Mulk Nasir.

In their separate condolence messages to the members of bereaved family, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise of Saiful Mulk Nasir. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad October 19, 2011: Mr. Bamir Topi, President of Albania reiterated his country’s unflinching support to Pakistan on all international forums by noting that Pakistan was playing the most crucial role for peace in the World. He said this in his meeting with Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly in Albanian Presidential Palace in Tirana according to a press note received from Albania.

While talking to the Speaker, Mr. Bamir Topi, the Albanian President praised Pakistan’s continued efforts for peace in South Asia, especially in Afghanistan. He noted that the new democratic set-up in Islamabad was a support to the emerging democracy in Kabul. He expressed Albania’s desire of peace in South Asia through a judicious resolution of all outstanding issues including Kashmir.

He noted that Pakistan and Albania had continued friendly relations since the 1960s. He especially acknowledged Pakistan’s support to the issue of Kosovo at the UN, during the Balkan crisis in 1999. He hoped that being an important member of the OIC, Pakistan would continue to lend support to this important matter.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza conveyed the good wishes of President Asif Ali Zardari to the Albanian President and praised his statesman role in Europe. She stressed the need of expanding the existing relations and taking them to people-to-people level.

While noting the progress of Albania, the Speaker sought cooperation in areas like Agriculture, Agro-based Industry, Pharmaceuticals, Textiles and other areas like Education, research and development.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza also informed the President about the proposal of setting up of a Joint Parliamentary Commission and joint meetings of the Chambers of Commerce and Industries of the two nations. The President strongly favored these proposals.

The Speaker requested the Albanian President to help expedite the stranded agreements on Free Trade, Prevention of Double Tariff, and Trade agreement in the Pharmaceutical Sector. The Albanian President assured a speedy action in these directions. 

On her arrival in the Presidential Palace, the Dr. Fehmida Mirza was received warmly by President Bamir Topi, who, as a gesture of goodwill and honour to Pakistan, came out of the Palace to receive the delegation personally.

Islamabad October 18, 2011: Albania and Pakistan have pledged to further strengthen the exiting relations between two countries through regular parliamentary as well as executive level interactions. This was agreed in a meeting between Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly and the Prime Minister of Albania Mr. SaliBerisha in Tirana according to a message received from Albania.

While talking to the Speaker, the Prime Minister SaliBerisha called Pakistan “a true friend of Albania” and paid rich tributes to the stature of Speaker Dr. Fehmida Mirza as the first woman Speaker of the Muslim World and recalled his earlier meeting with former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto in 1995. “Bhutto was the most powerful woman I’ve ever met and you remind me so much of her,” Prime Minister SaliBerisha observed. He also mentioned Pakistan’s significant role during the Balkan crisis, terming it unforgettable for the Albanian people, spread across the Balkan region.

The Albanian Prime Minister also praised Pakistan for its continued efforts in the global war against terrorism and said that as victim of similar situations, Albania fully understands the problems of the people and Government of Pakistan. “The world must acknowledge Pakistan’s contributions and should not look into the realities with a narrow-minded approach,” Prime Minister added.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza on her part expressed her gratitude for Prime Minister SaliBerisha’s support to Pakistan in its difficult times and traced the historic and cultural similarities between the two nations. She stressed for building a strong and meaningful relationship between the two countries through further parliamentary exchanges, business opportunities and people-to people contacts. She informed the Prime Minister of her suggestion to form a joint Parliamentary Commission of
the two parliaments, in order to give a purposeful direction to the bilateral relations. “All matters eventually come to the Parliament. It is therefore important to create understanding and identify vistas of possible cooperation at this level,” the Speaker observed.

Prime Minister SaliBerisha fully endorsed Dr. Fehmida Mirza’s proposal and was confident that with the revival of the diplomatic missions of the two countries, such measures will get an impetus to the strengthening of existing bilateral relations between two countries. On the issue of Pakistan’s possible recognition of Kosovo, Speaker Mirza assured the Prime Minister that an appropriate decision would be taken soon in light of the international law. “My purpose of bringing my parliamentarians to Albania is that the real representatives of the people should understand the issues in their right perspective and then pursue them accordingly,” the Speaker said.

It was also agreed between the two leaders that visa restrictions would be relaxed for the officials and the business communities of the two countries in order to encourage frequent people-to-people contacts. Pakistan also offered Albania cooperation in the fields of agriculture, industry and education. The Prime Minister assured his government’s all-out support to Pakistani businessmen, saying Albania offers the most favorable business opportunities to its Pakistani
brothers.

The Speaker also held an important meeting with the Deputy Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister of Albania Mr. Edmond Haxhinasto in which the two sides stressed the need to implement the proposed MOUs and agreements, regarding double taxation and visa relaxations. The Speaker assured complete investment protection to the Albanian investors in Pakistan.
 

Islamabad; October 16, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker of the National Assembly has stressed promoting closer political, economic and cultural ties with Albania through regular parliamentary exchanges. According to a message received from Tirana, Albania she made these remarks during her meeting with Dr. Jospefina Topali, Speaker of the Albanian Parliament in Tirana today. The Speaker of Pakistan is on an official visit to the European State on the invitation of her Albanian counterpart. This is the ever first visit of any Speaker of Pakistan to Albania.

In their meeting, which was held in the Parliament building, both women leaders reaffirmed their commitment to promote relations between the two emerging democracies of the OIC by harnessing close links. To this effect, Dr. Fehmida Mirza proposed establishing a joint Parliamentary Commission, comprising of members from the two parliaments, which would meet annually to review the pace of cooperation in fields of economy, cultural, youth exchanges, education, health and parliamentary development. The proposal was warmly received by the Albanian side.

On the occasion, the Albanian Speaker also announced her country’s decision to reopen its embassy in Pakistan. At present the two countries do not have diplomatic missions in each-other’s capitals. The Albanian Speaker paid rich tributes to the contributions made by Dr. Fehmida Mirza to the plight of women all over the world. She termed Dr. Mirza a symbol of women’s empowerment and a role-model for women of the world.  
Dr. Fehmida Mirza thanked Albania of its continued support to Pakistan on issues like Kashmir and terrorism. She noted that Pakistan was passing through a difficult phase and needed friends like Albania who could raise a strong voice in its favor at forums like the European Union, UN and OIC.

The two sides also noted with satisfaction that there was a great deal of understanding of each-other’s points of view and the two sides had been cooperating on all international fora, including the United Nations, the OIC and the Inter Parliamentary Union. The Pakistani Speaker also praised Albania for its decision to support Pakistan’s candidature for the Security Council non-permanent Seat for the year 2012-13.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza also assured the Albanian Speaker of Pakistan’s complete understanding of the plight of the Muslims of Kosovo. She said that Pakistan firmly adheres to nations’ right of self-determination in accordance with the UN Charter and International Law. On the question of the recognition of Kosovo’s independence, she said that the issue was under active consideration of her government and an appropriate decision would be taken in light of the decision of the International Court of Justice.

Islamabad October 14, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has said rural women were one of the most vulnerable and marginalized segments of the society despite their significant role in the rural economy. She said that they were also subject to violence, economic exploitation and lack of basic healthcare. She said that in her message on the occasion of International Rural Women’s being commemorated throughout the globe under the auspicious of United Nations on October 15.

The Speaker said that rural women comprise a major chunk of the population and play a significant role in agriculture sector rural development but their contributions were not recognized at any level. She said that with the advent of latest technology in the agriculture sector, the involvement of women had not been decreased and still have to perform extensive agriculture work. She underlined the need for officially reorganization of women participation in national economy and asked the government to devise policies for the betterment of women folk in the country and to ensure their rights.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that women in our rural socio-cultural panorama were confined to household cores and laborious work in the fields and do not have access to education. She said that education was an inalienable right of every individual; therefore, it was imperative to educate rural women to make them able to understand and face their diverse problems. She asked the government to allocate required funds for establishment of schools for females in the rural women.

She said that women and children were most vulnerable in natural disasters and calamities. She said that rural women in Sindh were currently in great miseries due to havoc played by the recent unprecedented floods in different parts of the province. She said that majority of women in the rural areas have been displaced and have lost everything. She stressed the need for provision of shelters, livelihood and medical assistance to rural women in affected areas on priority basis. She asked the government to extend SME network to rural areas where enterprising rural women could have excess to credit facilities to make them self-sustaining and economically empowered. She also stressed the need to establish training and display centers at Tehsil level for rural women artisans so that they could get appropriate proceeds for their crafts and would also eliminate the role of middlemen who economically exploit rural women. She called upon the Banking Sector provide loans to rural women so that they could better contribute in national development.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said it was the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto to empower women so that they could better contribute in the national development. She said that to accomplish the vision of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto the government has introduced several schemes for the uplift of the women in the country.

Islamabad October 14, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has constituted a 17-member Special Committee to look into the reasons leading to the current power crisis in the country and propose steps to alleviate the power shortage. Notification to this effect has been issued on 14th October, 2011 by the National Assembly Secretariat.

The Special Committee has been constituted in pursuance of motion under Rule 244 (B) of the rules of Procedure and conduct of Business in the National Assembly, 2007 adopted by the House on 10th October, 2011.

The committee comprises of MNAs Rana Muhammad Farooq Saeed Khan (PPPP), Nawab Muhammad Yousaf Talpur (PPPP), Mr. Khurrum Jehangir Wattoo (PPPP), Dr. Ayatullah Durrani (PPPP), Mr. Shahid Khan Abbasi (PML-N), Rana Tanvir Hussain (PML-N), Mr. Muhammad Baligh-ur-Rehman (PML-N), Rana Asif Tauseef (PML-Q), Sheikh Waqas Akram (PML-Q), Dr.
Muhammad Farooq Sattar (MQM), Ms. Bushra Gohar (ANP), Mr. Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi (FATA), Engineer Usman Khan Tarakai (IND), Mr. Muhammad Jadam Mangrio (PML-F), Mufti Ajmal Khan (JUI-F), Mr. Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao (PPP-S) and Ms. Saima Akthar Bharwana (IND).

Islamabad October 13, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly will embark on a 5-day visit to Tirana, Albania on 14th October, 2011 from Karachi. She will be accompanied by a five member parliamentary delegation comprising of MNAs Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira, Mrs. Rubina Saadat Qaim Khani, Rana Mehmood-ul-Hasan, Mr. Nazir Ahmad Bughio and Dewan Ashiq Hussain Bokhari.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza is undertaking this visit on the invitation of Mrs. Jozefina Çoba Topalli, Speaker of the Albanian Parliament (National Assembly). This visit carries a special significance since both the Assemblies have Women Speakers and that too elected for the first time to this exalted pedestal.

The Speaker National Assembly during her stay in Albania, besides meeting her counterpart, will also meet President, Prime Minister and other leaders of the Albanian Political hierarchy.

In the course of discussion with her Albanian political hierarchy, the Speaker will focus of exploring possible venues of bilateral parliamentary and economic cooperation between both the countries, invigorating the friendship groups and interaction between women parliamentarians in both the legislatures. The Speaker along with her delegation will also witness plenary session of the Albanian Parliament.

Islamabad October 12, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has stressed for coordinated efforts by the Irrigation Department, SIDA and WAPDA for de- watering and drainage activities in the areas, inundated by the torrential rains in Sindh. She said that drainage of rain water needs to be managed and regulated till its disposal into the sea. She feared that the continued unregulated flow of drainage water would add to the misery of people in Badin and Mirpur Khas Districts. She made these observations while chairing a meeting with Representatives of Sindh Irrigation Department, Sindh Irrigation & Drainage Authority (SIDA) and WAPDA in Parliament House, Islamabad. MNAs from the affected districts of Sindh also attended the meeting.

The Speaker directed the concerned authorities to prepare future strategy and planning in order to avert such kind of natural disasters which were experienced by the people of Sindh in respect of unprecedented floods and rainfalls since last two years. Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that accumulated rain water being drained from the upper districts would ultimately affect Badin before it reaches the sea. She stressed for regulated and managed drainage of water through the available drainage infrastructure in order to minimize further devastation besides making maximum land available for the Rabih crop sowing.

The Secretary Irrigation Department, Sindh while apprising the Parliamentarians about the measures initated for de-watering and drainage of water said that disposal areas and routes have been identified by the Irrigation Department and de-watering process was in progress through pumping and gravity flow. He said that Dhoro Puran Outfall Drain (DPOD) was effectively carrying water however, due to multiple breaches in Kadhan Pateji Outfall Drain (KPOD) the drainage process was not being effectively carried out. He assured the parliamentarians that rectification of the breaches and removal of obstruction in KPOD would improve the situation in coming days. He further assured that by the mid of next month maximum land would be reclaimed for Rabbi Crop sowing. The Parliamentarians also conveyed problems in their respective districts. They were assured that the drainage/de-watering activities would be carried out with their consultation.

The MNAs who attended the meeting were Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, Nawab Yousaf Talpur, Pir Aftab Hussain Shah Jillani, Dr. Talat Mehesar, Mr. Roshan-ud-din Junejo, Mrs. Shamshad Bachani, Mr. Muhammad Jadam Mangrio and Senator  ughra Imam.

Islamabad October 12, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has called for integrated and proactive Disaster Management Strategy to deal with the disasters. She said that hazards will always challenge us but, that was within our power to join hands and build a resilient nation. The Speaker said this in her message on the International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction (IDNDR) being commemorated on 13th October, 2011 across the world.

The Speaker said that the objectives of observing IDNDR is to sensitize social and financial communities and organizations on their important role in reducing disaster risk, and to increase awareness in the disaster and risk management community of the utility of existing financial tools and safety nets to mitigate the vulnerability of disaster-prone populations. Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that this day serves us an opportunity to renew our pledge to be fully focused on mitigation, preparedness and prevention rather than the past approach of response and reaction in the face of disasters. She said that in instance of un-preparedness the loss becomes unavoidable, maximizing the loss of life and property and disruption of livelihoods. She said that disaster preparedness can be achieved partially through readiness measures that expedite emergency response, rehabilitation and recovery and result in rapid, timely and targeted assistance. She said that it could also be achieved through community-based approaches and activities that build capacities of people and communities to cope with and minimize the effects of a disaster on their lives.

The Speaker also said that the recent floods in Sindh were very devastated. She said that the vulnerability of the country was compounded by short-sighted economic development, inadequate care of the environmental and massive deforestation leading to changes in topography. She called for creating awareness amongst all the stakeholders and convincing them for utilization of natural resources, aforestation and rectification of the damage done to the environment.

The Speaker said that to provide and effective disaster management system the National Assembly has passed National Disaster Management Act, 2010. She called upon the National Disaster Management Authority to take concrete steps for rehabilitation of flood effectees in Sindh. She urged the Community Based Organizations, NOGs and philanthropist to come forward and help the flood effectees.

Islamabad; October 11, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have strongly condemned the rocket attack at public meeting of Masood Kausar, Governor, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa by unknown assailants in Orakzai Agency today.

In their separate statements, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker termed it a shameful act of terrorism. They said that the elements involved in such activities were the enemies of humanity and wanted to disrupt peace in the country. They said that such cowardly acts could not deter the Government from its firm resolve to fight against terrorism and perpetrators of this act will not be spared and will bring to justice.

Islamabad October 4, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker has urged the nation to pledge for enhancing the respect and dignity of teachers in the society as ordained by our religious, social and cultural values. She said that we should take all measures to restore dignity, honour and respect of the teachers in society to promote education in real sense. She said this in her message on world’s Teachers Day observed worldwide under the auspices of United Nation on 5th October.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that teachers are instrumental in the nation-building because they give vision and direction to the youth who are future of a nation. She said that the teachers serve as a guide to take people out of darkness of ignorance, show them the light of knowledge and put nation on the path of development and progress. The teachers besides teaching, also concentrate on promoting wisdom, integrity, character and tolerance among the students so that they could become good citizens, she added.

The Speaker said that a nation can only prosper if it gives due respect and honour to its teachers. She regretted that in the past teachers had been neglected in our society. She assured the teaching community that they were important members of the society and all steps will be taken to resolve their problems. She said teaching has been universally acclaimed as one of the noblest of the professions.

She said that promotion of education was top priority of the present democratic setup and numbers of initiatives have been taken for the uplift of education in the country including devolution of education to the provincial level, welfare of teachers by enhancing the pays of the teachers, allocation of substantial funds for the establishment of educational institutions and provision of free books to the students. She called upon the civil society organizations and individuals to come forward and supplement the efforts of the government in this noble cause. She also urged the teachers to work hard and acquire the latest knowledge and skills in order to better guide and train the students so that they could play an effective role in nation building.

Islamabad October 4, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan, has called for enhancing trade ties and promoting parliamentary exchanges between Pakistan and Malaysia. “Such parliamentary exchanges are always fruitful as they allow us opportunities to learn from each other and create a better understanding of issues related to legislation and bilateral trade,” she said in separate meetings with the Speaker of Malaysia’s House of Representatives, Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Pandikar Amin Haji Mulia, and President of the Senate, Tan Sri Abu Zahar bin Dato’ Nika Ujang here in the Kaula Lumpur, according to a message receive from Malaysia.

Dr. Fehmida briefed her counterparts about the Pakistan-Malaysia Parliamentary Friendship Group set up in Pakistan’s Parliament and being operated under her guidance and suggested a similar forum could be set up in the Malaysian Parliament to enable the two Houses to draw on each other’s experiences. “We are ready to send a convener of our Friendship Group to Malaysia to explore possibilities for sharing experiences in legislation and promoting parliamentary exchanges,” she said.

The visiting Speaker described as excellent the existing ties between Pakistan and Malaysia and lauded the progress and prosperity achieved by Malaysia in recent decades. “Our people genuinely admire Malaysia and its technological progress which is also a major factor behind a steady stream of Pakistani students getting into Malaysian colleges and universities every year,” she said.

She also touched upon the bilateral trade which had soared to US$2.5 billion mark, registering 34 per cent increase only during the last year. “We are the second largest buyer of Malaysian palm oil after China while overall Malaysia is Pakistan’s fifth largest source of imports … however, in terms of its exports from Pakistan, our number is 25th,” she said, calling for bridging this gap to create a win-win situation for both the countries.  

Dr. Fehmida also briefed her hosts on the floods situation in Pakistan and thanked them for the generous support extended to Pakistan by the government and the people of Malaysia during the 2005 earthquake and the last year’s floods. “I hope a similar level of support will also be extended to Pakistan again this time to deal with the humanitarian crisis that has emerged in Sindh following unprecedented rains this summer,” she added.

Meanwhile, Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza held a meeting with a group of Malaysian businessmen, NGOs and representatives of civil society to muster up support for the relief efforts under way to rehabilitate the flood victims in Pakistan. She shared with them details of the devastation caused by the unprecedented monsoon in Sindh and appealed for donations and assistance in overcoming the massive calamity that had visited the Sindh province in the second consecutive year. 

During her speech, she also dilated upon bilateral relations and the mutual trust growing steadily between the two countries through continuous exchanges at forums such as OIC, IPU, CPA, Asian Cooperation Dialogue, ASEAN Regional Forum and D-8. “Pakistan values its friendship with Malaysia whom we also admire as a living example of a true democratic, multi-ethnic and multi-cultural society which has become a model of racial harmony,” she said.

Islamabad October 3, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan, paid rich tributes to the overseas Pakistanis for playing a leading role in the development of their motherland by sending large remittances and coming to the help of their brethren every time they were hit by a natural calamity in recent years. “Be it the 2005 earthquake or the last year’s flood, the help received from the overseas Pakistanis has always been generous and forthcoming, showing the amount of love they have for their country,” she said while addressing a gathering of the Pakistani community in Kuala Lumpur to raise funds for the flood victims in Sindh, according to a message received from Kaula lumpur, Malaysia.

She said overseas Pakistanis were the real ambassadors of their country and by their personal conduct and a strong national character they could play a leading role in dispelling various misperceptions prevailing about Pakistan. She said Pakistan had been facing several challenges with terrorism being the foremost. “The world knows the magnitude of losses we have suffered and the amount of sacrifices we have made and yet we continue to fight the menace of terror despite our limited resources,” she said, adding the loss of 35000 previous lives also showed how Pakistan had been a principal victim of the war on terror.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said the democratic government of Pakistan had been trying to address the issue of militancy and cope with problems related to governance and improving the lot of the people. “Unfortunately, much of the good work done in recent years has not been reflected positively,” she said. She also listed out “a lot of good work done at the level of parliament regarding emancipation of women and grant of constitutional rights to provinces”. She said the passage of 18th Amendment had been a historic achievement while the representation of women in the legislative process had been a hallmark of the progress made with her in the chair. “I feel proud to say that our Parliament today boasts of 77 women members who have contributed nearly 80 per cent of the business in the parliament besides being movers of over a dozen bills adopted to protect rights of women and children,” she said.

Later, Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza answered questions from representatives of the Pakistani community. Several businessmen announced donations and made pledges of significant amounts for the relief and rehabilitation of the flood victims in Sindh.

Islamabad, September 27, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi Deputy Speaker, National Assembly expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the deaths of students from Faisalabad who died in an accident on Motorway near Kallar Kahar last night.

In their separate condolence messages the Speaker and Deputy Speaker said that they were shocked to learn the sad news about the tragic incident. They prayed for the departed souls and sympathized with families of deceased. They also prayed for the early recovery of injured.
 

Islamabad September 22, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has launched Pakistan Card scheme by distributing Pakistan cards amongst the flood affected people of District Badin, (according to message received from Badin). 

Addressing the gathering on this occasion the Speaker said that recent floods were unprecedented and caused massive devastation in District Badin. She said that devastation was so huge that government could not cope with the situation alone that was why the President appealed to international community for assistance. She appealed to international community, philanthropist and affluent people of the society to come forward and provide tents ration, and medicines for the affected people.

Speaker appreciated positive response of the friendly countries on the appeal of the President of Pakistan. The Speaker said that under the Pakistan card scheme financial assistance Rs.20,000/- will be given to each affected family and 3 lac families of district Badin will be benefited through it. She directed the NADRA to set up more centers for the provision of Pakistan card to flood affected people.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza also held separate meetings with representatives of irrigation departments, TMOs, DCO in Badin and directed them to take steps for draining out rain water and to carry out cleanliness in relief camps. She directed irrigation department to strict surveillance on the LBOD and prepare schemes for draining of water. She said that all available resources will be utilized for the rehabilitation of flood affected people and we will not rest till the re-settlement of affected people. Talking about technical fault in design of LBOD the Speaker said that President and Prime Minister have assured their full support to resolve this chronic problems. She said that a committee comprising on the elected representative of the area and local people will be constituted to address this problem in that regard. The Speaker also visited relief camps established at Mono Technical Institute and Elementary College Badin.

Islamabad: September 19, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have strongly condemned the bomb blast in Karachi and  expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives.

In their separate statements, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker termed it a barbaric and shameful act of terrorism. They said that the elements involved in such activities were the enemies of humanity and the country. They said that such shameful acts could not deter the Government from its firm resolve to fight against terrorism and perpetrators of this act will not be spared and will bring to justice. 

They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the souls of deceased in eternal peace and sympathized with bereaved families and prayed for early recovery of injured.

Islamabad September 15, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has urged upon the Pakistani Expatriates across the world to come forward and help their brethren affected by floods in Sindh. She said that their support would help thegovernment to deal with the immense magnitude of the devastation caused by rains and subsequent floods. She said this during a meeting with community members and journalists in Dubai according to message received from UAE.

While talking to the Pakistani expatriates, she said that despite critical flood situation in Sindh and especially Badin,she had chosen to come here with only one objective — to inform overseas Pakistanis as well as the international community about the worsening flood situation in the province of Sindh and to appeal for help because the situation has gone beyond the available resources in the country. Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that Floods have left huge number of population homeless, triggering another international aid effort. "Though the scale of the disaster and the aid response is much less than last year, the misery for those affected is just as real," she noted.

Giving the ordeal of the flood effectees, the Speaker said that out of the total of 1.8 million people of Badin, at least 1.6 million are affected. She said that dozens of villages have been wiped out by flood waters and we have now no high ground left even to set up rescue camps. She said that there has been a colossal damage to the district's infrastructure in terms of roads network, transport, schools, colleges, health facilities and other offices.

She said that she was grateful to Pakistanis in the UAE who have promptly responded to her call in past. She said that the Pakistani community in the UAE should come forward and evoke the same spirit which they showed during devastating earthquake of 2005 and floods in 2010. She requested the Pakistani community to donate food items, tents, plastic sheets, water purification equipment and medicines. She also asked them to adopt a family and even a village and can provide
aid directly to them.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza also met UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Shaikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi in Abu Dhabi. While talking to the UAE Minister, the Speaker thanked the His Highness President Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan for standing beside Pakistan in times of trial, especially during the natural disasters that struck several parts of the country.

Shaikha Lubna assured the Speaker of UAE’s continued assistance to Pakistan in this critical juncture. She said that UAE firms in Pakistan as well as the Pakistani companies in the UAE would extend maximum support to flood effectees.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza is visiting Dubai along with her husband Dr. Zulfiqar Mirza to raise funds for the flood-affected people in Badin. She also met UAE officials and community members in Abu Dhabi in separate meetings.

Islamabad; September 15, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has said that political leadership should forge unity and join hands in order to take Pakistan out of the present quagmire. She said this in her statement on the International Democracy Day being commemorated worldwide under the auspicious of United Nations on 15th September (today).

The Speaker said that democracy was a universal value, based on the freely expressed will of the people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural system and their full participation in all aspects of life in order to achieve this objective, it is incumbent upon the political leadership to shun their political differences and join hands to strengthen the democratic process in the country.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza stressing the continued need for promotion of democratization and development of the political system in the country. She said that democracy, peace, development and respect for human rights are inter-dependent phenomena and therefore, it is imperative for democracy to flourish in the country. She said that the people’s participation in the affairs of the country would ensure fundamental independence, equality, achievements of the needs of the people and estoration of law and order.

She said that involvement of the people in public affairs of the country ensures basic freedom and equality, fulfillment of needs of people and preserve or restore peace. The Speaker said that the ultimate goal of democracy is to preserve and promote the dignity and fundamental rights of the individuals, to achieve social justice, foster the economic and social development of the community, strengthen the cohesion of society and building a propitious environment for international peace. She said that continuous electoral process ensures a democratic dispensation in the country.

Paying rich tributes to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, the Speaker said, she embraced martyrdom in her struggle for restoration of democracy and rights of the people. She said her mission would be carried forward by the present democratic dispensation in the country.

Islamabad; September 10, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has said that to attain a respectable and dignify place for Pakistan in the comity of nations, every Pakistani should follow the golden principles of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. She said that we should focus on unity, faith and discipline in order to lead Pakistan to progress and prosperity. She expressed these views in her message to nation on 63rd death anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

The Speaker said that Quaid-e-Azam was a great leader of 20th century. Who was a symbol of integrity and honesty. He won a free homeland for Muslims of India and defeated colonial powers and Hindu majority with his principle stands and un-tiring struggle. 

The Speaker said that Quaid-e-Azam visioned Pakistan as democratic impregnable welfare state where people could live with Peace, love, fraternity and harmony. “He also desired that every citizen should have equal opportunities of education, health, progress and justice”. She said.

The Speaker said that the most befitting way to pay tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah is to forge unity among our ranks, work hard for the progress and prosperity of the country and follow the golden principles of Quaid-e-Azam.

Islamabad; September 8, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has said that the current devastating floods in Sindh have inflicted colossal losses to the people and economy of Province especially District Badin. She appealed to the International Donors, business community and affluent people to come forward and help flood victims of District Badin. She said this during her visit to the Zero Point, Shadi Large, Khoski and Navy chak settlements in the vicinity of Left Bank Outfall Drain (LBOD) in District Badin.

She said that the current floods were unprecedented in the history of Badin inundating 90% percent of the District and displacing more than 18 million people. She said that crops in the entire district have been washed away causing a major blow to the livelihoods of the people who were already living below the poverty line. She said that the effected people were also at high risk of water borne and contagious diseases. She said that the LBOD was a perpetual nuisance for the
Badin district and the current devastation was due to inherent fault in its design.

She said that the government was fully aware of the sufferings of the people and was trying to address them; however, support of international community and other segments of society would help a lot in mitigating the sufferings of the people. She appealed for provision of tents, clothing, food items, water and medicines. She said that government has also been requested to start helicopter service to airlift stranded people.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza also met the effectees in the relief camps established for the people evacuated from effected areas and assured them of her all-out support. She also inspected the Medical camps and the medical facilities being provided to the people. She asked the doctors to extend round the clock medical healthcare to the flood affected people.

Islamabad; September 7, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has said that Literacy was imperative for sustainable human development in today’s complex and fast-changing societies. Therefore, we should strengthen our commitment to promoting global literacy and to back this support with resources needed to achieve real progress.
She said that in her message on the International Literacy Day being commemorated worldwide under the auspices of United Nations on 8th September. She said that this day serves us an opportunity to renew our international obligation and put the spotlight on the empowering role of literacy and its importance for participation, citizenship and development.

She said that literacy is not just about reading and writing, it is about self-respect and human dignity and about opportunities that give hope to individuals, families, communities and entire societies. Literacy and integral part of the right to education has shown itself time and time again to be a vital tool of empowerment. It is time for the right of education to all person, of whatever age, to be realized in practice in order to help to eradicate extreme poverty and increase opportunities besides promoting gender equality and environment sustainability, she said.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that despite the fact that education and knowledge are the necessary passports to a better life; the scale of illiteracy is truly staggering. It is really astonishing that more than 800 million adults – of them women – have no secure command of the fundamentals of literacy; millions of children are not in school and even for those who get a start on t heir education, drop-out rates are very high. She said that “even the simplest acquisition of literacy can have a profoundly empowering effect personally, socially and politically”.

She said that we should focus on the empowering role of literacy since literacy gives people tools with which to improve their livelihoods, participate in community decision-making, gain access to information about health care, and much else besides. About all, it enables individuals to realize their rights as citizen and human beings, she added.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza called upon Provincial Governments, international organizations, civil society organizations and private sector to give renewed attention and support to literacy as a vital instrument for achieving sustainable development especially in the rural areas. She said that each of us can make a contribution and all can be part of the solution.

Islamabad; September 7, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker, National Assembly have strongly condemned the bomb blast in Quetta and expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives.

In their separate statements, the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker termed it barbaric and shameful act of terrorism. They said that the elements involved in such activities were the enemies of humanity and the country. They said that such shameful acts could not deter the Government from its firm resolve to fight against terrorism.

They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the souls of martyred in eternal peace and sympathized with bereaved families and prayed for early recovery of injured.

Islamabad; the 5th September, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has said that the nation was needed the spirit of 6th September 1965 to fight and overcome the challenges confronting to the country. She said this in her message to nation on Defence Day, being celebrated tomorrow. The Speaker said that it reminds us of the resolve and the courage displayed by the country’s Armed Forces and the people of Pakistan while defending their country during 1965 War against India.

The Speaker said that on the day the courageous soldiers of Pakistan defeated the numerically superior enemy and proved their worth for defence of the motherland. “The Nation will always remember the unprecedented bravery and supreme sacrifices of the Armed Forces of the Country” she said. The Speaker said that today the nation needed the same unity and the spirit of September 1965 to resolve the problems it was confronting.

The Speaker said that at present the country was facing the treat of terrorism and extremism and passing through a difficult time and needed the same spirit of 6 September. She said that 6 September is a symbol of our enduring display of unity, faith and discipline as a nation and stressed the need for unity for national solidarity, integrity, prosperity and peace.

Islamabad August 23, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has called upon the voluntary organizations and health professionals to come forward and support the flood effected people of Badin. She said that government health sector was lacking the capacity to handle the post floods health problems. She said this while inaugurating the Tele Health System for providing suggestion to the patient through innovative technology.

Addressing the audience, she said that 95% population of the Badin was affected by the floods and were facing diverse problems including health problems. She said that Government has taken various steps through own sources, however, she appealed to voluntary organizations and health professionals should come forward to help people in need. She also impressed upon International Red Crescent Society for intensify its support for the poor rain affected people.

Later, a team of Fauji Foundation Dharki Power Plant visited Badin and handed over 600 bags of food items to the Speaker National Assembly for distribution to the rain and flood effected people in Badin. The Speaker thanked the Managing Director for the food material for the rain and flood victims of Badin.

The Speaker also called a meeting of the Irrigation Department and reviewed the progress of drainage of water from the rain affected areas. She also directed for intensifying the process so that the stagnant water does not cause diseases. She also visited the flood affected areas and administered the on-going work. The MPA Dr. Sikandar Mandhro and DCO Badin Dr. Kazim Jatoi were also present during the meeting and the visit.

Islamabad August 20, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has stressed for coordinated efforts by the District government, philanthropists and general public for providing relief to the flood effected people of District Badin. She also asked the Pakistan Air force to provide support for air lifting stranded people and distribution of relief goods in inaccessible areas. She made these observations during her visit to Relief Camps established in Golarchi, Badin.

The Speaker while talking to the flood effectees said that government was cognizant of their plight and was taking appropriate measures to provide them with shelter, clothes, medicines and other stuff. She assured them of their early rehabilitation after the water recedes. She said that she could feel their pain so she and her family members were physically monitoring the relief operation. She also met women and children and issued orders to the Administration for addressing their problems.

Later, the Speaker chaired a meeting in Darbar Hall, Badin in connection with the relief operation. The meeting was attended by M.D Bait-ul-Maal, Secretaries Health and Irrigation Sindh and other officers of concerned departments. The Speaker appreciated the support of Managing Director Bait-ul-Maal Mr. Zamurd Khan for providing relief items in the flood affected areas.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza expressed her annoyance on the poor maintenance of the LBOD which was the major cause of destruction in the recent rains and subsequent floods. She said that due to inherent fault in design, the water from other districts instead of draining caused breaches in the banks. She directed the Secretary Irrigation to immediately shift the machinery other equipped and technical staff for plugging the breaches.

The Speaker said that mass evacuation due to floods carries grave implications on the effectees and are prone to epidemics; therefore, proper healthcare services and supply of quality medicine need to be ensured. She directed the Health Secretary to immediately station Eye, Skin, Gynecologist and specialists Doctors and lady doctors in the Relief Camps for providing medical facilities to the effectees. She directed Secretary Health to constitute mobile teams for administrating vaccine to the effectees to control the outbreak of epidemics.

The DCO informed Madam Speaker that 280 Relief Camps and 5 Tent villages have been established in all the Talukas Badin in which 90 thousand effected people are residing. He said that the necessary measures have been initiated with the help of Pakistan Navy to taken to evacuate the stranded people. He assured the Speaker that supply of necessary food items, drinking water, medicines, clothing and other items had been ensured in the Relief Camps by the district Administration.

Islamabad August 19, 2011: Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza has urged upon the International humanitarian agencies, philanthropic organizations and affluent segments of society to immediately come forward and help the rain and flood affectees in Badin and other areas. She also urged the World Food Programme (WFP) for its help in order to avoid possible food starvation in effected areas. Dr. Fehmida Mirza said this during her visit to relief camps in Union Council Kazi Kadia in District Badin, today.

The Speaker said that the magnitude of the devastation was so massive that the government resources were inadequate to meet the requirements of the effected population. She said that the National and Provincial Disaster Management authorities still lack the capacity to deal with the intensity of the disaster. Therefore, humanitarian agencies and philanthropist should come forward with their support. She said that in the current crisis women and children were the worst affected.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that Badin due to its geographical location was prone to cyclones and sea intrusion however, the current rains and floods were unprecedented. She said that millions of acres of standing corps were razed to ground, orchards were damaged, infrastructure and houses was washed away which will have drastic economic impact on the population. She said that Badin, Thatta and Mirpur Khas District are the food baskets of Sindh, therefore, these areas need special attention for their economic revival.

Later on, the Speaker distributed food stuff, tents, drinking water and other relief material in relief camps in villages Adil Khaskeli, Ghulam Hussain Perhiar, Gul Mohammad Perhiar, Master Noor Mohammad and other surrounding villages. The Speaker was accompanied by her Sons and daughters, Mr. Zamurd Khan, MD Bait-ul-Maal and Begum Shahnaz Wazir Ali, Special Assistant to P.M. The children of Madam Speaker are actively engaged in the relief activities.

Islamabad August 18, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have strongly condemned the murder of Waja Ahmed Karim Dad, former MNA and Leader of Pakistan Peoples Party and other 6 persons in a firing incident in Karachi, yesterday.

In their separate statements, the Speaker and the Deputy Speaker expressed their profound grief and sorrow over the unfortunate incident. They said that he was a seasoned political leader and during his tenure as MNA he had rendered valuable contributions for the
development of his constituency. He said that PPP has lost a committed worker whose services will be remembered for a long time to come, they said.

They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed souls in eternal peace and grant the bereaved families the courage to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad August  18, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan have condoled the death of Mother of Ansaar Abbasi, Editor Investigation, the News.

In their separate condolence messages to Ansaar Abbasi, the  Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the passing away of his mother. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the loss with equanimity.

Islamabad; August 15, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan have condoled the sad demise of mother of Mehmood Hayat Khan Tochi Khan, MNA.

In their separate condolence messages to Mehmood Hayat Khan Tochi Khan, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker said that they were deeply grieved over the death of his mother. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage and fortitude to him and other members of the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad August 13, 2011:  Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has said that an independent Pakistan was a special blessing from Allah and now it is the responsibility of the people of this country to make it strong and prosperous. She said this in her message on the occasion of 65th Independence Day Anniversary of Pakistan. 

While congratulating the Nation on this auspicious occasion the Madam Speaker said that this day reminds us all the sacrifices and endeavors of the Muslims of the subcontinent to achieve independence.  “While celebrating the Independence Day, it is incumbent upon us to revive the spirit of national unity and follow the Quaid’s guiding principles of Unity, Faith and discipline “She added. “ Let us make a firm resolve today to make all-out efforts to achieve the objectives of creation of Pakistan and also to make Pakistan a strong and a prosperous democratic country where will of the people, equality, justice and brotherhood reign supreme “she said.

Madam Speaker said that democracy was the best solution to all our problems, therefore, on this auspicious occasion let us resolve to work hard to strengthen democracy in Pakistan and follow the sayings of the father of the nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. She said that democracy in Pakistan was at work and it is responsibility of every citizen to work for the strengthening the democratic institutions in the country.

Islamabad August 13, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has said that Parliament was fully cognizant about the plight of the women in the country and has passed more than a dozen legislative bills related to women during last three years. She said that Women Parliamentarians were striving hard for well being of the women and resolving the problems confronted to them. She said this while addressing the Ramzan package ceremony organized by women parliamentary caucus to indigent women of Islamabad in the Parliament House today.

Speaker said that women participation is imperative for national development. She said that women consist of more than half of the country population and could play a vital role in the national progress and prosperity. She said that under her supervision a Women Parliamentary Caucus had been established for well being on the women of country. She said that Parliamentary Caucus was playing a vital role to initiate legislation for betterment of the women and resolving their problems. She said that Islam given women respect dignity and equal rights and freedom to work. She said that the Pakistani women have lot of potential and could play an active role in national development if the proper opportunities provided to them. She said that the government taking keen interest in provision of education and health facilities to women. She said that with the passage of time more and more women are entering in health, education and sector of economy. The speaker said that an educated mother could ensure a well trained, well behaved and well educated generation. She stressed the need for more role of the women in decision making. She said that continuity of democracy is imperative for the progress and prosperity of the country. She called upon the masses to join hand to strengthen democracy in the country. She also lauded the establishment of Benazir Bhutto Income Support Program.

MNAs; Tahira Aurganzeb, Tasneem Siddiqui, Fauzia Ejaz, Bushra Gohar, Asyia Nasir and Shahnaz Wazir Ali Khan also addressed the ceremony and highlighted the objective of the Parliamentary Caucus and expressed their full confidence in the leadership of Madam Speaker. Later on madam Speaker distrusted Ramzan packages amongst the indigent women present there.

Text of the Speech of Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly in the House on 11-8-2011 in Connection with Independence Day Celebration 

Honurable Members! The nation, Inshahallah, will be celebrating the 65th Independence Day of our beloved motherland after three days from now.

You are all aware that the present National Assembly has set this tradition of celebrating our Independence Day during its regular sessions.  This year too, we are adhering to this past practice.

And for this reason, today’s historic date, August 11, has been selected so that we --- the elected parliamentarians --- could jointly pay homage to the truly democratic philosophy of our Great Leader the Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, which was laid by him on August 11, 1947 before the first Constituent Assembly of Pakistan.

Honourable Members!

The historic sitting of August 11, 1947 is important on many It is, in fact, a landmark in our nation’s parliamentary history.

The first-ever session of Pakistan’s Constituent Assembly was held in Karachi from August 10 to August 14, 1947.

However in this 5-day long session, it’s the August 11 sitting, when some of the most crucial decisions were taken which would have their impact for all times to come.

The Order of the Day of August 11 reveals that during this sitting:

•        The House elected the Qusid-e-Azam as its first permanent President. The Quaid then presented his vision of a future Pakistan.

•        Our Country’s first Prime Minister Quaid-e-Millat Liaquat Ali Khan placed the design of our National Flag for the approval of the Assembly, which was unanimously granted.

•        It was also on this day that the House constituted a Committee to form its Rules of Business and

•        A Negotiating Committee was also formed to determine the representation of the Tribal areas and former princely states in the Constituent Assembly.

This agenda clearly reflects that critical questions of the nation’s identity, the code of conduct for its representatives and the importance of the valiant tribesmen for this newborn country --- were all taken up by the House on one single day --- August 11, 1947!

I, therefore, genuinely believe that although Pakistan was formally created on August 14 but the future guiding philosophy of this nascent state was determined on August 11.

And this is best reflected in the maiden speech of the Quaid to the Assembly.

Honourable Parliamentarians!

It was not merely a speech. It was the reflection of the basic ideology of Pakistan ---- equality, brotherhood, social justice!

It was the setting of the direction of the nation’s future --- democracy, liberty, human rights!

And it was a charter of responsibilities for all organs of the State, the legislature, executive and the judiciary --- responsibility, accountability, fair-play!

Today, as our beloved country facesnumerous challenges and we all seek national unity, integration, restraint and mutual understanding amongst our ranks, I would like to remind you what the Quid had advised.

Let us seek inspiration and guidance from his wisdom and let us read the true message, embedded in his sayings.

He said and I quote:

The first and the foremost thing that I would like to emphasize is this — remember that you are now a Sovereign legislative body and you have got all the powers. It, therefore, places on you the gravest responsibility as to how you should take your decisions. The first observation that I would like to make is this. You will no doubt agree with me that the first duty of a Government is to maintain law and order, so that the life, property and religious beliefs of its subjects are fully protected by the State.

if we want to make this great State of Pakistan happy and prosperous we should wholly and solely concentrate on the well-being of the people, and especially of the masses and the poor. If you will work in co-operation, forgetting the past, burying the hatchet, you are bound to succeed. If you change your past and work together in a spirit that every one of you, no matter to what community he belongs, no matter what relations he had with you in the past, no matter what is his colour, caste or creed, is first, second and last a citizen of this State with equal rights, privileges and obligations there will be no end to the progress you will make.

You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other places of worship in this State of Pakistan. You may belong to any religion or caste or creed — that has nothing to do with the business of the State.

We are starting in the days when there is no discrimination, no distinction between one community and another, no discrimination between one caste or creed and another. We are starting with this fundamental principle that we are all citizens and equal citizens of one State.

Islamabad August 10, 2011: Speaker National Assembly, Dr. Fehmida Mirza has stressed the need to forge unity among the Muslim Ummah to address the challenges confronting it. She emphasized for greater unity and collaborative efforts among the Ummah to address those problems. Dr. Fehmida Mirza was talking to Mr. Ali Akbar Maghanjoghi, Head of Development commission of Majlis-e-Shura Islami (Parliament), Iran in Parliament House, today.

The Speaker said that Pakistan and Iran were attached in eternal bonds of Religion. Culture and history, therefore, Pakistan attaches immense importance to its relations with Iran. She said that both the brotherly countries should make efforts for creating unity amongst the Muslim Ummah for development, stability and peace. The Speaker said that peace and security was essential for progress and prosperity of the Ummah and therefore, it was in the interest of all to cooperate with each other to achieve those objectives.

The Speaker said that enhanced interaction of parliamentarians of Pakistan and Iran was essential for strengthening relations and benefiting from each other experiences. She said that the existence of Pak-Iran friendship group in the parliaments of both the countries was a step in right direction that will add to bring the two nations further closer. She underlined the need for initiation of more economic projects and cooperation between the two countries.

Mr. Ali Akbar said that Pakistan and Iran are bonded in the ties of religion, culture and history. He agreed that Muslim World was surely facing the challenges that can be countered by joint efforts. He said that Pak-Iran parliamentary and economic cooperation was certainly essential for progress and prosperity of people of both the countries. He said that government and people of Iran would always stand by Pakistan in hour of need. He assured the Madam Speaker of his country’s all out support in curbing terrorism and extremism from Pakistan and to meet the energy deficit in the country.

Later, Mr. Ali Akbar presented an invitation letter to Madam Speaker on behalf of Mr. Ali Ardashir Larijani, Speaker of the Iranian Majlis to attend the “Special Conference of Speakers of Parliaments on Palestine” being held in Tehran in October. Madam Speaker expressed her gratitude to Iranian Speaker for arranging Conference on issue of immense importance.

Islamabad August 9, 2011: Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza has reiterated the need to further strengthen existing bilateral relations between Pakistan and US through enhancing parliamentary ties and economic cooperation. She said that parliamentarians of both the countries could help build bridges of friendship and understanding between their respective nations. Dr. Fehmida Mirza was talking to Mr. Cameroon Munter, US Ambassador to Pakistan in Parliament House, today.

While talking to the Ambassador, Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that friendship between both the countries is based on mutual trust and benefit, which has been gradually transformed into comprehensive strategic partnership in the recent years. She appreciated the support of US in diverse fields specially the socio-economic sector in the country. She commended the US support during the devastating floods last year. The Speaker said that Pakistan has been badly affected by the menace of terrorism and extremism and the Government firmly resolves to fight this scourge with its indigenous resources, however, emphasized the need for ensuring the support of international community in this regard.

The Ambassador while responding to the Speaker’s observations said that US recognizes Pakistan’s contribution and sacrifices made in the action against terrorism. He said that US was committed to help Pakistan in its socio-economic development. He said that US believes in a stable and prosperous Pakistan which was in the best interest of the region and the world. He said that US would help Pakistan to meet its energy shortages.

The Ambassador agreed that interaction between parliamentarians of both the nations would build the trust and confidence between their governments and institutions. The US Ambassador assured the Speaker of his government’s support for the capacity building of parliamentarians, parliamentary support staff, Library & Research and establishment of Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services (PIPS).

Later, Mr. Hiroshi Oe, Ambassador of Japan called on Speaker National Assembly. While talking to the Ambassador, Madam Speaker said that Pakistan attaches immense importance of its relations with Japan and considers it as its economic partner. She appreciated Japanese support for the socio-economic uplift in the rural areas of Pakistan especially the flood torn areas. She said that she strongly desires to strengthen existing Pak-Japan ties through parliamentary interaction. She informed that Pak-Japan Friendship Group has been established in National Assembly of Pakistan which will hold interactive meetings with their Japanese counterparts.

Mr. Hiroshi Oe appreciated the sentiments of Madam Speaker and said that his government also attaches immense importance to its relations with Pakistan. He said that Japanese government highly values Pakistani support during devastating tsunami floods. He said that Japanese investors have shown keen interest in the investment policies of Pakistan and would invest in diverse fields. He agreed for enhancing parliamentary ties between the two friendly countries.

Islamabad August 4, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker, National Assembly of Pakistan have condoled the sad demise of mother of Sardar Muhammad Yaqub, former Deputy Speaker, National Assembly.

In their separate condolence messages to Sardar Muhammad Yaqub, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the passing away of his mother. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage and fortitude to him and other members of the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad August 4, 2011: Sardar Muhammad Sadiq, Speaker AJ&K Legislative Assembly called on Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan in Parliament House, today. Both the Speakers discussed issues pertaining to enhancing cooperation between the both the Legislative bodies.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza felicitated Sardar Muhammad Sadiq on his assuming the highest pedestal in the AJK Assembly and wished him success during the constitutional term. She assured her all-out support to the Speaker AJK legislative matter, library, research and for the capacity building of Members of the Legislature and its staff through Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services (PIPS).

Sardar Muhammad Sadiq, Speaker AJK thanked Madam Speaker for her good wishes and support in discharge of his constitutional responsibilities. He said that AJK Legislative Assembly would certainly benefit from the PIPS facility. He extended invitation to Madam Speaker to visit AJ&K.

Establishment of Women Caucus in AJK Assembly also came under discussion. Both the Speaker agreed for gender parity so that women could actively contribute and participation in national affairs. Dr. Fehmida Mirza assured her support and assistance for establishment of Women Caucus in AJK Assembly.

Mr. Rauf Eugin Soyasal, UN’s Special Envoy for Assistance to Pakistan!

Alice Shackelford, Country Programme Director, UN Women!

Anis Haroon, Chairperson, National Commission on the Status of Women!

Mussarat Hilali, Woman Ombudsperson of Pakistan!

Discussants, Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen!

Assalam-o-Aliakum and a very good morning to all of you.

It’s my pleasure to join all of you in celebrating the Report Launch of UN Women, titled “Progress of the World’s Women 2011-2012 --- In Pursuit of Justice”.

It is indeed a timely and much-needed publication. It provides a useful database for the policy makers and opinion leaders, enabling them to redefine their strategies concerning women. 

In fact, this Report has raised serious questions concerning the lacunas in the prevalent legal systems, which allow the perpetuation of gender-based crimes. At the same time, the Report has also offered workable solutions, which merit the combined attention of all stakeholders.

I, therefore, congratulate the entire UN Women team --- especially its Pakistan Office --- and earnestly hope that such efforts will continue to be a useful source of guidance and understanding for all concerned in future as well.

Ladies and Gentlemen!

Women’s pursuit for justice stretches back beyond recorded time to the myths and legends told by ancient seers in all cultures and civilizations. Societies were always hesitant in accepting them at par their men. So when Plato advocated for their equal status in the interest of “the Republic”, he was readily snubbed by the so-called democrats of the city-state of his times. Little changed from the ancient Greeks to the popular uprisings of the post Renaissance period. The Declaration of the Human Rights 1789 passionately talked about the “preservation of the natural rights of man” but conveniently ignored the plight of women. Such “selective libration” prompted women like Olympes de Gourgs (Olep de goz) to revolt, who drafted her own Declaration of Rights of Women in 1791. She was, however, immediately castigated, called hysterical and irrational for such daring act. Finally, in 1793, charged with the crime of “wanting to be a statesman, forgetting the virtues suitable to her sex”, she was guillotined.

Olep, nevertheless, is not the only martyr in this struggle for dignity, equality and empowerment. From her to Benazir Bhutto, there’s a long list of many vanguards of liberty, who paid the price in their blood for demanding social justice. Let us not forget that our great grandmothers had no right to vote or to be heard in the corridors of power till the beginning of the last century. Right to citizenship was not offered to them.  They fought for it and proved “twice as good” to earn it. Noted activist Fareeda Shaheed once said:

“When women started demanding the vote during the suffragette movement, they were in fact demanding a re-negotiation of the rules of belonging to the state, a redefinition of the collective identity embodied in or implied by citizenship.”

In fact, it goes to the innumerable sacrifices of such women of substance that the political philosophies were forcibly amended, giving way to the present-day concept of an “all-inclusive democracy”.

The Universal Declaration of Democracy, adopted by the Inter Parliamentary Union’s Council in 1997 set the guidelines for all governments by concluding that:

“The achievement of democracy presupposes a genuine partnership between men and women in the conduct of the affairs of society in which they work in equality, drawing mutual enrichment from their differences.”

Today, no system can claim to be democratic and participatory if it fails to include and address the issues concerning its women. And let it be remembered by all that there can be no democracy if there’s no equity-based social justice. It is thus that in this age of democratization, nations are increasingly creatingspace for their women. According to the Progress of Women Report, launched today, the constitutions of 139 countries of the world grant equal status to their women in all realms of life. 125 countries have outlawed domestic violence and in at least 52 countries, marital rape is a criminal offence.

This also holds true for Pakistan where each time, the return of democracy brought concrete measures to women’s empowerment. The first people’s participatory democracy of Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto saw the first-ever induction of women at the highest decision-making bodies.

First woman Governor, first woman Deputy Speaker, first woman Senator, first woman Parliamentary Secretary, first woman vice Chancellor --- indeed we crossed many barriers for the first time. It was also at that time that the Constitution of the land granted women not only equal rights but also attempted to make up for the follies of the past by promising to make special provisions for the protection of their long-neglected interests.

The two brief tenures of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto were literally a race against time when it comes to women. In a combined less than five years, her visionary leadership was able to leave behind a shining legacy of a Woman’s Ministry, a Woman’s Bank, a Woman’s corps of health workers and the largest number of women cabinet ministers. Above all, a new guideline for all future legislations was also set as Pakistan signed the CEDAW Convention under her premiership. I am proud to note that despite all challenges, the present democratic set-up has also managed to follow the same footmarks.

The election of the first woman Speaker of the National Assembly in the entire Muslim World as well as in the Region, with an over two-third majority marked the opening of return of democracy in 2008.

This was followed by elections of women as Deputy Speakers in Sindh and Azad Jammu & Kashmir legislatures. Pakistan has seen its first woman Foreign Minister during this government while other women have also been placed in key cabinet positions.  A woman was chosen to be the first Governor of Gilgit-Balitistan while key policy-making bodies like the Planning Commission also got woman representation for the first time. The National Commission on the Status of Women was also restructured and is now all set to get an autonomous status. A woman Ombudsmen has also been appointed while numerous talented women officers have been promoted to serve as federal secretaries.

And above all, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is also for the first time in our national history that the federal and provincial legislatures have seen a record number of women legislators, both on the reserved as well as on general seats. Their performance has amply demonstrated that they are second to none.

In fact, it is due to their zeal and devotion that the present National Assembly has been able to earn a special place in our history for becoming a pro-active forum in protecting the rights of women. In the last three years of its 5-year tenure, the National Assembly has passed 77 Bills. More than a dozen relate to women and children.

The passage of the 18th Amendment has provided an exceptional opportunity for provincial legislatures to expand their scope and make a decisive move to address the core issue of social justice at the grass-roots level. This also holds true for important legislations like the domestic violence bill, which is now more under the purview of the provinces. 
 

Ladies and Gentlemen!

Laws hold a critical balance in shaping societies although they alone cannot bring a change in mindsets. We must go beyond in breaking the clichés of centuries. No government, no matter how democratic in nature, can bring about a revolution on its own if it is not backed by a strong and committed public opinion.  The ideologies of seclusion and exclusion, social construction of femininity and the traditional demarcation of roles by gender are deeply entrenched in our socio-cultural environment. The mindsets are drawn under the influence of these concepts, which are often reflected at various levels of enacting, interpreting and enforcing of laws.

So, irrespective of the fact that no matter how many laws we change, if we fail to change the minds behind the delivery-mechanisms of these laws, we will continue to face hurdles. The inclusion of Article 25(A) in the constitution under the 18th Amendment is therefore a milestone towards this change as education is the key to such social transformation. I would nevertheless also call for a comprehensive review of our existing curriculum, which reinforces the stereotype gender images.

It is high time that we make our society realize that gender roles, inequities and power imbalances are not a ‘natural’ result of biological differences, but determined by the systems and cultures in which we live. The same can be changed if we seek social change.

This in turn requires broad-based mobilization. We must, therefore forge a comprehensive alliance of political parties, civil society, media and of course the international partners. Here, I would certainly like to acknowledge the contributions of the United Nations, which has remained the most powerful system of global mobilization in protecting and promoting women rights.

I am reminded of the founding Charter of the UN, signed in San Francisco in 1946. It was then that for the first time, the nations of the world reaffirmed their “faith in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small.”

The diction of the Rights Movement, Ladies and Gentlemen, thus changed for all times to come as women’s rights were finally acknowledged as human rights.

It also goes to the credit of various UN agencies, conferences and conventions, which have remained instrumental in persistently pushing governments to acknowledge and include women as equal partners in progress by redefining state policies and re-fixing national priorities.

The global women’s movement rightly cherishes the memories of 1975’s Mexico Conference, 1980’s Copenhagen, 1985’s Nairobi, the ICPD Cairo 1994 and then the Beijing Conference of 1995 as the gains made at these UN Conferences have gone a long way in strengthening women’s position in our respective societies.

And here Ladies and Gentlemen! I wish to add a footnote to history.

---- The First Women’s Conference, 1975, Mexico: Pakistan’s delegation was lead by Begum Nusrat Bhutto.

----The last Women’s Conference, 1995, Beijing: Benazir Bhutto leads Pakistan.

The thread of history does not only link two unprecedented events in the international women’s movement but also two generations, who have remained the guiding light behinds the rights struggle in Pakistan.

It’s indeed a unique privilege and an honour that we are all linked with the same thread.

And so guided by the same wisdom, we are also moving to consolidate our women’s position by reaffirming our international commitments and alliances. Pakistan will hold the 7th Meeting of the Women Speakers of Parliaments around the world in November this year, where we will focus on making our parliaments more gender sensitive.

The Women’s Parliamentary Caucus held its first-ever National Convention of Women Parliamentarians last year, which enabled women representatives from all federating units and also representatives of the SAARC countries to gather under one roof and discuss their role in peace-making, security and reconciliation. This forum is now being extended as the next Convention is planned at a larger level to include countries of the Middle East, South Asia and Central Asia.

These international forums are indeed important in providing the decision makers an opportunity to create common understanding in addressing common problems.

However such an understanding can only translate into practical actions if we back the process through a clearly defined and efficient platform.

It’s in this spirit that this month, at the SAARC Speakers Conference in Delhi, I proposed the creation of a SAARC Parliament, which could allow the parliamentarians of the region to jointly address issues of social injustice, the speeding up of the MDGs and the realization of an equity-based --- gender-balanced --- mutually beneficial ---- SAARC community.

International partners like the UN, and especially the UN Women, with their neutral credentials and cross-country presence are well-positioned to assist in defining the role, scope and processes for such envisioned Forum. At the same time, with in Pakistan, I also look forward for further cementing and consolidating the relationship between the UN Women and Women Parliamentarians. We have succeeded in forging this partnership at the federal level between the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus and the UN Women.

We now have to extend it to the provincial assemblies as well.

Such issue-based collaboration can go a long way in implementing the recommendations of this UN Women’s Report, which rightly calls for:

• Repealing laws which discriminate against women
• Supporting innovative justice services, including one-stop shops, legal aid and specialized courts
• Putting women on the frontline of justice delivery and
• Investing in justice systems that can respond to women needs.
• I consider these four points an excellent agenda for a meaningful partnership amongst us.

 Ladies and Gentlemen!

As I conclude, I wish to leave you with the thought from Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.

While inaugurating the first-ever Conference of Women Parliamentarians of the Muslim World in 1995, she said:

“We should not shrink from responsibility; we should welcome it --- welcome it on behalf of women all over the world, in cities, in rural villages. For all who suffered before, and for all who come after us, we are privileged to be in this special position --- in this special time --- with this extraordinary opportunity  --- to change the future.”

So let us together change the future.

This is an opportunity that lies within our reach today.

Let us jointly grasp the opportunity for the common benefit of the millions of silent and suffering women.

Let us build a new --- gender balanced --- and equity-based Pakistan.

I thank you all.

Islamabad; July 26, 2011; Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Acting President and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have congratulated Ch. Abdul Majeed on his election as Leader of the House in Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly.

In their separate congratulatory messages, the Acting President and Deputy Speaker extended warm felicitations to Ch. Abdul Majeed on his election as a Prime Minister of AJK. They said that his election as Prime Minister of AJK was an evidence of trust and confidence of the Members of AJK Legislative Assembly reposed in his leadership. The Acting President and Deputy Speaker expressed hope that newly elected Prime Minister will work for the welfare of people of AJK and under his sagacious leadership the Government of AJK will lead the state towards the progress and prosperity.

Acting President and Deputy Speaker National Assembly have also congratulated Sardar Ghulam Sadiq Khan and Ms. Shaheen Kausar Dar on their election as Speaker and Deputy Speaker AJK, Legislative Assembly respectively.

In their separate felicitation messages, to Sardar Ghulam Sadiq Khan and Ms. Shaheen Kausar Dar the Acting President and Deputy Speaker said that their election was a reflection of confidence of the Members of the AJK Legislative Assembly and party leaders reposed in them. They expressed hope that newly elected Speaker and Deputy Speaker of AJK will run the House according to rule and work for strengthening the democratic norms in the State. They prayed for their success during their constitutional tenure.

Islamabad July 25, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly would perform the functions of the President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan under Article 49(2) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan w.e.f. 25th July, 2011.

The Speaker, National Assembly will act as President till the President or Chairman Senate returns to Pakistan from their official visits abroad.

Islamabad July 24, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has approved the elevation of three Deputy Secretaries and six Section Officers to the next grades. Notifications to that effect were issued by the National Assembly Secretariat on Saturday.

As per notifications, Deputy Secretaries namely Mr. Ahmad Hussain, Mr. Amir Khan and Mr. Abdul Majeed Sindhu have been promoted as Joint Secretaries (BS-20) whereas Section Officers (BS-18) namely Syed Sajjad Hussain, Mr. Iftikhar Ahmad Lughmani, Mr. Moazzam Ali Malik, Mr. Aurangzeb Marral, Mr. Sher Bahadur Awan, Mr. Muhammad Mushtaq as Deputy Secretaries (BS-19).

Consequent to the promotion of above officers, almost 40-50 officers/officials in BS-7 to BS-18 would benefit and get chain promotion in the coming days. All the officers have assumed charges of their respective posts with immediate effect.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza’s decision for granting promotional incentive to the employees of the Secretariat has been widely hailed by the employees of the Secretariat. They have expressed their gratitude to the Speaker in that regard. It has also been termed as continuation of her administrative and developmental initiatives to build up a proficient and a credible workforce for transforming the Legislative Organ of the state into a dynamic entity capable of fulfilling its constitutional obligations.

Islamabad July 24, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan

have condoled the sad demise of mother of Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi, Governor Balochistan.

In their separate condolence messages to Nawab Zulfiqar Ali Magsi, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker said that they were

deeply grieved over the death of his mother. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and

grant courage and fortitude to the bereaved family to bear the loss with equanimity.

Islamabad July 21, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly would perform the functions of the President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan under Article 49(2) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan w.e.f. 21st July,2011. The Speaker, National Assembly will act as President till the President or Chairman Senate returns to Pakistan from their official visits abroad.

Islamabad; July 20, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan have condoled the death of father of Shahid Afridi, former Captain of Pakistan Cricket Team.

In their separate condolence messages to Shahid Khan Afridi, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise of his father. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage and fortitude to him and other members of the bereaved family to bear the loss with equanimity.

Islamabad July 11, 2011: Dr Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan has stressed the need for enhanced parliamentary interaction between Pakistan and India for building bridges of understanding and friendship between both the countries. She was talking to Smt. Meira Kumar, Speaker Lok Sabha in a meeting held in Sansad Bhavan, New Delhi today according to a message received from India. Both the Speaker discussed issues of mutual interest.

Referring to the ongoing dialogue process between the two countries, Dr. Fehmida Mirza reiterated that the recently held Secretaries’ level meetings have yielded encouraging results. She said that dialogue is the only way forward in improving bilateral ties. She also emphasized that though terrorism and violence is a common threat to all of us. However, Pakistan has suffered the most as more than 30,000 of its Civilian population and 5000 personnel of Law enforcement agencies have lost their lives in combating terrorism.

Dr Fehmida Mirza apprised her Indian counterpart that Pakistan has agreed to grant India the MFN status and hoped that both countries will share their experiences in various fields to meet the challenges by exploiting the untapped potential.

Referring to the Mumbai incident, Dr Fehmida Mirza stressed that Pakistan too has its concerns on Samjhuhta Express incident. She believed that frequent parliamentary interactions will be helpful in addressing various issues between the two countries.

The Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan also extended invitation to Smt Meira Kumar, Speaker Lok Sabha to attend the 7th Women Speakers’ Conference to be held in Pakistan from 15-17 November, this year.

While welcoming Dr Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly, Meira Kumar, Speaker, Lok Sabha said that relationships between Pakistan and India are not confined to politics and trade alone, rather, these are also based on emotional and cultural grounds. She informed her Pakistani counterpart that India has also formed India-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Group following Pakistan’s pattern. She was confident that interaction between parliamentarians of both the countries would yield results.

Later Speaker National Assembly also held separate meetings with Speakers of other SAARC countries including Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Afghanistan. During these meetings they exchanged views on issue of mutual interests particularly in the context of SAARC Speaker and Parliamentary forum for strengthening ties amongst Parliament of SAARC countries.

Islamabad July 7, 2011: Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza will leave for New Delhi, India today i.e. 7th July, 2011 to attend 5th summit conference of the SAARC Speakers and Parliamentarians being held in New Delhi from 9th to 12th July, 2011. The conference is being hosted Ms. Meira Kumar Speaker of the Indian Lok Sabha.

A four member parliamentary delegation comprising of MNAs Mr. Mehmood Hayat Khan Toochi Khan, Mrs. Shahnaz Wazir Ali, Ms. Kashmala Tariq and Ms. Tasneem Siddique will accompany Speaker National Assembly.

The four day conference will be inaugurated by Indian Prime Minister on 9th July, 2011. The participants of the conference would ponder upon variety of subjects which include consolidating democracy; strengthening trust between parliament and people, sustainable development in SAARC countries and other issues concerning masses and would formulate recommendations for consideration by their respective governments.

The Speaker National Assembly during her stay in New Delhi would separately meet with her Indian as well as other counterparts from SAARC countries and discuss augmentation of existing bilateral relations between their respective legislatures. The Pakistani MPs will also avail this opportunity to interact and exchange views with their colleagues from the SAARC region.

Islamabad June 27, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly would perform the functions of the President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan under Article 49(2) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan w.e.f. 27^th June 2011.

Islamabad; June 26, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan have condoled the sad demise of wife of Shahzada Mohiuddin, MNA who passed away on Saturday in Chitral due to protracted illness.

Islamabad June 25, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly today launched a completely redesigned and enhanced website of the National Assembly of Pakistan in Parliament House, today. After the launch, the Speaker said that new website of the National Assembly of Pakistan has a totally fresh appearance and format which contains more public oriented information about previous and the incumbent National Assembly. She said that the website has under gone significant improvement in the areas of content, navigation and design and new website will make it easy for anyone interested in National Assembly to find information to their questions in a clear and user friendly manner. The Speaker said that Members and public is encouraged to give their feedback for further improvement in the website.

The new Website (www.na.gov.pk) is dynamic and all data contents displayed on the site will be fetched from SQL database and it can be manipulated according to future requirements of the Assembly through a secure Management console. The new site has special feature that can provide information to the general public in a better format and also any page/information can be shared on different social Networking websites. Hence the Honorable Members and general public can share any page on the Facebook, Twitter, Google, Messenger etc.

A separate page of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker has also been created having new profile of the Speaker, press releases of their official engagements/meetings, speeches and picture gallery links. The new website has separate page for the National Assembly Library that contains the online access of National Assembly: Online Public Access Catalogue, Union Catalogue of National Assembly, Senate and Provincial Assemblies and Digital Library linkage. A new feature about “Today in National Assembly” has also been added that will show timings of the National Assembly sessions and time and venue of meeting of the Standing committees, and Public Accounts Committee.

The new Website of the National Assembly include new features such as: Dynamic creation of pages, menus and sitemap, Separate pages for Honorable Speaker and Deputy Speaker profiles, Legislative business setup with ability to upload documents, Members management with each member having his own profile, Dynamic Committees Management, Media center setup that will help in managing Press Releases, Today in National Assembly, National Assembly Library, Historical record, Federal cabinet management, Friendship Groups, Online recruitment process, Virtual tour and Web Streaming and archiving (under construction).

Islamabad June 22, 2011: Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza has said that present parliament strongly believes that independent media is the cornerstone of democracy and has encouraged its growth and constructive criticism. She said that media serves as an interface between the parliament and the public; therefore, it should impartially report the performance of the parliament. Dr. Fehmida Mirza said this while talking to a group of the members of Parliamentary Reporters Association (PRA) who called on her in Parliament House, this afternoon.

While talking to the media representatives, Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that the Parliament represents sovereign will of the people, therefore, it is essential that people have the means to know how the Parliament functions and to help them comprehend as to what extent it is playing its role in translating the people's aspirations into reality. She said that media is an integral part of the parliamentary system and necessarily it has a vital role to play in strengthening our parliamentary edifice.

She said that it is only by respecting each other's roles and responsibilities that the Parliament and the media can develop a healthy and cooperative relationship, which is vital for strengthening our democratic structure. She said that it is incumbent upon the media to objectively report the activities of the parliament and its standing committees. The Speaker appreciated the establishment of the body of Parliamentary Reporters and extended her and National Assembly Secretariat's support in realizing its objectives. She also informed them about the facilities being providing to the media by the Secretariat at Parliament House to enhance their capacity and to make it more vibrant. She said that after the establishment of Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services (PIPS), various courses would be conducted to build the capacity of the parliamentary reporters and to make them acquaint with the parliamentary procedures.

The Media Representatives agreed with the Speaker and assured her of their all-out support for constructive reporting of the Parliament. They also thanked the Speaker for the facilities extended to the parliamentary reporters by her Secretariat. Mr. Sadique Sajid, Convener of the PRA Adhoc committee apprised the Speaker about the aims and objectives of the establishment of PRA. He said that a scrutiny committee has been established headed by a senior parliamentary reporter to securitize and compile a list of parliamentary reporters which would serve as the electoral list for conducting elections of representatives of the PRA. He further informed that after the election of the Association, the Adhoc committee would be replaced by the new elected body.

Senior representatives of electronic and print media and officers of the National Assembly Media Wing were present during the meeting.

Islamabad: June 21, 2011: The High Commissioner of Bangladesh Mr. Suhrab Hossain and High Commissioner of Australia Mr. Timothy Spenser George separately called on Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza, in the Parliament House, today.

Reaffirming the enduring Pak-Bangladesh relations, the Speaker said that the bilateral relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh would remain warm and very special since both the countries share common religion, culture and history. She said that present Pakistani leadership has firm resolve and keen desire to reinvigorate the existing bilateral ties. She said that the fraternal relations between two sides have progressed over the years and both the countries are closely cooperating at the regional and international fora with the aim of promoting peace and stability and well being of the people of the region. She stressed for enhancing present relationship of the two countries to a genuinely meaningful level through parliamentary cooperation, people-to-people contact and ties between business communities of both the countries. She said that Pakistan needs to benefit from the experiences of Bangladesh in disaster management, women empowerment, family planning, child mortality and education.

Mr. Suhrab Hossain, Bangladeshi High Commissioner of Bangladesh acknowledged the sentiments of Speaker and said that his government also attaches immense importance to its relations with Pakistan and wants to further cement them through cooperation in diverse fields. He said that opportunities and potential for mutual cooperation between two brotherly countries were immense and very promising; therefore, his government was keen to benefit. The High Commissioner presented an invitation letter to the Speaker to attend International Autism Conference being held in Dhaka in July this year.

Talking to the Australian High Commissioner, the Speaker said that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Australia and was keen to further strengthen them through parliamentary cooperation and people-to-people and economic contacts. She said that Pakistan was facing challenges like terrorism, illiteracy, poverty and energy shortages which could be met with the cooperation of international community. The Speaker said that the new Parliament consisted of the members having moderate, progressive and enlightened outlook and was working for betterment of masses. She underlined the need for enhanced interaction between the Parliamentarians of the two countries especially the women MPs and Standing Committees. The Speaker said that there was possibility of wide range of cooperation, particularly agriculture and industrial sectors that needed to be exploited.

Mr. Timothy Spenser George, the Australian Commissioner said that his government also attaches great importance to its relations and was keen to further strengthen them through interaction in diverse fields. He said that Australia was committed to support and strengthen the present democratic setup in Pakistan. He said that his government is convinced that a stable and prosperous Pakistan was in the interest of the world. He said that his government has chalked out a comprehensive plan to carryout a development program in different parts of Pakistan focusing on health, education, creating employment opportunities and infrastructure development. He also presented an invitation to Madam Speaker on behalf of Speaker Australian National Assembly to visit Australia.

The Speaker accepted the invitation and said that she would visit Australia on the date mutually agreed between the two parliaments.

Islamabad June 20, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan have condoled the sad demise of mother of Rukhsana Bangash, MNA/Political Secretary to the President of Pakistan.

In their separate condolence messages to Rukhsana Bangash, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise of her mother. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage and fortitude to the bereaved family to bear the loss with equanimity.

Islamabad June 20, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has said that Mohtarama Benazir Bhutto was a visionary and a stateswoman and always aspired for a world, free from exploitation and discrimination between privileged and underprivileged, men and women. She fought for the downtrodden and oppressed and longed for a forward-looking Pakistan, where women were not subjected to humiliation, torture and treated with respect as equal partners to progress and prosperity. She said this in her message on the 58th Birth Anniversary of Shaheed Mohtarama Benazir Bhutto being observed tomorrow.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that Shaheed Mohtarama had a towering and multi-dimensional personality and was bacon of light for the downtrodden, oppressed and marginalized segments of the society. He said that Mohtarama had the courage to challenge the worst dictatorship of the times when compared with other contemporary politicians. She had to pass through the whirlpool of vendetta by a repressive regime in shape of brutal assassination of her father Quaid-e-Azam Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, the murders of her tow brothers, the hardships of her mother, her own and her husbands imprisonments, physical and mental torture, nevertheless, she bravely faced whatever came in her way, continued to challenge the dictatorships and remained steadfast in her commitment to the people and democracy.

Madam Speaker said that today as the nation finds itself encircled by challenges, threats and pressures, never witnessed ever before, and while we all put in our respective efforts to steer the country out of the present quagmire, we need Mohtarama Benazir now more than ever before. She said that Mohtarama strongly believed in solidarity of Federation and provincial autonomy. She said that the people of the four provinces had their confidence in her and whenever the nation was given a relatively free chance to choose, her political party returned successful from all the four federating units. She said that Pakistan witnessed a phenomenal development in all sectors of economy and made the country impregnable during her both tenures as Prime Minister.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that Mohtarama worked diligently as twice-elected Prime Minister towards the well-defined goals of women empowerment. Shaheed Mohtarama brought women to the main-stream by appointing them as judges of the superior courts, opened first women bank, ensured state protection for women by coming up to with the idea of separate women police stations, dedicated funds and schemes in shape of women health workers to bring sea-change in the plight of misery and disease stricken women and last but surely least, encouraged women at every tier of political hierarchy.

Madam Speaker said that Mohtarama strongly believed in reconciliation and forbearance she was always forgiving and tried to look for similarities rather than to seek difference and believed in building bridges and not living in isolation, both on the international level as well as on the national front.

Madam Speaker called upon all the political forces to rise above party lines to work for the democracy, say no to extremism, militancy and violence and rebuild Pakistan as Mohtarama dreamed, aspired and worked for. She termed it the befitting way of paying homage and remembrance Benazir Bhutto deserves as a cherished off-spring of the Indus, a gifted soul of Pakistan, the befitting daughter of the East and the visionary of our times. May Allah Rest the soul of Shaheed Mohtarama Benazir Bhutto in eternal peace (Ameen), Madam Speaker prayed.

Islamabad June 16, 2011: Speaker, National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza has asked EU for its support for the socio-economic development in the country especially in the flood effected areas and the tribal belt of Pakistan. She remarked that EU has been always supportive of the democratic governments in Pakistan in their development initiatives. Dr. Fehmida Mirza said this while talking to Mr. Andris Peibalgs, European Union Commissioner for Development who called on her in Parliament House, this afternoon.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that Pakistan attaches high importance to its relations with European Union which are deep rooted in bonds of friendship, cooperation and mutual understanding on various issues. She appreciated EU support for the strengthening of democratic process and institutions in Pakistan. She said that political leadership of Pakistan envisions a long term strategic partnership with EU with special emphasis on strengthening of economic and trade partnership, peace and security and parliamentary cooperation. Dr. Fehmida Mirza appreciated the economic assistance by EU after devastating floods and during military initiatives against insurgents in Swat and Tribal belt of Pakistan.

The Speaker said that the present democratic government in the country had inherited massive challenges that included terrorism, extremism, financial crunch and shortage of energy. She said that Pakistani nation has shown resilience and has supported government in time of crises. She said that government is committed to the socio-economic development in the country in consonance with the aspiration of the elected representatives through its indigenous resources. She said that support of friendly countries specially the EU would supplement its efforts.

Mr. Andris Peibalgs, EU Commissioner appreciated the remarks of the Speaker and said that EU would continue its unwavering support to Pakistan for the development of infrastructure, gender equality, education, health and strengthening of Election Commission and electoral reforms. He informed the Speaker that EU has chalked out a comprehensive development plan for which EU would be spending 300 million Euros per year the development process in Pakistan. He also assured Madam Speaker for assistance to the Parliament for the capacity building of Parliamentarians and secretarial staff, research, automation of parliamentary record and parliamentary library.

Islamabad June 16, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has stressed the need for coordinated and stringent measures for combating the looming threat of desertification and drought. She called for immediate measures for saving the livelihoods, well-being and development of large number of population around the world. Dr. Fehmida Mirza said this in her message on the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, being observed tomorrow throughout the world under the auspices of United Nation.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that desertification and land degradation not only affect the earth's surface but also threatens the livelihoods, well-being and development of a large number of population around the world. Consequent to that, desertification also induces migration of the population, drought, famine and deepens poverty. She said that if the desertification goes unchecked, it would further deepen the miseries of the masses in the coming years.

She said that this day serves us an opportunity to highlight the growing threat to national and regional stability posed by desertification. She said that the climate changes was a contributing factor, but not the only one rendering nearly one third of the world's cropland to become unproductive and been abandoned in the previous years. She stressed for water conservation, reconsideration of our agricultural practices and afforestation. She said that growing demand for animal feed and biofuels will put further pressure on these scarce resources if not managed sustainably. The Speaker said that current global consumption and production patterns were unsustainable, which would consequently aggravate global food crises, desertification, land degradation and periods of drought. She feared that as usual, the poor will be the first victims of the last to recover.

The Speaker said that for sustainable Development, desertification and land degradation were global problems that require a global response, therefore, world leaders should think for a comprehensive strategy to slow down global warming. In particular, it must provide adequate and predictable financing to support improved land management, more efficient water use and sustainable agriculture.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza called upon the federal and provincial agriculture departments to raise awareness amongst the farming community to conserve water and sagaciously use it reconsider agriculture practices and plant more trees to avert the desertification.

Islamabad June 15, 2011: Speaker, National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza has said that Pakistan and Germany enjoy cordial relations based on common interest and shared perceptions on major international issues. She said that Pakistan strongly desires to further diversify its existing relations through people-to-people contacts and parliamentary cooperation between National Assembly and German Bundestag (Parliament). Dr. Fehmida Mirza was talking to a 5-Members Delegation comprising of Members of German Bundestag led by Mr. Rainer Arnold, MP which called on her in Parliament House today.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that the present Pakistani political hierarchy envisions a qualitative transformation in its relation with Germany for building a broad based, substantive and long term partnership encompassing all areas of mutual cooperation. She appreciated the German leadership's keen interest in expanding and deepening bilateral relations with Pakistan. She acknowledged the generous German assistance and support in the FODP Forum and relief/rehabilitation operation during military initiative in tribal areas and devastating floods in the country. She also expressed gratitude on Germany's constant support for the wider EU market access and securing trade concession for Pakistan.

The Speaker said that Pakistan has been badly effected by the activities of extremists and terrorists. She said that Pakistan was trying to root-out that evil from the country through its indigenous resources; however, support from friendly countries would supplement its efforts. Underlining the need for further enhancing parliamentary ties between parliaments of both the countries, she said that Pak-German parliamentarians could build bridges of friendship and understanding between two states. She informed the German MPs that Pak-Germany Friendship Group in National Assembly has been activated and future interaction between parliamentarians of both the countries would help them to exchange views and experiences specially the women MPs. She also appreciated assistance to the National Assembly by German Bundestag. She called for future collaboration for capacity building of MPs and secretarial staff through Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services (PIPS).

Mr. Rainer Arnold, MP said that Germany also attaches great value to its relations with Pakistan and needs to further cement them. He said that Pakistan is an important country in region and it was a strong desire of his country to see Pakistan as a prosperous and stable country which was also in the interest of the region and the world. He agreed for enhancing relations between parliamentarians of both the countries. He assured the Speaker of Germany's continued support and cooperation in diverse fields. He also assured Speaker that Germany would extend maximum support to Pakistan to fight the bane of terrorism in the country.

Islamabad; June 14, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly on her own and on the behalf of Parliament of Pakistan has felicitated Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Prime Minister of Turkey over his party's successive victory in the Parliamentary Election in Turkey.

In her felicitating message to Recep Tayyip Erdogan the Speaker said that success of his party in third consecutive parliamentary election in Turkey was an evidence of trust and confidence of the Turkish people reposed in his leadership and his government's policies. She said that Turkey is a time tested friend of Pakistan and withstood with Pakistan in all difficult times. She was confident that under his dynamic leadership the cordial relations between the two brotherly countries will be further strengthening and his country will witness further progress and development.

Islamabad June 14, 2011: Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza chaired a meeting of the National Assembly Finance Committee in Parliament House, today.

After discussion, the Committee approved the regularization of 53-contingent paid employees of BPS-1 to 4, increase of promotional quota of Security Staff of National Assembly Secretariat from 33% to 50%, up-gradation of posts of Protocol Assistants and Telephone Attendants from BPS 12 to 14 and from BPS 4 to 7, respectively.

The committee approved the increase of remuneration of Qaries for the recitation of Holy Quran during the sessions of the National Assembly. The Committee also allowed continuation of temporary post in the National Assembly Secretariat for the financial year 2011-12.

The meeting was attended by MNAs Syed Ghulam Mustafa shah, Ms. Fauzia Wahab, Mrs. Asma Arbab Alamgir, Dr. Nafisa Shah, Mrs. Yasmeen Rehman, Ch. Saud Majeed, Rana Tanvir Hussian, Mrs. Farkhanda Amjad, Mrs. Bushra Rehman, Mufti Ajmal Khan, Mr. Saeed Ahmad Zafar, Secretary m/o Finance, Secretary and other senior officers of National Assembly Secretariat.

Islamabad; June 13, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has condoled the passing away of renowned writer, Tariq Alam Abro.

In her condolence message to the members of bereaved family, the Speaker eulogized the literary services of Tariq Alam Abro. She expressed her heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise. She prayed Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad 11 June, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has called upon states, organizations working for protection of the child rights and individual for collective efforts to eliminate the bane of child Labour. She said that children are the hope of mankind and continuity of human species and needed to be protected from Child Labour and other abuses. She said this in her message on Child Labour Day being commemorated tomorrow throughout the globe.

The Speaker said that million of girls and boys in the world were engaged in child labour which deprived them from education, health and basic freedom. She said that basic human rights conventions guarantee fundamental rights and freedom to adults and children without any discrimination; therefore, recognition of equal status to children as individuals in enjoying their fundamental rights and freedom should be ensured. She called upon the states, organizations and individuals to accord priority and set goals and strategies and actions to improve the lives of the children and to protect them from child labour.

She said that the employment of children under the age of 14 years was a matter of great concern. She said that this is not an age to work and collect the livelihood. She said that this is learning stage for the children and to move freely to enjoy their freedom. The Speaker said that once they will get a good childhood and education they will be good citizen in future. She said that as per latest ILO statistics more than 215 million children are in labour world wide out of which some 115 million in hazardous work. She called for collective efforts to stop this practice.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that the basic aim to commemorate the child labour day to create awareness among the public that children needed quality education and proper training she called upon the parents to rekindle fond memories, create ripples in the parent-child relationship and spend time with their children to create positive memories and take part in fun activities.

The Speaker called upon adoption of benevolent and compassionate posture towards disadvantaged children so that they could have access to basic living essential rather than being forced to engage in demeaning and non-empowering jobs, early marriages, warfare and other situations impeding their growth and well being. She stressed for creating job opportunities for the underprivileged communities so that their children were not forced into Child Labour. She emphasized the need for protection of children's rights and on their and their family's rehabilitation.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza appreciated the contributions of ILO for creating awareness among the people about protection of children harms of child labour. Dr. Fehmida Mirza called upon the provincial governments and community welfare organizations to pay special attention to the protection of children's rights and elimination of child Labour. She called for adoption of children centric policies and legislation to promote the welfare of children.

Islamabad June 8, 2011: Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza has said that Pakistan attaches immense value to its relations with Morocco since both the countries shared common faith, culture and understanding on all major international issues. She said that regular interaction between political leadership, people and parliaments of both the brotherly countries would further augment the existing ties. Dr. Fehmida Mirza was talking to Mr. Mohammed Reda El Fassi, Ambassador of Morocco who called on her in Parliament House, this afternoon.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that the recent years have witnessed smooth development of bilateral relationship, increasingly strengthened constructive cooperation, active exchanges of people and culture and positive consultation and coordination in international affairs between Pakistan and Morocco. She expressed the desire to further cement the ties through parliamentary cooperation. She said that Pakistan-Morocco friendship group has been activated in National Assembly of Pakistan and the regular interaction between parliamentarians of both the countries would provide them opportunities to learn from each others experiences.

Madam Speaker said that immense economic potential exists in both countries which should be exploited for mutual benefit. Madam Speaker said that government of Pakistan has carried out major restructuring of economic sector and introduced pro-investment polices from which Moroccan investors can take advantage. She asked for Moroccan support in energy and power sectors.

Mr. Mohammed Reda El Fassi, Ambassador of Morocco agreed with Madam Speaker and said that his government also attaches great importance to its brotherly relations with Pakistan and wants to further strengthen and diversify them through economic and parliamentary ties. He said that Parliaments of both the countries could play important roles in further consolidating existing bilateral ties. The Ambassador also informed Madam Speaker about the His Majesty's initiative of carrying out constitutional reforms that included increased rights for women and children, and universal access to a free education. The Ambassador also presented an invitation letter to Madam Speaker on behalf of Speaker National Assembly of Morocco to visit Morocco.

Madam Speaker accepted the invitation and said that she would visit Morocco for which schedule will be finalized with mutual consultation.

Islamabad June 7, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has said that Pakistan considers Norway as its trusted friend and an economic partner and wants to further strengthen its existing bilateral relations. She said that regular interaction between political hierarchy, people and parliaments of both the countries would further cement those ties. Dr. Fehmida Mirza was speaking to Mr. Robert Kvile, outgoing Ambassador of Norway to Pakistan who called on her in Parliament House, this afternoon.

Madam Speaker said that Pakistan appreciates Norway's unwavering support in the hour of need. She said that economic cooperation between both the countries has witnessed increase, however it needs to be further enhanced. She also stressed for enhancing parliamentary ties between parliaments of both the countries. She complimented the Ambassador for taking the relations between two countries to new heights during his tenure as Ambassador. She was confident that the incoming diplomatic representative of his country would continue to strengthen the relations between both the countries.

Mr. Robert Kvile expressed his gratitude to Madam Speaker for her views and said that during his stay in Pakistan, he has found Pakistanis friendly, peace-loving and resilient who have withstood the test of time. He said that Pakistan has been negatively portrayed in west. He assured Madam Speaker that he would keep on portraying true image of Pakistan during his next diplomatic assignment.

Later, Ambassador of Tajikistan Mr. Zubaydullo Zubaydov called on Madam Speaker in Parliament House. Talking to the Ambassador, Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that Tajikistan and Pakistan were intertwined in bonds of religion, culture and history, therefore, Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with Tajikistan. She said that Pakistan strongly desire to enhance its bilateral, economic and parliamentary ties with its brotherly country.

She said that both the countries have huge economic potential which needs to be exploited for mutual benefit. She said that regular interaction between the political hierarchy and trading communities of both the countries would be helpful in exploring avenues of possible cooperation. Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that parliamentarians of both the countries could also play an important role in creating better understanding between both the countries. She invited women Tajik Women MPs to visit Pakistan and interact with their Pakistani counterparts.

Ambassador of Tajikistan Mr. Zubaydullo Zubaydov agreed with Madam Speaker and said that his government also strongly desires to have congenial relations with Pakistan. He said that Tajik and Pakistani business communities were in regular contact and various agreements have been signed for mutual cooperation. He said that Tajikistan was keen to support Pakistan to meet its energy shortages.

Islamabad, June 6, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, Speaker, National Assembly has condoled the passing away of aunt of Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker, National Assembly.

In her condolence message to the members of bereaved family, the Speaker expressed her heartfelt grief and sorrow over the sad demise. She prayed Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant the courage to Faisal Karim Kundi and members of bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad, the June 3, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly chaired a meeting in meeting in Parliament House, this afternoon to review the security arrangements in and around the Parliament House.

After detailed briefing by the Minister for Interior and Inspector General ICT Police, Madam Speaker directed the ICT Police to beef up the security around the Parliament House besides strict implementation of SOP to avoid any untoward incident in wake of the prevalent law and order situation. She also instructed for not allowing any visitor to enter in the Parliament House without proper security check/body search and entry pass.

It was decided that the entry passes for the visitors will be issued on daily basis by the National Assembly Secretariat and that too only on the recommendation of the Honourable Parliamentarians after necessary verification. ICT Police was also directed that the vehicles entering in Parliament House should be and checked thoroughly without discrimination.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Speaker, National Assembly Faisal Karim Kundi and Deputy Chairman Senate Jan Muhammad Jamali, Mr. Rehman Malik, Minister for Interior, Secretary M/o Interior, Chairman CDA, Chief Commissioner ICT, Inspector General ICT Police and other officials of the concerned departments.

Islamabad June 3, 2011: Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza has emphasized the need to enhance interaction between Women MPs of Pakistan and Afghanistan for resolution of problems commonly confronting both the neighboring countries. She said that Women MPs of both the countries could play important role in national development of their respective nation. She was talking to four member Afghan Women Parliamentary delegation led by Mrs. Shinkai Karokhail who called on Madam Speaker in Parliament House, today.

Madam Speaker said that Pakistan and Afghanistan were confronted with poverty, extremism, illiteracy and economic problems, therefore, MPs of both the countries could collectively ponder upon and find solution to those problems. She said that ultimate sufferers of above problems were the women and children. She said that Women MPs in Pakistani Parliament have extensively contributed to address the plight of women and children. She said that visit of Afghan Parliamentarians would be mile stone in enhancing cooperation with their Pakistani counterparts. Madam Speaker extended support to the Afghan MPs for establishment of Women's Parliamentary Caucus in Afghan Parliament.

Later on an interactive meeting was held between Parliamentarians from FATA and Afghan women Parliamentary delegation. Deputy Speaker, National Assembly, Faisal Karim Kundi chaired the meeting. Talking to the delegation Deputy Speaker said that Pakistan and Afghanistan were bonded in the eternal ties of brotherhood, religious, history and culture. He said that both the countries were victims of terrorism and joint efforts were needed to address this scourge from the region. He said that Pakistan desired a peaceful and prosper Afghanistan and it is in the interest of whole region. He said that closer cooperation between Pakistan Afghanistan is necessary for peace and stability in the region. He said that Parliament of both the country can play an important role in strengthening the relations between two neighbouring countries. He underlined the need to enhance interaction between leadership and people to people contact for strengthening bilateral relations and closer cooperation.

Deputy Speaker also apprised the delegation about recent visit of Pakistan Parliamentary Delegation to Afghanistan. He said that a joint resolutions has been adopted by the parliamentarians of both parliaments. He stressed the need for implementation of joint resolutions adopted by the parliamentarians of the both the countries. He also apprised the delegation about the formation of FATA Parliamentary Caucus and problems being faced by the people of the area. The Members of the both side were agreed that poverty, unemployment and illiteracy in the FATA were the root causes of extremism and terrorism and stressed the need for development in FATA.

The head of delegation Mrs. Shinkai Karokhail appreciated the hospitality extended to Afghan Parliamentary delegation by the Pakistan Government and thanked for comprehensive briefing on Pakistan parliamentary system. She said that Pakistan and Afghanistan have tremendous commonalities. She underlined the need to enhance Parliamentary relation and economic cooperation to further cemented the relation between two brotherly country. The members who were present in the meeting were MNAs Munir Khan Orakzai, Maulana Noor ul Haq Qadri, Nawabazda Hammad Khan, Ms. Attiya Inayatullah Mrs. Azra Fazal Pechho and Ms Donya Aziz.

Islamabad June 3, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly chaired a meeting of the House Business Advisory Committee in the Parliament House to discuss the schedule for the Budget Session of the National Assembly, today.

After discussion and taking into account suggestions by representative of the political parties in the National Assembly, it was decided that budget for financial year 2011-12 will be presented on 3rd June, 2011 and general discussion on the budget will be initiated on 6th June which will continue till 14th June, 2011. It was decided that the Budget will be passed on 24th June, 2011.

The Committee decided that the session will be held from Monday to Saturday. It was also decided that the question hour and other legislative business will remain suspended during the Budget session, however only calling attention notices will be taken up during the current session.

The meeting was attended by Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah, Minister for Religious Affairs, Mr. Maula Bukhsh Chandio, Minister for Law, Justice, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Minister for Health MNAs Nawab Muhammad Yousaf Talpur, Mr. Iqbal Muhammad Ali Khan and Maulana Atta-ur-Rehman.

Islamabad; June 1, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have strongly condemned the murder of Senior Journalist and Bureau Chief of Asian Times Syed Saleem Shahzad.

In their separate condolence messages to the family of deceased journalist, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker said that they were shocked to learn the sad news about the brutal killing of Syed Saleem Shahzad. While expressing their deep grief and sorrow over the tragic incident the Speaker and Deputy Speaker said that Syed Saleem Shahzad was a fearless and dauntless journalist who always performed his duties without any fear. They said that killing of Syed Saleem Shahzad was an inhuman act of barbarism which reflected callous nature of the perpetrators. They called upon the law enforcing agencies to bring the culprits involved in heinous incident to justice. They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant the bereaved family the courage to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad May 30, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has stressed upon people, NGOs and government health departments to join hands to raise awareness against the use of tobacco which can cause multitude of health problems. She said this in her message on World No Tobacco Day being commemorated worldwide, tomorrow. Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that this day serves us an opportunity to renew our commitments to highlight health risks associated with the use of tobacco and rising awareness among the masses about the dangers of smoking. She called upon the masses to abandon the use of tobacco to minimize risk to their health. She said that we should collectively draw attention to harmful effects of tobacco smoking and marketing to women and girls. She also stressed the need for strict implementation of tobacco control laws to prevent smoking at public places and in transport across the country. She also appreciated the efforts of World Health Organization (WHO) for creating awareness among the masses about the hazards of tobacco use.

The Speaker said that use of tobacco is on rise in youth, women and girls. She said that tobacco use can have lethal effects on the health of women that could subsequently affect the whole household. She said that according to WHO statistics, women comprise 20% of the 1 billion smokers in the world. She called upon the health departments, NGOs and Media to initiate aggressive media campaign to raise awareness against the tobacco use. She also asked the tobacco companies not to attempt, lure people into life time nicotine dependence.

Islamabad; May 29, 2011: An Eight Member Parliamentary Delegation headed by, Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker, National Assembly will visit Afghanistan. The delegation will leave for Afghanistan today i.e. 29th May, 2011 on a two day visit. The delegation will be comprises of MNAs Malik Amad Khan, Mr. Nadeem Afzal Gondal, Mr. Aftab Ahmad Khan Sherpao, Mr. Pervaiz Khan, Mr. Mehtab Ahmed Khan Abbasi, Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan and Mr. Muhammad Ayub.

During its stay in Afghanistan the Pakistan Parliamentary Delegation will meet Speaker Afghan Losi Jirga (Afghanistan Parliament) and other Leadership of Afghanistan. The delegation will also hold interactive meetings with Members of Afghan Parliament. The visit will provide opportunity the Members of the both the Parliaments to understand each other and to benefit from each other experiences.

Islamabad: May 28, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have strongly condemned the bomb blast in Tehsil Salarzai, Bajor Agency and expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives.

In their separate statements, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker termed it a barbaric and shameful act of terrorism. They said that the elements involved in such activities were the enemies of humanity and the country. They said that such shameful acts could not deter the Government from its firm resolve to fight against terrorism. They were confident that the culprits involved in such activities will not be spared and will be brought to justice.

They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the souls of martyred in eternal peace and sympathized with bereaved families and prayed for early recovery of injured.

Islamabad; May 26, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has felicitated Mr. Ali Larigani on his re-election as Speaker of Iranian Parliament.

In her felicitation message to Mr. Ali Larigani, the Speaker said that she felt immense pleasure to extend her profound congratulation on his re-election as the Speaker of Iranian Parliament. She said that his re-election was a reflection and evidence of trust and confidence reposed by the members of Iran's Parliament in his leadership.

She expressed that re-election of Mr. Ali Larigani would be impetus to further strengthening the relations between the Parliaments of two brotherly countries. She desired to enhance the existing parliamentary relations between the two Parliaments.

Islamabad: May 24, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have condoled the passing away of Hakim Ali Zardari the father of President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari.

In their separate condolence messages to President Asif Ali Zardari, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their deep sense of grief and sorrow over the sad demise. They said that he was a seasoned politician and during his tenure as Member, National Assembly and Chairman PAC he had rendered valuable contributions in legislative business. "His services for promotion of democracy and supremacy of Constitution in the country will be remembered for a long time to come,'' they said.

They prayed Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant the courage and strength to Asif Ali Zardari and other members of the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

Islamabad: May 23, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly have strongly condemned terrorist attack on PNS Mehran, Karachi and expressed deep sense of sorrow and grief over the martyrdom of security personnel and loss of national assets.

In their separate statements, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker termed it a cowardice and shameful act of terrorism. They said that the elements involved in such activities were the enemies of humanity and the country. They said that entire nation is united in war against terrorism and terrorists could not succeed in their nefarious design. They said that such acts of terrorism could not deter the Government from its firm resolve to fight against terrorism. They were confident that the culprits involved in such activities will not be spared and will be brought to justice.

They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the souls of martyred in eternal peace and sympathized with bereaved families and prayed for early recovery of injured.

Islamabad May 18, 2011; National Assembly Speaker, Dr. Fehmida Mirza has urged the World Health Organization, World Health Departments and NGOs working in the Health Sector for concerted efforts for awareness among the masses against the Hepatitis disease. She called for joining hands to stop the spread of this chronic disease. She expressed these views in her message on World Hepatitis Day being commemorated throughout the world tomorrow.

She said that this day served us an opportunity to educate and inform the masses and policy makers about the preventions diagnoses and treatment of Hepatitis. She said that in developing countries like Pakistan the prevalence of Hepatitis is high. She said that polluted water, illegal industrial poisonous, water discharge, environmental pollution unsafe and unscreened blood transfusion and used syringes were the main reasons of the disease.

She said that government has taken various steps to control this chronic disease. She asked the Ministry of Health and Provincial Health Departments to take appropriate steps to control increasing of Hepatitis and provide diagnostic and treatment facilities for Hepatitis patients at all hospitals specially in the rural area of the country on priority basis.

Islamabad; May 17, 2011: (according to message received from New York) Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly attended 2600 years anniversary of Buddha held at United Nations on Monday. Permanent Ambassador of Pakistan, Abdullah Hussain Haroon accompanied the Speaker.

Addressing the ceremony the Speaker, National Assembly highlighted the life and teaching of greatest sages known as Buddha. She said that Buddha was born in Nepal in the year approximately 563 BC and he was fully transcendent and a perfect human being who was unencumbered by the mundane world.

She said that under the great sage Udaka Ramaputta he had learnt high levels of meditative consciousness but with Kaundinya, he progressed towards greater austerity to find enlightenment through derivation and asceticism for all worldly possessions and through self mortification and starvation where upon he lived on either a beetle nut or leaf daily.

She said his enlightenment became the four noble truths that raised him to a State of supreme liberation, Nirvana. She said that this was the perfect state of mind that was free from any ignorance, greed, hatred and any afflictive defilements. She said that according to Dharma belief Nirvana was also known as the end of the World where no boundaries or personal identity of the mind remains. She appreciated the steps being taken by the UN for promoting the enlightenment and teaching of great Buddha.

Abdullah Hussain Haroon, permanent Ambassador of Pakistan in UN also addressed the ceremony and highlighted important aspect of life and enlightenment of Buddha. He also thanked the madam Speaker for attending the ceremony.

Islamabad; May 14, 2011: Highly appreciating the leadership role of Dr. Mirza for undertaking numerous initiatives towards protection and empowerment of women, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said that she is a role model for women of many countries particularly in her region. Admiring the fact that Dr. Mirza is the first female Speaker of the Muslim World, he said her contribution in building parliamentary consensus as well as establishing Parliamentary Caucus were significant achievements need to be promoted and highlighted. The Secretary General made these remarks in a meeting with Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, Dr. Fehmida Mirza, who called on him at the UN Headquarters on Saturday, according to message received from New York. Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations, Ambassador Abdullah Hussain Haroon accompanied the Speaker.

The Secretary General expressed appreciation for the important role played by Pakistan in UN affairs as evidenced by its being the largest contributor of troops for the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations. He also underlined the importance of Pakistan for stabilization of Afghanistan and peace in the region. He expressed appreciation for Pakistan's fight against terrorism. He offered condolences at the loss of life due to today's bombing in Charsadda. He added that he had formally condemned the attack.

The Speaker National Assembly briefed the Secretary-General in detail about the excellent legislative work done by the Parliament of Pakistan including passage of 18th and 19th amendments as well as passage of 16 Bills relating to welfare, empowerment and protection of women and children. She apprised the Secretary-General of her efforts towards establishing a Parliamentary Caucus of Female Parliamentarians a feat that she was determined to help repeat at the SAARC as well as the Asian level. She called upon the United Nations to provide all possible support for such endeavors. The Speaker also proudly informed the Secretary General that the share of women representations in the Parliament is 22.7% which is among the highest in the region.

The Speaker also spoke about the Joint Session of Parliament held today which had yielded a unanimous joint resolution. She highlighted the enormous human and material losses sustained by Pakistan in the fight against terror. She emphasized the need for Pakistan's crucial contribution to combating terrorism and extremism to be duly recognized and appreciated by the international community.

The Secretary-General reiterated his support for Pakistan and assured the Speaker that all relevant UN Agencies would extend necessary support for the admirable work being done under the Speaker's leadership specially in regard to enhancing the status of women.

Islamabad May 7, 2010: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has said that today, millions of children across the world were suffering from Thalassemia, which need immediate attention of the nations individually and collectively. She expressed these views in her message on the Thalassemia Day being observed tomorrow across the world.

The Speaker said that lack of awareness among the masses was the main cause behind the increase in Thalassemia disorder in Pakistan. She stressed for raising public awareness for prevention of the dreadful blood disorder.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that Thalassemia was a genetically transmitted blood disorder, which had affected million of people around the world and its further proliferation could only be slashed down by avoiding intra-family marriages.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza called upon the provincial governments to allocate necessary funds for establishment of Thalassemia Centers to ensure health coverage and blood transfusion services to the deserving patients in both the rural and urban areas of the country. She also appealed to the non-governmental organizations and philanthropist community to generously donate for establishment of such Centers where deserving Thalassemia patients could undergo clinical care besides having free blood transfusion services. Dr. Fehmida Mirza also called upon the media to create awareness among masses to stop further proliferation of the blood disorder. The Speaker eulogized the services of the volunteers and philanthropists working for wellbeing of Thalassemia patients.

Islamabad May 2, 2011: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has said that present democratic set up in the country strongly believes in freedom of press and had ensured the right of access to information through the 18th Constitutional Amendment. She said this in her message on the World Press Day being commemorated tomorrow throughout the globe under the auspices of United Nation.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that May 3rd reminds us to raise awareness and highlight the importance of freedom of press and also remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right of freedom of expression stipulated in universal declaration of Human Rights. She said that rapid pace of globalization had strengthened the development of a free, plurastic, independent and professional media. Therefore, it was incumbent upon the nations of the world to ensure independence of media so that information could be dispersed to all, without discrimination.

The Speaker said that a free secure and independent media is imperative for peace and democracy. The Speaker said that media has played a significant role in highlighting the cause of downtrodden and marginalized segments of the society. She urged the media to keep playing its role objectively so that government could address its short comings in its governance. She paid rich tributes to the media men who have rendered great sacrifices while performing their duties without any fear in the conflict zones in all parts of the world.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza urged the media to help create harmony in the country by highlighting the social evils and anti state elements since Pakistan was passing through turbulence and anti state elements were trying to disrupt the development and economic activities in the country. She said the present government was aware of the problems and trying to counter their nefarious designs.

Islamabad May 2, 2011: Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza and Ms. Lou Anna K. Simon, President of Michigan State University have agreed to pursue a strategic partnership with the National Assembly of Pakistan. The Michigan State University would extend its support to Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services (PIPS) for curriculum and capacity development of Parliamentarians and parliamentary support staff, gender studies, and role of women in the rural and agricultural economy. This was agreed between Dr. Fehmida Mirza and Ms. Lou Anna K. Simon, President MSU in a meeting held at Michigan State University (MSU), Michigan, USA.

The Speaker and the President (MSU) discussed the various programs at MSU focusing on women's empowerment, education, health, capacity building and concurred on the strategic partnership between MSU and Pakistan. The Speaker sought a sustainable and robust relationship between Pakistan and MSU. Dr. Fehmida Mirza stated that gender issues were on the priority list of the government and that passing legislation to empower and protect women in Pakistan was the hallmark of the democratic Government. She said that presence of 77-women legislators in the National Assembly manifestly demonstrates Pakistan as a liberal and progressive country.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza apprised the President on achievements of elected women parliamentarians in the National Assembly of Pakistan such as having 22.7% women elected representatives which was higher than that in the developed countries. She also highlighted the gender development and empowerment policies being pursued by the Government of Pakistan. She particularly mentioned the Benazir Income Support Program being dispersed to financially support 3.5 million poor women in Pakistan. Highlighting the role of the Women Parliamentary Caucus, the Speaker said that the Caucus' central task was to evolve consensus on gender issues on a bipartisan basis and was the originator of over eighty percent of legislation on gender equality and non-discrimination. She said that out of the 67-bills unanimously passed so far twelve bills were directed towards gender issues. The singular achievement according to the Speaker was the passage of the compulsory universal education for women legislation that was steered by the Caucus. She said that currently the priority issue areas for socio-political and economic empowerment and development are women police stations and induction of women in the armed and paramilitary forces and providing microfinance and financial assistance to women in need.

The President said that MSU would like to work with a partner university in Pakistan since it was MSU's philosophy and strong tradition of outreach and making knowledge work for people. She complimented the Speaker of the National Assembly on providing extraordinary leadership in overcoming the challenges faced by women in Pakistan. She thanked the Speaker for the meeting and said that MSU would be honored to work with Pakistan. The President of MSU stated that the model of the Institute on Judicial Processes can be utilized as a template for the PIPS. She said that the Gender Studies Institute could also be utilized to focus on gender studies and research in Pakistan since it has specialized on the role of women in agriculture in developing countries, issues of women's and community health and essentially focusing on a holistic women oriented agenda.

NA SPEAKER CALLS ON TURKISH AMBASSADOR Islamabad, March 11, 2010. Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza calls on Turkish Ambassador today at Parliament House, Islamabad. of the National Assembly of Pakistan. The Speaker presides over the Session composed of the people's representatives elected on the basis of universal franchise. The Speaker is second in the line of succession to the President and occupies fourth position in the Warrant of Precedence, after the President, the Prime Minister and the Chairman of Senate. In addition, the Speaker is the spokesman of the House to the outside world, and is non-partisan in her/his approach. In order to exercise the great authority that stems from the respect, affection and consideration which every Member of the House bestows upon the holder of this high office, the Speaker shows complete impartiality in the discharge of her/his functions. When the National Assembly is dissolved she/he continues in her/his office, till a new Speaker is electedker Inaugurated Conferenceeople's representatives elected on the basis of universal franchise. The Speaker is second in the line of succession to the President and occupies fourth position in the Warrant of Precedence, after the President, the Prime Minister and the Chairman of Senate. In addition, the Speaker is the spokesman of the House to the outside world, and is non-partisan in her/his approach. In order to exercise the great authority that stems from the respect, affection and consideration

The Speaker's is the highest office of the National Assembly of Pakistan. The Speaker presides over the Session composed of the people's representatives elected on the basis of universal franchise. The Speaker is second in the line of succession to the President and occupies fourth position in the Warrant of Precedence, after the President, the Prime Minister and the Chairman of Senate. In addition, the Speaker is the spokesman of the House to the outside world, and is non-partisan in her/his approach. In order to exercise the great authority that stems from the respect, affection and consideration which every Member of the House bestows upon the holder of this high office, the Speaker shows complete impartiality in the discharge of her/his functions. When the National Assembly is dissolved she/he continues in her/his office, till a new Speaker is electedker Inaugurated Conferenceeople's representatives elected on the basis of universal franchise. The Speaker is second in the line of succession to the President and occupies fourth position in the Warrant of Precedence, after the President, the Prime Minister and the Chairman of Senate. In addition, the Speaker is the spokesman of the House to the outside world, and is non-partisan in her/his approach. In order to exercise the great authority that stems from the respect, affection and

considerationof the National Assembly of Pakistan. The Speaker presides over the Session composed of the people's representatives elected on the basis of universal franchise. The Speaker is second in the line of succession to the President and occupies fourth position in the Warrant of Precedence, after the President, the Prime Minister and the Chairman of Senate. In addition, the Speaker is the spokesman of the House to the outside world, and is non-partisan in her/his approach. In order to exercise the great authority that stems from the respect, affection and consideration which every Member of the House bestows upon the holder of this high office,

the Speaker shows complete impartiality in the discharge of her/his functions. When the National Assembly is dissolved she/he continues in her/his office, till a new Speaker is electedker Inaugurated Conferenceeople's representatives elected on the basis of universal franchise. The Speaker is second in the line of succession to the President and occupies fourth position in the Warrant of Precedence, after the President, the Prime Minister and the Chairman of Senate. In addition, the Speaker is the spokesman of the House to the outside world, and is non-partisan in her/his approach. In order to exercise the great authority that stems from the respect, affection and consideration