Islamabad: August 20, 2018:  The Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser presided over a high level meeting in the National Assembly at Parliament House today to discuss the ways and means to run the proceedings of the National Assembly amicably.   The meeting was attended by former Speaker National Assembly Syed Fakhar Imam, former Speaker and Federal Minister for Inter provincial Coordination Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Federal Minister for Law & Justice Barrister Dr. Faroqh Naseem, Advisor to the Prime Minister on Parliamentary Affairs Dr. Babar Awan, Senior Officers of National Assembly Secretariat and Parliamentary Affairs.

Addressing to the meeting, the Speaker said that consultation with all stake holders is necessary to run the proceedings of the House in cordial way.  He said that we will consult with legal experts, besides Leaders of the Parliamentary Parties to strengthen the Parliament.  He said that it is the responsibility of every Member of Parliament to work for boosting the respect of the Parliament whether; he belongs to Government side or opposition.  He said that if the Parliament becomes stronger it will discuss problems being facing by the masses and sought their solution.

Talking to the former Speakers, Asad Qaiser said that you are experienced members of this House and having lot of skill to run the proceedings of the House.  “I would like to take benefits from your experience” he added.    The Speaker said that the nation has a lot of expectations from present Parliament and I hope that incumbent Parliament will come up to their expectations.

Both the   Former Speakers of the view that the Speaker is a Custodian of the House and his conduct should be equal with Government and Opposition members.  They said that for smooth running of proceedings of the House, Opposition side should be given maximum opportunity to speak in the House. 

The Speaker said that Standing Committees are important organ of the House and it will his utmost struggle to complete process of elections of Chairpersons of  Standing committees to make them functional as soon as possible.  He said that as a Speaker of KPK Assembly he used to call House Business Advisory Committee before the commencement of the Session of the Assembly regularly and he would like to continue same practice in the National Assembly also. The participants of meeting assured their full cooperation and assistance to run the affairs of business in house.