Islamabad, March 9, 2010

NA Standing Committee on Social Welfare Stresses for Implementation of Juvenile Justice System

NA STANDING COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL WELFARE STRESSES FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM

Islamabad; March 09, 2010: National Assembly Standing Committee on Social Welfare and Special Education has stressed for implementation of Juvenile Justice System so that institutional mechanism could be established for dispensation of justice to the juvenile offenders. The Committee decided to invite Provincial Ministers for Social Welfare and Registrars of Provincial High Courts in its next meeting to discuss its implementation. The Committee met under the chairpersonship of Ms. Rubina Sadaat Qaimkhani in the Parliament House today.

The Committee was apprised by the Secretary M/o Social Welfare and Special Education that juvenile justice system was promulgated in year 2000 which aimed to provided a unified system to be implemented by the provincial governments which deals with establishment of special Brostal Institution/remand homes and provision of legal assistance to the juvenile delinquents and their rehabilitation on state expense. He further informed that due financial constraints provinces had not yet established the required number Brostal Institutions and separate courts and appointed probation officers. He further informed that limited health, education, counseling, recreational facilities and vocational training were being provided by provincial governments with the help of civil society organizations.

The Committee was of the view that provincial governments should allocate substantial amount for the implementation of juvenile justice system in their respective jurisdiction and also involve civil society organizations and other international donor agencies to supplement its efforts

The Committee was also briefed by the Managing Director, Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal regarding fake medical assistance claims submitted to the Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal by the employees of Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi. The M.D informed that on suspicion, the claims were investigated. Resultantly the scandal was unearth hospital wherein an employees of Hospital had submitted fake claims of Rs.3 million to the Bait-ul-Mal. The case was initially investigated by the Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal and later handed over to FIA for further investigation. He further informed that all persons involved in the said case had been arrested and were being proceeded against under the law. The Committee appreciated the efforts of M.D and said that a strict monitoring mechanism may be devised to avoid reoccurrence of such incidents in future.

Later the Committee was briefed about the Special Education Institution in Islamabad and other provinces. The Committee appreciated the efforts of the Ministry and directed for establishment of such institutions in the remote areas of the country. The Committee constituted a Sub-Committee under the convenership of Mr. Akram Masih Gill, MNA to discuss and formulate guidelines for the Ministry on child related issues. The Committee directed the ministry to extend assistance to the family of late Shazia who died in Lahore due to domestic violence.

The meeting was attended by MNAs. Dr. Lal Chand, Mrs. Shamshad Satar Bachani, Mr. Azeem Daultana, Mr. Akram Masih Gill, Mrs. Imrana Saeed Jamil, Molvi Asmatullah, Secretary M/o Social Welfare and other senior officers of the attach departments of the ministry.

Islamabad, March 05, 2010

NA Standing Committee on Human Rights Meets

NA STANDING COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS MEETS

Islamabad, March 05, 2010: Mr. Riaz Fatyana, MNA/Chairman Standing Committee on Human Rights chaired a meeting on 4th March, 2010 at 10:30 am in the Committee room No. 7, Parliamentary House, Islamabad.

2. The agenda of meeting was as following:-

i. UN Conventions / Treaties yet to be signed by Pakistan

ii. UN Conventions, where Pakistan is signatory but ratification is awaited.

iii. UN Conventions which are signed and ratified by Pakistan but implementation is awaited

iv. State of Pakistani prisoners in foreign jails and role of Ministry of Foreign Affairs for release.

v. Any other item with the permission of Chair.

3. The members of National Assembly Mrs. Shakeela Khanum Rasheed, Mrs. Samina Mushtaq Pugganwala, Dr. Attiya Inayatullah, Ms. Fauzia Habib, Dr. Mehreen Razaq Bhutto, Dr. Sumaira Yasir Rashid, Mrs. Kishwar Zehra, Mr. Khawaja Sheraz Mehmood and Dr. Arish Kumar, attended the meeting.

4. Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs appreciated the efforts made by Mr. Riaz Fatyana as well as Committee for the cause of Human Rights Protection. They briefed the Standing Committee on the status of Signature/ Ratification/ Succession of various International Treaties/Conventions by Pakistan. The Committee noticed that many Conventions/Treaties are not yet signed due to completion of codal formalities by different Ministries including Ministry of Women Development, Ministry of Labour and Manpower, Ministry of Information, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Committee directed Ministry of Foreign Affairs to complete all requirements immediately and furnish report as soon as possible.

5. Standing Committee desired that Ministry of Foreign Affairs should prepare a report on work done for release of Dr. Afia and missing of her daughter Maryam and recommended for repatriation of Dr. Afia on diplomatic level.

6. The Chairman Standing Committee directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to prepare the Annual Report on Human Rights in Pakistan in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Rights. Ministry of Foreign Affairs will brief the Standing Committee on the Seminars and International forums specific to Human Rights So that Parliamentarians can work for betterment of Human Rights.

7. The Chairman Standing Committee directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to furnish a detailed report on the visits of foreign jails. The Committee directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to take steps for the return of prisoners in foreign jails of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE and India as prisoners are in the worst condition.

8. The Committee recommended the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to work on capacity building in order to expedite the smooth work.

9. Regarding the non ratification of the Convention on the Nationality of Married Women (1957) the Chairman Standing Committee advised Ministry of Interior and the movers of the bill of Citizenship Act to examine the issue and take policy decision which should be included in CEDAW Report.

Islamabad, March 03, 2010

Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Reforms Meets

PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE ON CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS MEETS

The Parliamentary Committee for Constitutional Reforms, in its meetings held in February, 2010, decided unanimously to amend Articles of the Constitution pertaining to the procedure for the appointment of Judges to the Superior Judiciary.

The Parliamentary Committee is conscious and committed to the concept of an independent and impartial judiciary, therefore, while unanimously proposing these amendments to Parliament, it has kept in mind the essentials of an independent judiciary, transparency and merit in the appointment of Judges while maintaining the delicate balance of trichotomy of power as envisaged in the Constitution.

The entire proceedings till date of the Committee have been held in camera. After the said recommendation on the appointment of Judges to the Superior Judiciary, contradictory report pertaining to the recommendations began to surface. Conscious of the sensitivity of the issue the Committee has, therefore, decided to make this particular proposal public so that the correct facts are before the people.

The detailed proposals for appointments are reproduced herein as under:

a) There shall be a Judicial Commission of Pakistan comprised as follows;

(i) The Chief Justice of Pakistan, Chairman;

(ii) Two senior-most Judges of the Supreme Court;

(iii) Federal Minister for Law and Justice;

(iv) Attorney General of Pakistan and;

(v) A Senior Advocate to be nominated by the Pakistan Bar Council.

(b) For appointments to a Provincial High Court the Commission will be expanded to include the following.-

(i) The Chief Justice of the High Court to which the appointments are being made;

(ii) Senior-most Judge of that High Court;

(iii) Provincial Minister for Law and;

(iv) A Senior Advocate to be nominated by the Provincial Bar Council.

(c) For appointments to the Islamabad High Court the Commission will comprise the following, in addition to the Judicial Commission of Pakistan.-

(i) Chief Justice of the Islamabad High Court;

(ii) The most senior Judge of that Court;

(iii) For the initial appointments to Islamabad High Court the Chief Justices of the four High Courts shall also be members.

(d) For appointments in Federal Shariat Court, the Commission will comprise the following, in addition to the Judicial Commission of Pakistan.-

(i) Chief Justice of Federal Shariat Court and;

(ii) The most senior Judge of that Court.

When a vacancy occurs in the Office of Chief Justice of Pakistan, it was decided that the most senior Judge of the Supreme Court of Pakistan will become the Chief Justice.

(1) The Judicial Commission, by a majority of the total membership, shall recommend one name for each vacancy in the Supreme Court or the High Courts, to the Parliamentary Committee;

(2) The Parliamentary Committee shall consist of eight members, with the following break-up.–

(i) four members from the Senate of Pakistan;

(ii)four members from the National Assembly of Pakistan to be equally divided between the Treasury and the Opposition ;

(iii)the Committee may not disapprove a recommendation made by the Judicial Commission except by a 3/4th majority of the Committee and in such a case, the Commission shall send a new name for its consideration;

(iv)the Committee shall decide the matter within fourteen days of the receipt of recommendations, failing which the recommendations made by the Judicial Commission shall be deemed to have been confirmed.

It may thus be noted that actually the present powers of the President/Chief Executive in the appointment of Judges will now be exercised in a more transparent manner by the Parliamentary Committee. However the formal appointment will be made by the President of Pakistan.

Islamabad, February 23, 2010

NA Standing Committee on Inter Provincial Coordination Meets

NA STANDING COMMITTEE ON INTER PROVINCIAL COORDINATION MEETS

Islamabad, February 23, 2010: A meeting of the Standing Committee on Inter Provincial Coordination held on 23rd February, 2010 in Committee Room No.2, Parliament House, Islamabad for election of its Chairman.

The Members of National Assembly, Mir Ahmedan Khan Bugti, Nawab Muhammad Yousaf Talpur, Syed Nasir Ali Shah, Haji Roz-ud-Din, Mr. Gulf Muhammad Jakhrani, Syed Khurshid Ali Shah, Chief web were present. Mr. Karamat Hussain Niazi, Secretary National Assembly, Mr. Safdar Hussain Malik, Additional Secretary, National Assembly and Najma Siddiqui, Joint Secretary, National Assembly also attended the meeting.

The meeting of the Committee commenced with the recitation form Holy Quran. Mr. Karamat Hussain Niazi, Secretary, National Assembly welcomed the Members for attending the meeting and briefed them about the election of Chairman Standing Committee.

Mr. Nair Ali Shah, MNA proposed the name of Mir Ahmedan Khan Bugti, MNA for Chairmanship whereas Haji Roz-ud-Din, MNA and all other members who were present in meeting seconded his proposal. Since no other member was proposed, so Mir Ahmedan Khan Bugti, MNA was declared as the Chairman of the Committee un-opposed.

Mir Ahmedan Khan Bugti, MNA/ Chairman was invited to chair the meeting. All the Members felicitated the Chairman being elected un-opposed and extended their full cooperation. Mir Ahmedan Khan Bugti, MNA/ Chairman thanked the Members of the Standing Committee for reposing confidence in him and assured them to take care of all issues/ matters of public interest and said that he would work in accordance with the aspirations of the Members of the Standing Committee.

Islamabad, January 28, 2010

NA Standing Committee on Women’s Development Meets

NA STANDING COMMITTEE ON WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT MEETS

The Standing Committee on Women’s Development has directed the Ministry of Women’s Development (MOWD) to notify the Review Committee for GRAP to expedite the GRAP’s 3rd party review process. The Committee met in Parliament House under Chairpersonship of Bushra Gohar, today. The Chairperson further asked MoWD to make special efforts to involve Provincial Women Development Departments and key stakeholders from Balochistan and NWFP in the GRAP review process. Further, the Committee noted with concern the parallel GRAP implementation mechanism funded by the ADB through the Ministry of Finance and called on the Government and the Donors not to support parallel projects which weaken the mainstream initiative by the MOWD.

While discussing NCSW, the Committee discussed the proposed legislation for NCSW’s autonomous status directing the MOWD to expedite the required inter ministerial review process and submit the bill in the assembly without any further delay.

The Committee also took serious note of the reported lapse of funds for NCSW and asked the MOWD to present a detailed report on the reasons for this to the committee in its next meeting.

The Committee also discussed the report of Sub-Committee on legislation on the five bills referred to the Sub Committee by the National Assembly. The Committee thoroughly discussed the report and the three bills “The Women Honour Bill, 2009 (Private Member’s Bill), “the In-House Working Women Protection Bill, 2008 (Private Member’s Bill) and The Working Women (Protection of Rights) Bill, 2008 (Private Member’s Bill) were retuned back to the movers with detailed comments. The Government’s bill on “Women in Distress and Detention Fund (Amendment) Ord. NO. 1 of 2008) was referred to the MoWD for redrafting while the 4th bill on “the Prevention of Anti-Women Practices (Criminal Law Amendment) Bill, 2008. (Private Member Bill) was unanimously passed by the Committee and referred to the House for enactment.

The Committee reiterated its concerns that women were not adequately represented on Governing Boards and at key policy levels such as the PIA, FBR, FPSC, PTV etc. and directed the MoWD to submit a detailed report to the committee key decision-making bodies constituted by the Federal Government.

The meeting was attended by MNAs, Sardar Al-Haaj Muhammad Umar Gorgage, Mrs. Fouzia Aijaz Khan Dr. Attiya Inayatullah, Mrs. Shakeela Khanam Rashid, Dr. Zil-e-Huma, Ms. Qudsia Arshad, Mrs. Nisar Tanveer, Mr. Riaz Fatyana, Mover, Members of NCSW. the Secretary and other officials of the MoWD.

Islamabad, January 27, 2010

NA Standing Committee on Food and Agriculture Meets

NA STANDING COMMITTEE ON FOOD AND AGRICULTURE MEETS

Islamabad January 27, 2010: Mr. Javed Iqbal Warraich, MNA/ Chairman Standing Committee on Food and Agriculture chaired a meeting on 27th January, 2010 at 10:30 am in Committee Room No.02, Parliament House, Islamabad. The agenda of meeting was as following:-

i. The Agriculture Pesticide Bill, 2009.
ii. The Seed (Amendment) Bill, 2010.
iii. The Plant Breeder’s Rights Bill, 2010.
iv. Any other item with the permission of chair.


2. Ch. Iftikhar Nazir, Syed Javed Hassnain, Mr. Muhammad Baligh-ur-Rehman, Mr. Muhammad Arshad Khan Laghari, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Dr. Abdul Kadir Khanzada, Syed Haider Ali Shah, Mir Changez Khan Jamali, Minister for Food & Agriculture, Ex-Offico Member attended the meeting.

3. The representatives from respective departments given briefing on the Agriculture Pesticides Bill, 2009 and the Seed (Amendment) Bill, 2010. The proposed bills contain criteria and mechanism of documentation, registration and quality control. The Committee appreciated that proposed amendments will encourage the private sector for investment. It will facilitate the availability of quality to the farming community and decrease the reliance on imports. These bills contain equal representation from private and public sector. It will make the business transparent.

4. With regard to the Agriculture Pesticides Bill, 2009, the Committee said that FAO and WHO have further revised certain specification of pesticides. The Pakistan Environmental Protection Act, 1997 has been promulgated by the Government. Pakistan is signatory to international protocols and conventions including Rotterdam convention, Stockholm Convention and Montreal Convention. The amendments therefore become necessary to make law consistent with them. The Committee discussed in detail the bill, proposed minor amendments and requested Mr. Muhammad Baligh-ur-Rehman, Chaudhary Wajahat Hussain and Dr. Abdul Kadir Khanzada to finalize the Bill as soon as possible.

5. With regard to the Seed (Amendment) Bill, 2010, few amendments have been incorporated in view of increasing role of private sector by registration of seed companies, seed dealers and seed processing units. It will provide pre-basic seed for the production of basic and certified seed in private sector. The bill will enhance penalties to curb the sale of sub-standard seed in the market. The proposed bill will regulate the quality of transgenic varieties developed through genetic engineering. The Committee proposed some amendments in Rule 6, sub-rule 22 C, 22 D, 22 F, 22 G, 22 I and 22 J of Rule10 of the Bill. The Committee also made following recommendations:-

i. Ministry of Law to recheck the Bill.
ii. Ministry of Food and Agriculture will issue instructions to all Provinces to establish a fully equipped Seed laboratory.
iii. Fee structure on inspection and seed is implemented in letter and spirit.
iv. Ministry of Food and Agriculture should explore the research work for sugarcane seed and furnish report to the Committee.

6. Due to paucity of time the Plant Breeder’s Rights Bill, 2010 was deferred.

Islamabad, January 8, 2010

NA Standing Committee on Sports Recommends Imposition of Fine on Hockey Players Involved in Unethical Activities in Argemtina

NA STANDING COMMITTEE ON SPORTS RECOMMENDS IMPOSITION OF FINE ON HOCKEY PLAYERS INVOLVED IN UNETHICAL ACTIVITIES IN ARGENTINA

Islamabad January 8, 2010: The Standing Committee on Sports has recommended imposition of fine on hockey players involved in unethical activities on the eve of champions Trophy qualifying match in Argentina. The Standing Committee asked the Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) to initiate disciplinary proceedings against those players so that in future nobody dares to cross the limits of decency and morality. The Standing Committee met in Parliament House under the chairmanship of Mr. Jamshaid Ahmad Dasti, MNA, today.

Mr. Jamshaid Ahmad Dasti asked the PHF to devise a code of ethics for the players representing Pakistan in international tournaments with directions for its strict observance by all concerned. He said that it was really pathetic to know that the people representing Pakistan in foreign countries indulge in unethical and unhealthy activities bring disrespect to the country. He further asked the PHF to rusticate such players from the national team who contravene the code of ethics in future.

The Committee also discussed the implementations of the findings of the Lahore High Court Tribunal regarding attack on Sri Lankan Cricket Team in Lahore. The Committee conveyed its displeasure on the pace of implementation of the recommendations of the Inquiry Tribunal. The Chairman was of the view that the inquiry tribunal had clearly fixed responsibility on the Police Officials responsible for providing security cover to the Sri Lankan Team and had recommended stern action against the delinquent officials. He asked the Secretary Establishment Division to expedite the process.

Responding to the observations of the Committee, Secretary Establishment Division informed the committee that the delinquent Police officials were working in Punjab Province, therefore, Secretary Home Department, Punjab has been asked to initiate disciplinary action against all concerned under Civil Servants Acts at the earliest. He assured the committee that all the officials would be penalized for their delinquency after fulfilling the procedural requirements and the committee would be kept abreast.

The Committee unanimously expressed its no-confidence on the management of Pakistan Cricket Board and reiterated its demand to the President of Pakistan being Patron of the PCB for termination of services of top management of PCB including Chairman, Chief Operating Officer, Director International Cricket Operations and Coach of Pakistan Cricket Team. The committee observed that the incompetence of the management of PCB had brought the Cricket in Pakistan to a verge of collapse.

The meeting was attended by MNAs Mr. Aamir Yar Warn, Syed Inayat Ali Shah, Begum Nasim Akthar Chaudhry, Mr. Ramesh Lal, Malak Azmat Khan, Pir Muhammad Aslam Bodla, Syed Tayyab Hussain, Mr. Iqbal Muhammad Ali Khan, Mr. Muzaffar-ul-Mulk, Additional Secretary M/o Sports, Secretary Establishment Division, Director General Pakistan Sports Board and officials of Pakistan Hockey Federation.

Islamabad, January 6, 2010

Standing Committee on I.T and Telecom Probes into the Privitization of PTCL

STANDING COMMITTEE ON I.T AND TELECOM PROBES INTO THE PRIVITIZATION OF PTCL

Islamabad January 6, 2010: The Standing Committee on Information Technology and Telecommunications today summoned and heard officials of the Ministries of Privatization and Information Technology & Telecom who were involved in the privatization process of the Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited. The Standing Committee expressed its reservations on the whole privatization process and said that it seems as the Government wanted to get rid of the PTCL which was undoubtedly a profit earning entity at the time of its privatization. The Committee met under the chairmanship of Ch. Muhammad Barjees Tahir, MNA in Parliament House, today to further probe into the privatization of PTCL.

The Committee after listening to the officials of Ministries of Privatization and I.T and Telecommunication opined that PTCL despite having remarkable financial portfolio and operational results was privatized to such an entity which did not fulfilled its contractual obligation despite grant of unprecedented concessions by the government. The Committee also expressed its reservations on exclusion of Telephone Industries of Pakistan from the privatization process which was a subsidiary of PTCL leaving it in a lurch.

The Former Secretaries of Privatization and I.T and Telecom contended that the privatization process was carried out through diligence and in a transparent manner and the negotiation between the buyer and the government of Pakistan had the concurrence of the highest forums i.e. CCOP, ECC and the Cabinet. They said that after the deregulation of Telecom sector and huge burden of employees, it was obvious that the entity would have suffered huge losses and the government would have to provide huge subsidy for its sustenance. Therefore, the price which PTCL fetched by its sale was best price.

The Secretary M/o Privatization informed the committee that the Etisilat, the buyer of PTCL had stopped the payment of the installments till the transfer of PTCL properties in the name of the company. He further informed that the provincial government and other departments have been asked to expedite the process of transfer of land to PTCL so that they payment from the Etisilat could be actualized.

The Committee decided to compile its findings on the privatization of PTCL after hearing to all the concerned in its ensuing meeting. The Committee asked The Secretary M/o I.T and Telecom to prepare a comprehensive package for the revitalization of Telephone Industries of Pakistan and saving its employees from being dislocation.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Talat Mahesar, Ch. Iftikhar Nazir, Mir Munawar Ali Talpur, Mrs. Farhat Khan, Mr. Muhammad Faiz Tamman, Syed Muhammad Saqlain Bokhari, Khawaja Shiraz Mehmood, Miss MArvi Memon, Malak Azmat Khan, Secretary M/o I.T & Telecom, Additional Secretary M/o Privatization, Ex-Secretaries of IT & Telecom and Privatization, Ex-Chairman PTCL and other officers of the concerned departments.

Islamabad, January 1, 2010

NA Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting Recommends Establishment of Welfare Fund for Journalists

NA STANDING COMMITTEE ON INFORMATION AND BROADCASTING RECOMMENDS ESTABLISHEMNT OF WELFARE FUND FOR JOURNALISTS

Islamabad January 1, 2010: Standing Committee on Information and Broadcasting has asked the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to strengthen the Press Information Department in order to counter the negative perception about Pakistan. The Standing Committee also asked for provision of required manpower and resources to P.I.D so that it could perform up to the mark. The Standing Committee met under the chairpersonship of Mrs. Belum Hussnain, MNA in Press Information Department Building, Islamabad for briefing on working and performance of the P.I.D, today.

The Committee appreciated the performance of P.I.D and opined that P.I.D being the principal projection arm of the government, was doing tremendous job despite financial and human resource constraints. The Committee was of the view that it could perform well if the required human resource was provide by the government. The committee appreciated the efforts of P.I.D for pursuing pro-journalist policies and asked to establish a revolving fund under the PID for the welfare of the journalists specially those working in the conflict zones. The Committee also asked the M/o I&B to provide financial assistance for the establishment of Press Clubs at Tehsil level. The Committee recommended that all the vacant post in PID may also be filled in besides enhancing the pay structure of the officers so that they can perform well.

Syed Sumsam Ali Bokhari, Minister of State for I&B agreed with the committee and assured his Ministry’s all-out support for fulfilling the requirements of the department to enhance its efficacy. He informed the Committee that the present democratic dispensation in the country believed in freedom of media and that was evident from the criticism being done on the government and its policies. He said that Media supplements the government by objectively criticizing on it which improves governance. He said that government had reserved quotas for media men in government sponsored housing schemes and would also support the establishment of Fund for journalists and press clubs in remote areas of the country.

Earlier, the Principal Information Officer, P.I.D briefed the Committee about the organizational structure of the department and scope of its activities. He apprised the committee that being the principal publicity arm of the government, it provides public relations services to all the ministries of the Federal Government, conducts foreign media during visits of VVIPs to Pakistan, acts as focal point for release of government advertisements to newspapers besides extending financial assistance to ailing/handicapped journalists and their families, press clubs all over the country and facilitating electronic and print media during sessions of the parliament. He further informed the committee that P.I.D had maintained record of newspapers since 1947, which was a unique attraction for researchers, historians, scholars, writers and students. He said that however, despite paucity of funds and manpower, it was trying to come up to the expectations of the government.

The Members of the Committee said that newspapers record with PID was a unique treasure which should be preserved by using latest techniques so that the future generations could benefit from it. They also recommended for publicizing about it as majority of the people were not aware of that unique treasure.

The meeting was attended by Syed Sumsam Ali Bokhari, Minister of State for I&B, MNAs Syed Amir Ali Shah, Mir Amir Ali Khan Magsi, Mrs. Samina Mushtaq Pugganwala, Begum Nuzhat Sadiq, Mrs. Shireen Arshad Khan, Rana Nazir Ahmad Khan, Mrs. Bushra Rehman, Mr. Farhat Muhamamd Khan, Mr. Istiqbal Khan, Principal Information Officer, P.I.D and other officers of the Ministry of I&B.

Islamabad, November 18, 2009

IPU Lauds Women Parliamentary Caucus for its Efforts for Women Rights Protection and Empowerment

IPU LAUDS WOMEN PARLIAMENTARY CAUCUS FOR ITS EFFORTS FOR WOMEN RIGHTS PROTECTION AND EMPOWERMENT

Islamabad: November 18, 2009. Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) has lauded the efforts of Women Parliamentary Caucus in the National Assembly of Pakistan for the protection of women rights and their empowerment. The appreciation came from IPU in its special report published in connection with the International Women Day being commemorated on 25th November throughout the globe.

IPU, which is the focal point for the parliamentary dialogue and works for fostering cooperation and development among diverse nations before their mutual benefit, in its reports lauded the initiative of Speaker National Assembly, Dr. Fehmida Mirza, for her sagacious leadership for launching a parliamentary forum. The report said that this bi-partisan Caucus of Women Parliamentarians have enabled its members to rise above party politics and to jointly work for the social economic uplift of the women in Pakistan.

The report specifically mentioned the efforts of WPC for focusing on policy formulation and service delivery for women especially for the women survivals of violence and gender bias. It further said that on the advice of WPC, the government of Pakistan as about to initiate measures to ensure medical and legal aid and security assistance to women survivals of the gender based violence.

The Inter Parliamentary Union also lauded the endeavors of Women Parliamentary Caucus for bringing into limelight, the ordeal of acid and kerosene oil burned victims and their treatment and rehabilitation. The IPU in its report said that the credit goes to WPC for motivating women parliamentarians who have dedicated their development funds to the construction of Burn Treatment Centers in the under develop and remote areas of the country and campaigning for the economic empowering of women survivors.

The IPU advised the parliamentarians to forge national consensus and build cross party alliances to support action for the cause of women empowerment and protection. The Parliamentarian should also involve other stakeholders, civil society and gross root organizations for formulation of sustainable policies.

Islamabad, September 29, 2009

NA Standing Committee on Human Rights Meets to Discuss State of H.R Violations in Police Department

NA STANDING COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS MEETS TO DISCUSS STATE OF H.R VIOLATIONS IN POLICE DEPARTMENT

Islamabad September 29, 2009: Expressing serious concern of the Human Rights violations, misbehavior and unruly attitude of police with general public, the Standing Committee on Human rights has asked the Police Force to adopt cooperative and friendly attitude towards public and any violation in that regard would be intolerable. The Standing Committee met under the chairmanship of Mr. Riaz Fatyana, MNA in Parliament house, this morning.

The Standing Committee summoned all the Provincial Inspector Generals of Police, Secretaries Home Departments and Officials from M/o Interior to discuss the dismal state of Human rights violation by the Police Department. The Police and other Officials who were summoned included Mr. Tariq Saleem Dogar, I.G. (Punjab), Mr. Asghar Raza Gardezi, I.G. (Railways), Dr. Waseem Kausar, I.G (Motorways), Syed Kaleem Imam, I.G (ICT), Mr. Babar Khatatk I.G (Sindh), Mr. Javed Ali shah, I.G (Balochistan), Malik Naveed Khan, I.G (NWFP), Mr. Atif Khan, Secretary (Home), Sindh, Raja Ahsan, Addl. Secretary M/o Interior attended the meeting.

Mr. Riaz Fatyana said that human rights violations by the police personnel had become a common practice especially with women, children, minorities and other vulnerable segments of the society whenever they approach the police for any complaint. He said that instead of redressing their complaints, they are humiliated and often subjected to maltreatment by the police personnel. He warned Police to adopt a positive posture towards public, treat them with honor and their dignity should not be compromised at any cost and their complaints should be redressed without any discrimination strictly in accordance with Article 25 of the constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan and other relevant laws. He stressed for protection of vulnerable and marginalized segments of the society from atrocities by the mighty.

The Standing Committee unanimously recommended that VIP culture should be discouraged and every citizen should be treated at par without discrimination, prejudice and irrespective of their status and position. The Standing Committee asked the Police Chiefs to establish Human Rights Cells under their administrative control and to evolve civil society organizations for better monitoring of pervasive Human rights violations across the country.

The Committee believed that police officials at Thaana level were unfamiliar with the Human Right laws enacted by the legislature. It recommended that police officials should be offered refresher courses so that they could get themselves acquaint by the recent H.R laws. The Committee also stressed the need for chalking out a comprehensive strategy to sensitize police personnel for enhancing their capacity with specific reference to Human Rights. The Committee also asked for establishment of monitoring mechanism at District level under the PSP officers which should check the H.R violations and submit reports in that regard top the Ministry of Human Rights on weekly basis.

The Committee also expressed its concern on the reported increase in number of road accidents on Highways and Motorways up to 7000 per year. It stressed for conducting media campaigns for education of motorists through print and electronic media and directed that driving licenses should only be issued to those applicants who pass the driving tests and in future licenses issued to them should contain the names of the issuing authority. The I.G (Motorway and Highway Police) was asked to ensure road safety for the commuters.

Mr. Riaz Fatyana observed that police stations were the face of the Police Departments; therefore, people should feel safe and walk in with confidence and trust whenever they need police protection and redressal of their complaints.

The Standing Committee asked the Police Chiefs to encourage and promote community policing, establish citizen-liaison and conciliatory committees at police station level so that public should supplement the efforts of the police force in maintaining law and order and keeping a vigilant eye on the miscreants in their respective areas.

The Standing Committee expressed its concern on the weak implementation of the Police Order, 2002. The Committee asked the Ministry of Interior to summit an appraisal report on the implementation status of Police Order 2002. The Committee also opined that Police force was one of the departments which had been extensively politicized. Therefore, it recommended to the government for taking immediate remedial measures for de-politicizing police force so that it could protect the common citizens instead of protecting the interests of the elite class. Mr. Raiz Fatyana said that de-politicizing police could improve its operation efficiency.

The Committee while noting anti-Human Right clauses in the Criminal Procedure Code, said that the said laws were the legacy of the colonial era and needed improvement with special focus on the provision of arrest, investigation, conviction of accused. The Committee directed the M/o Human Rights to suggest appropriate legislative amendments in the CrPC, CPC and other relevant laws. The committee also asked for adoption of latest interrogating techniques and procedures for investigation of crimes by the Police.

Mr. Riaz Fatyana concluding the meeting of the committee recommended to the government for conducting massive reforms in the Police Service of Pakistan and other para-military forces and their salaries and perks should be equal in all the federating units of Pakistan. He also asked for bringing at par, the compensation/incentives offered to the families of the police personnel who lay their lives, with those offered in all four provinces and army personnel martyred during war against terror. 

The Members of the Committee who attended the meeting included Mrs. Samina Mushtaq Pugganwala, Mrs. Shakeela Khanum Rashid, Mrs. Yasmin Rehman, Dr. Mahreen Razaque Bhutto, Makhdoom Muhammad Javed Hashmi, Sardar Mehtab Hamad Khan, Dr. Sumaira Yasir Rashid, Dr. Araish Kumar, Mrs. Kishwar Zehra, Mr. Javed Iqbal Warraich, Mr. Javed Hussian, Khawaja Shiraz Mehmood and Dr. Attiya Inayatullah.

Islamabad, September 29, 2009

NA Standing Committee on Information Technology & Telecommunications Meets

Islamabad, September 16, 2009

Meeting of the Sub-Committee of the Board of Governors of Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS)

MEETING OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF PAKISTAN INSTITUTE FOR PARLIAMENTARY SERVICES (PIPS)

Islamabad, September 16, 2009: A meeting of the Sub-Committee of the Board of Governors of Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services was held on 16th September, 2009 in the Parliament House under the convenership of Dr. Zaheer-ud-Din Babar Awan, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs to examine and frame rules for recruitment, conditions of service, appointments, leave rules, medical rules and organizational structure of the PIPS.

The Committee offered Fateha for the deceased soul of elder brother of Dr. Zaheer-ud-Din Babar Awan. The convener thanked all the Members for offering Fateha for his elder brother. The Committee thoroughly examined the agenda and were of the view that rules of PIPS must not be framed in haste. The Committee decided that relevant rules of National School of Public Policy, Lahore and National Defence University may be provided to all Members of the Sub-Committee for their consideration and making draft proposals for framing rules for PIPS.

The meeting was attended by Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan, Speaker Punjab Assembly, Mr. Khushdil Khan Advocate, Deputy Speaker NWFP Assembly, Syed Mati Ullah Agha, Deputy Speaker Balochistan Assembly, Senator Dr. Khatu Mal Jeewan, Chaudhary Muhammad Barjees Tahir, MNA, Mr. S.A. Iqbal Qadri, MNA and Mr. Pervaiz Khan Advocate, MNA.

Islamabad, September 15, 2009

NA Sub-Committee on Commerce decides to move Privilege Motion

NA SUB-COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE DECIDES TO MOVE PRIVILEGE MOTION

Islamabad, 15th September, 2009: The Sub-Committee of the Standing Committee on Commerce has decided to move a privilege motion against administration of Pakistan School of Fashion Design (PSFD), Lahore and the officials the M/o Commerce. The decision was made in a meeting held under the convener ship of Mrs. Yasmeen Rehman, MNA in the Parliament House today.

The meeting of the Sub-Committee on Commerce was convened today to scrutinize the affairs of Pakistan School of Fashion Design (PSFD), Lahore and the issue of the non-implementation of findings of the previous Standing Committee. The Members of the Sub-Committee expressed their reservations about the affairs of PSFD and took a serious note of the absence of the administration of PSFD and concerned officials of the M/o Commerce from the meeting and decided unanimously to move privilege motion against the principal of and the administration of the PIFD Lahore and the concerned officials of the ministry of Commerce.

The meeting was attended by MNAs Mrs. Tahira Aurangzeb and Ms. Kashmala Tariq.

Islamabad, September 12, 2009

NA Standing Committee on Minorities Expressed Concern over the Recent Acts of Violence Against Minorities

NA STANDING COMMITTEE ON MINORITIES EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER THE RECENT ACTS OF VIOLENCE AGAINST MINORITIES

Islamabad September 12, 2009: The Standing Committee on Minorities expressed its deep concern over the recent acts of violence wherein a number of people belonging to Minorities have lost their lives, kidnapped and harassed by misusing the blasphemy laws. The Committee discussed at length various Articles of the Constitution and decided to formulate its recommendations to be discussed in its next meeting of the Committee. The Committee met under the Chairmanship of Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, MNA in the Parliament House today.

The Committee condemned the recent incident of a burning of a Church in Village Gathi Kay, District Sialkot and constituted a Sub-Committee under the Convenership of Dr. Nelson Azeem to probe into the incident and submit its report to the main Committee. The Committee discussed the blasphemy laws and observed that in most of the cases it has been misused. To review the blasphemy laws, the Committee constituted a Sub- Committee under the Convenership of Ms Nafisa Shah, MNA to formulate its recommendations and report to the Committee.

The Committee also condemned the kidnapping of a Greek National in Chitral and desecration of holy books of Hindu community at Kandh Kot, District Kashmore and decided to call the concerned I.G.Ps to brief the Committee on these issues in its next meeting. Two reports pertaining to the murder of Dilip Kumar in Gurdwara Dera Sahib in Shahi Qilla, Lahore and kidnapping of eight Christian from North Waziristan Agency were also examined and directed the concerned quarters for early arrest of the culprits. 

Earlier, Minister for Minorities informed the Committee about the role of the Ministry in protecting the rights of Minorities and observed that the Standing Committee on Minorities can play a pivotal role in identifying the problems being faced by the Minorities and can also play its role in resolving these issues.. He categorically stated that no one belonging to any religion can desecrate the holy book of any religion rather in most of the cases the blasphemy laws registered against the Minorities due to their personal enmity or to settle their personal vendetta. He urged the need to change the behaviors of the people by involving the media, religious scholars and other stakeholders to promote inter faith harmony in the country. 

Besides Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti, Federal Minister for Minorities, MNAs Dr. Lal Chand, Mrs. Farhat Khan, Malik Mehrunnish Afridi Advocate, Ms.Nafisa Shah, Mr. Ramesh Lal, Dr. Darshan, Dr. Nelson Azim,Dr. Araish Khumar, Dr. Imtiaz Sultan Bukhari, Mr. Muhammad Nawaz Allai, Mr. Akram Masih Gill, Mr. Kishan Chand Parwani, Mrs. Asiya Nasir, Mr. Manwar Lal,, Mrs. Jamila Gillani, and Senior Officers from the Ministry of Minorities also attended the meeting.

Islamabad, September 8, 2009

NA Standing Committee on Youth Affairs Demands to Increase of Budget for the Youth

NA STANDING COMMITTEE ON YOUTH AFFAIRS DEMANDS TO INCREASE OF BUDGET FOR THE YOUTH

Islamabad, September 08, 2009: Meeting of National Assembly Standing Committee on Youth Affairs was held in the Parliament House today under the Chairmanship of Sher Muhammad Baloch.

The Committee was given a detail briefing on Youth Policy, International Youth Programme and the criteria of selection of delegation that are send abroad. The Committee expressed its reservations over the selection criteria of the youth for sending abroad. The Committee directed the Ministry to observe the principle of merit and only deserving youth may be selected for such delegations. The Committee also asked the government that the budget of the M/o Youth Affairs may be enhanced. The Committee recommended to hold a National Youth Conference and seminars for inputs and training of the youth.

The meeting was attended by MNAs Ms. Rahela Baloch, Nadeem Ahmed Chan, Dr. Mahreen Razaque Bhutto, Miss Palwasha Khan, Ch. Abid Sher Ali, Dr. Darshan, Sardar Muhammad Irfan Dogar, Dr. Nelson Azeem, Mrs. Imrana Saeed Jamil, and Mrs. Jamila Gillani. Minister for Youth Affairs also attended the meeting as a Ex-officio Member.

Islamabad, August 20, 2009

NA Standing Committee on Women Development Meets

NA STANDING COMMITTEE ON WOMEN’S DEVELOPMENT MEETS

Islamabad; August 20, 2009: Ms. Bushra Gohar, MNA/chairperson standing Committee on Women Development has said that the status of women in the country can be greatly improved if they are brought into the mainstream decision-making and economic activities. She said this while chairing meeting of the Standing Committee in the Parliament House, today.

Earlier, the President First Women Bank (FWBL) Ms. Shafqat Sultan apprised the committee about the objectives and scope of activities of the FWBL. She informed the committee that the establishment of FWBL was the initiative of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto during her first tenure as PM, for socio-economic empowerment. She said that FWBL has successfully provided necessary assistance to rural and urban women through its micro, small-medium and corporate schemes in making them self-reliant and economically independent. The President FWBL further apprised the Committee that the Bank had established business Development, Computer Literacy and Financial Services Desks which assists women in attaining business management skills, computer skills and resolving their business related issues. She urged the need for routing all the public sector and donor funds allocated or earmarked for women development through FWBL branches so as to make the Bank more vibrant and economically sound.

The Committee appreciated the performance of the Bank despite limited support and uncertainty due to its inclusion on the privatization list. It noted its unique status and importance for women’s economic and social empowerment calling on the government to immediately remove the Bank from the list of privatization and provide the Bank with urgently required Rs. 1 billion to meet its restructuring requirements. The committee suggested that the Bank prepare a 5 year business plan and a gender balance sheet to the committee as soon as possible for further consideration for support. The Bank was advised to extend its network to district and tehsil levels so as to facilitate access of rural women to the bank’s financial services. It was also advised that the Bank recommend women on its board preferably from among those dynamic women entrepreneurs in the country who were able to set their successful businesses with the support of the Bank. Further, the committee recommended that the bank hire only women professionals on executive and managerial positions. The Committee also constituted a 5-member Sub-Committee under the convenership of Mrs. Ishrat Ashraf, MNA to assess in depth the challenges faced by the Bank and make recommendations for its effectiveness. The sub-Committee was asked to complete its deliberations and submit its recommendations within three months.

The Committee also unanimously adopted the report and recommendations of the sub-committee report on the bill “The Protection against Harassment at the Workplace Bill, 2009” after detailed discussion and decided to refer the same to the House for passage.

The Committee renewed its reservations expressed earlier that the Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional reforms does not have representation of women on the committee, the Standing Committee on Women’s Development unanimously resolved for the addition of adequate numbers of women in the Special Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Reforms. The members called upon the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chair of the Parliamentary Committee to take immediate steps for women’s inclusion on this important and historic committee.

The Committee later reviewed progress on decisions of the Committee made in its previous meetings. The committee appreciated the steps taken by the Ministry in review of the National Plan of Action and National Policy on Women’s Empowerment. It directed the Ministry to expedite the consultation on and preparation process of CEDAW report and; submit the draft report to the Committee as soon as possible. The committee also asked the Ministry to conduct urgently a third party evaluation of GRAP.

The meeting was attended by MNAs, Mrs. Shakeela Khanam Rashid, Dr. Zil-e-Huma, Ms. Qudsia Arshad, Begum Ishrat Ashraf, Dr. Attiya Inayatullah, Sardar Al-Haaj Muhammad Umar Gorgage, Mrs. Khush Bakht Shujaat, Mrs. Fouzia Ejaz Khan and Secretary MoWD, President FWBL and other officials of the MoWD.

Islamabad, August 13, 2009

NA Standing Committee on Minorities Strongly Condemned the Gojra Incident

NA STANDING COMMITTEE ON MINORITIES STRONGLY CONDEMNED THE GOJRA INCIDENT

Islamabad August 13, 2009: The Standing Committee on Minorities passed a unanimous resolution condemning in the strongest words the tragic Gojra incident and demand exemplary punishment to the culprits. It was observed that minority communities in Pakistan respect all religious books and prophets and nobody dare to desecrate the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Holy Quran, however, in most of incidents the miscreants implicate the innocent people in blasphemy cases in order to settle their personal vendettas. The Committee observed that the cases of attacking both Muslim and Minorities in the pretext of blasphemy have increased which is tarnishing the image of the country and urged the need to review such discriminatory laws to protect our society from extremism and to save the image of our country. The Committee met under the Chairmanship of Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, MNA in the Parliament House today and discussed the Gojra incident.

The Committee decided to visit Gojra on 25th of this Month to express solidarity with the Christian community and to monitor the work carried out for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the affected families. It was also decided to keep in constant touch with the Punjab government to keep abreast of the findings of the inquiry as well as others measures to stop such disgraceful incidence in future.

Earlier the Minister for Minorities gave a comprehensive briefing on the steps being taken by the Federal and the Provincial Government of Punjab whereby Rs.200 Million has been earmarked for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the aggrieved families of the Minorities. 

Besides Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti, Federal Minister for Minorities, MNAs Dr. Lal Chand, Ms. Nafisa Shah, Mr. Ramesh Lal, Dr. Araish Khumar, Mrs. Asiya Nasir, Mr. Manwar Lal,Mr. Muhammad Nawaz Allai, Mr. Kishan Chand Parwani and Senior Officers from the Ministry of Minorities also attended the meeting.

Islamabad, July 31, 2009

Two Sub-Committees Constituted for Framing Rules for PIPS

TWO SUB-COMMITTEES CONSTITUTED FOR FRAMING RULES FOR PIPS

Islamabad July 31, 2009: Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza who is also President, Board of Governors of the Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services (PIPS) has constituted two sub-committees for framing rules for recruitment, appointments, formation of organizational structure, accounting procedure and budgeting for the PIPS. The decision to the effect was made in the 1st meeting of the Board of Governors held on 23rd July, 2009. The Committees after framing rules will submit their reports for consideration and approval of the Board of Governors.

The Sub-Committee on Rules of Recruitment, Appointments and Organizational Structure consists of the following members. Dr. Zaheer-ud-Din Babar Awan, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Senator Muhammad Azam Khan Swati, Senator Dr. Khatu Mal Jeewan, MNAs. Syed Zafar Ali Shah, Chaudhary Muhammad Barjees Tahir, S.A. Iqbal Qadri and Pervaiz Khan Advocate.

The Sub-Committee on Accounting Procedure and Budgetary Estimates for the year 2009-10 consists of the following members. Senator Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Senator Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi, MNAs. Mrs. Yasmeen Rehman, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Zafar Beg Bhittani and Moulana Muhammad Qasim.

Islamabad, July 25, 2009

NA Standing Committee on Defence Production Meets

NA STANDING COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE PRODUCTION MEETS

Islamabad 25th July, 2009: Sheikh Aftab Ahmad, MNA observed that the Ship Building can become a major export industry which will not only generate foreign exchange but will also create employment opportunities in the country. He said this while chairing the meeting of the Standing Committee on Defence Production held today in the Parliament House, Islamabad wherein the Director General Defence Procurement (DGDP) and MD, Karachi Shipyard & Engineering Works gave comprehensive briefings of their respective departments.

The Committee was apprised about the complete procedure of procurement of Defence Products by the Director General Defence Procurement (DGDP) which is functioning in close harmony with the Services Headquarter to procure the required equipments for the three services in an efficient and cost effective manner and updated continuously to keep pace with the changing environment. The Committee appreciated the transparent procurement process of DGDP and emphasized to minimize losses and accrue maximum possible savings in every contract.

While acknowledging the scope of Ship Building Industry in the Country, the Committee assured its all possible support for up-lifting of this industry so that it may compete internationally. The Committee also directed the MD, KSEW to furnish a report containing the problems being faced by them which would be brought into the notice of Prime Minister for its viable solution.

The meeting was attended by MNAs, Mr. Muhammad Moazzam Ali Khan Jatoi, Mr. Sher Muhammad Baloch, Mr. Mazaffar-ul-Mulk, Syed Akhunzada Chitan, Mr. Azeem Daultana, Sahibzada Muhammad Fazal-e-Karim, Mr. Naseer Bhutta, Khawaja Sheeraz Mehmood, Mrs. Fouzia Ejaz Khan, and Senior Officers from the Ministry of Defence were also present in the meeting.

Islamabad, July 17, 2009

NA Standing Committee on Youth Calls for Mobilizing Youth to Help IDPs for their Rehabilitation

NA STANDING COMMITTEE ON YOUTH CALLS FOR MOBILIZING YOUTH TO HELP IDPs FOR THEIR REHABILITATION

Islamabad July 17, 2009: Mr. Sher Mohammad Baloch, Chairman NA Standing Committee on Youth Affairs has called upon the Ministry of Youth Affairs (MoYA) to mobilize youth through National Volunteer Movement (NVM) to help internally displaced person (IDPs) for their rehabilitation in their native areas. He said youth can play a vital role in supplementing the efforts of the government. He this while chairing meeting of the Standing Committee on Youth Affairs in Parliament House, today.

The Chairman asked the Ministry to further strengthen the National Volunteer Movement and provide trainings to the volunteers so that they can amicably assist the disaster and calamites stricken people. He appreciated the role of volunteers in relief operations after earthquake in year 2005 and recent IDPs crises. The Committee suggested that volunteers should be registered at district level so that their services could be utilized as and when required.

Later, the Secretary MoYA briefed the committee about the programs and projects of the Ministry. He informed the Committee that Ministry was responsible for devising policies and coordination of youth related activities in conformity with national objectives & laws and international obligations and legislations covering all aspects of youth affairs, international, regional and provincial coordination for youth affairs. He said that despite meager budgetary allocation during previous financial year, Ministry has successfully conducted various youth exchange programs with China, Malaysia and SAARC countries. He further said that Ministry also successfully conducted See Pakistan National Youth Camps in Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan, NWFP, AJ&K and Northern Areas which provided the youth with an opportunity to interact with their fellow countrymen and foster national unity. He also apprised the committee about the National Internship Program and construction of Youth Centers in the country.

The Committee suggested that Ministry should pay focus on the National Internship Program (NIP) and give internships to youth especially from Balochistan, FATA and other backward areas. The committee also suggested for devising a monitoring system of NIP so that desired results could be achieved. It was also suggested that instead of establishing Youth Centers in big cities, they should be established in far-flung and less developed districts of the country for facilitating the youth of those areas.

The Chairman in his closing remarks said that enough damage has been caused to our youth by misleading literature and inculcating biased ideas in their minds making them intolerant towards democratic values. He called for a cohesive and well coordinated strategy devised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs taking on board the provinces, FATA Administration all stake holders to address the current problems.

The meeting was attended by Mr. Shahid Hussain Bhutto, Minister for Youth Affairs, MNAs Ms. Rahela Baloch, Mr. Nadeem Afzal Chan, Dr. Mahreen Razaque Bhutto, Dr. Nelson Azeem, Mrs. Imrana Saeed Jamil, Secretary and other senior officers of the MoYA.

Islamabad, July 16, 2009

NA Standing Committee on Investment Elect Its Chairman

N.A STANDING COMMITTEE ON INVESTMENT ELECT ITS CHAIRMAN

Islamabad July 16, 2009: Dr. Ghulam Haider Samejo, MNA has unanimously been elected Chairman of Standing Committee on Investment in meeting of the Committee held in Parliament Hosue, today.

Secretary National Assembly Mr. Karamat Hussian Niazi conducted the election. The name of Dr. Ghulam Haider Samejo was proposed by Dr. Talat Mahesar, MNA and seconded by Mr. Muhammad Ijaz Virk Advocate, MNA.

The Secretary National Assembly congratulated the Chairman on the behalf of Madam Speaker and Acting Speaker National Assembly and assured him their allout support.

The meeting was attended by Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah, Minister for Labour & Manpower/Chief Whip, Senator Waqar Ahmad Khan, Minister for Investment, MNAs Mr. Muhamamd Ijaz Virk Advocate, Dr. Talat Mahesar and Miss Tasneem Siddiqui

Islamabad, July 4, 2009

NA Standing Committee on Defence Meets

NA STANDING COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE MEETS

Islamabad July 4, 2009: The Standing Committee on Defence stressed that DHA may ensure transparency in utilization of funds and also involve its residents while levying taxes or increasing the existing charges to avoid resentments amongst them. The Committee met under the Chairpersonship of Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, MNA today in the Parliament House, Islamabad while discussing the imposition of refurbishment charges by the Defence Housing Authority (DHA).

The Committee after conceding the problems being faced by the residents of DHA, Karachi and levying of unjust taxes like Refurbishment Charges by the Administration of DHA, decided to constitute three members Sub-Committee headed by Sardar Mehtab Ahmad Khan, MNA. The Sub-Committee will submit its report to the main Committee suggesting amendments in the Act governing the Cantonment Boards and the By-Laws of DHA.

Earlier, the Administrator, Defence Housing Authority briefed that DHA is providing all possible facilities like development of land, maintenance of roads, drainage system etc. to maintain the modern standards of life on the alacrity of its residents. He informed that the unprecedented rains in 2007 paralyzed the civic life and flooded almost all major parts of Karachi including DHA which necessitated undertaking the up-gradation and refurbishment work on the persistent demands of its residents so as to maintain the quality living standards there. He apprised that DHA was facing huge deficit, therefore, refurbishment charges was levied on the residents, later pended on demand of Resident’s Association which would be re-considered by taking all the stake-holders on board.

The meeting was attended by MNAs, Dr. Abdul Wahid Soomro, Mrs. Shagufta Sadiq, Capt. (R)Rai Ghulam Mujtaba Kharral, Mr. Ayaz Amir, Syed Haider Ali Shah, Shaikh Rohale Asghar, Sardar Mehtab Ahmad Khan and Mr. Jawad Hussain and senior officers from the M/o Defence were also present in the meeting.

Islamabad, July 4, 2009

6th General Assembly of the Women Parliamentary Caucus Held

6TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE WOMEN PARLIAMENTARY CAUCUS HELD

Islamabad July 4, 2009: The Sixth General Assembly of the Women Parliamentary Caucus was held in the Parliament House today with Ms. Nafisa Shah, Secretary General (WPC) in the chair. Ms. Navamanee Ratna Patten, Regional Expert on CEDAW (Mauritius) and Member of the United Nations CEDAW Committee also attended the General Assembly as a special invitee.

Ms. Navamanee Ratna Patten apprised the WPC about the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). She said that CEDAW Committee was an expert body established in 1982, composed of 23 experts on women's issues from around the world with a specific mandate to oversee the progress for women made in those countries that are the States parties to the 1979 Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. She said that it becomes legally obligatory for a country when it ratifies or accedes to the Convention to counteract discrimination against women. The Committee comprehensively monitors the implementation of national measures to fulfill those obligations and point out shortcomings on part of the governments.

She said that the Committee reviews national reports submitted by the States parties within one year of ratification or accession, and thereafter every four years in its each session. These reports, which cover national action taken to improve the status of women, are presented to the Committee by Government representatives. In discussions with these officials, the CEDAW experts comment on the report and obtain additional information. This procedure of actual dialogue, developed by the Committee, has proven valuable because it allows for an exchange of views and a clearer analysis of anti-discrimination policies in the various countries. She said that last session of the CEDAW Committee deliberated for evolving the role of parliamentarians in the gender specific issues. The committee recommended that the CEDAW Report should be placed before the parliament prior to submitting it to the UN. She also suggested for inclusion of parliamentarians, representatives private sector organization, NGOs and stakeholders in the government delegation to CEDAW Committee.

Ms. Nafisa Shah in her remarks said that establishment of WPC a giant leap towards achieving the goal of women emancipation and protection of women rights in wake of the growing challenges towards women empowerment and massive women rights violation. She credited Speaker National Assembly for her efforts for setting up WPC which comprises of all the women parliamentarians in the Senate and National Assembly above their party affiliations. She agreed with Ms. Navamanee Ratna Patten for dilating upon the CEDAW Report in the parliament before submitting it to UN.

The Members of the WPC also expressed their views on the women specific issues and stressed for gender sensitization and gender budgeting for achieving the long-term objectives of the women empowerment and protection of their rights. They suggested for involvement of women parliamentarians in the preparation of CEDAW repots for political ownership. A large number of Women Parliamentarians attended the General Assembly of WPC.

Islamabad, June 29, 2009

2-N.A Standing Committees Elect their Chairmen

2-N.A STANDING COMMITTEES ELECT THEIR CHAIRMEN

Islamabad June 29, 2009: Meetings of the National Assembly Standing Committees on Human Rights and Postal Services were held in Parliament House, today for election of their Chairmen.

Mr. Riaz Hussain Fatyana and Pir Muhammad Aslam Bodla were unanimously elected Chairmen of Standing Committees on Human Rights and Postal Services, respectively.

Secretary National Assembly Mr. Karamat Hussian Niazi conducted the elections. He congratulated both the chairmen on the behalf of Madam Speaker and Deputy Speaker National Assembly.

Islamabad, June 29, 2009

Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Reforms unanimously elected Senator Mian Raza Rabbani as Chairman

PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE ON CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS UNANIMOUSLY ELECTED SENATOR MIAN RAZA RABBANI AS CHAIRMAN

Islamabad June 29, 2009: Parliamentary Committee on Constitutional Reforms unanimously elected Senator Mian Raza Rabbani as chairman of the committee in its first meeting held here today. The meeting was chaired by Senator Mian Raza Rabbani.

The meeting also adopted draft rules of procedure for the Constitutional Reforms Committee with consensus.

The meeting decided to solicit opinion and proposals of public in general, civil society, Pakistan Bar Council and Provincial Bar Councils regarding COD, 17th amendment and provincial autonomy for the benefit of the committee’s work. It was decided that such proposals can be submitted to the office of the Chairman of the Committee in the Parliament House till August 01, 2009.

The next meeting of the committee will be held on July 28, 2009.

The meeting was attended by Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister for Privatization, Rehmatullah Kakar, Minister for Housing & Works, MNAs Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan, Hamayun Saifullah, Syed Haider Abbas Rizvi, Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman, Ch. Ahsan Iqbal, Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao, Munir Khan Orakzai, Senators. Nawabzada Mir Haji Lashkari Raisani, Muhammad Ishaq Dar, S.M.Zafar, Afrasiab Khattak, Justice ® Abdul Razzaq A. Thahim, Mir Israr Ullah Zehri, Prof. Muhammad Ibrahim, Abdul Rahim Khan Mandokhel and Shahid Hassan Bugti.

Islamabad, June 25, 2009

Special Committee of the Parliament on Constitutional Reforms meets

SPECIAL COMMITTEE OF THE PARLIAMENT ON CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS MEETS

Islamabad; June 25, 2009: A meeting of the Special Committee of the Parliament on Constitutional Reforms was held in the Parliament House today. Madam Speaker NA chaired the meeting.

The meeting decided that Senator Raza Rabbani would be the convener of the committee till the election of its chairman by the committee members. It was also decided the committee will make its terms of reference in light of the resolutions passed by the parliament. It was decided that the next meeting of the committee will be held on 29th June (Monday) at 11:00 a.m in the Parliament House. Members of the committee extended complements to the Madam Speaker for the constitution and announcing the committee and termed it an historical event. People were pinning hopes on the committee and it was imperative to come up to the expectations of the masses the members said.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Zaheer Uddin Babar Awan, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Raja Pervez Ashraf, Minister for Water & Power, Rehmatullah Kakar, Minister for Housing & Works, Dr. Farooque Sattar, Minister for Overseas Pakistanis, Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister for Privatization, MNAs. Maulana Fazal-ur-Rehman, Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao, Ch. Ahsan Iqbal, Hamayun Saifullah Khan, Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan, Munir Khan Orakzai and Syed Haider Abbas Rizvi, Senators. Mian Raza Rabbani, Abdul Rahim Khan Mandokhel, Shahid Hassan Bugti, S.M Zafar, Ishaq Dar and Haji Muhammad Adeel.

Islamabad, June 11, 2009

NA Standing Committee on Defence meets

NA STANDING COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE MEETS

Islamabad June 11, 2009: The Standing Committee on Defence has unanimously supported the ongoing Military Operation in Swat and Malakand agency and stressed that the operation should be focused, short termed and result oriented. The committee also urged the need to form a National Security Policy taking on board all the stakeholders to effectively counter the spate of extremism and terrorism in the country. The Committee met under the chairpersonship of Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, MNA in the Parliament House, today.

The Secretary Defence and Director (Military Operations) briefed the committee about the ongoing “Rahe-e-Rast” Military Operation in Swat and Malakand and the counter terrorism measures. He informed the Committee that the anti-state activities of the militants, paralyzed the political and civil administration and challenged the writ of the government, necessitated the military action against the miscreants. However, before the initiation of military operation against the militants, the government had tried its utmost to resolve the issues through dialogue and accepted the popular demand of the people of the area by introducing Nizam-e-Adal regulations.

He further apprised that the ongoing military operation has been focused on eliminating militants from the area with minimum collateral damage to the public and infrastructure. He said that the military action has won the public support and has restored their confidence.

The committee extended its all out support to the armed forces for achieving the objectives of military operation. The Committee also recommended that Ministries of Religious Affairs, Information and Education, intellectuals and religious scholars may be involved to counter negative propaganda by Militants against the state and tarnishing the image of Islam.

The meeting was attended by MNAs, Dr. Talat Mahesar, Mrs. Shagufta Sadiq, Mir Amir Ali Khan Magsi, Sardar Talib Hassan Nakai, Syed Haider Ali Shah, Nawab Abdul Ghani Talpur, Shaikh Rohale Asghar, Sardar Mehtab Ahmad Khan and Mr. Jawad Hussain.

Islamabad, June 11, 2009

Women Parliamentarians Visit IDPs Camp at Swabi

WOMEN PARLIAMENTARIANS VISIT IDPs CAMP AT SWABI

Islamabad June 11, 2009: A Group of ten women parliamentarians visited the Field Hospital at Mansoor Camp in Swabi, today. The hospital is run by volunteer doctors, supported by the Ayum Medical College and is being patronized by Speaker National Assembly, Dr. Fehmida Mirza. The Administrator of the Field Hospital briefed the parliamentarians about the Medical Facilities there. He told that the facilities include latest machinery and specialists to cater the medical requirements of the IDPs. The parliamentarians also met patients under treatment in the Field Hospital. They handed over a truck of Medicines to the administration of the Field Hospital.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Nafeesa Shah, who was heading the visiting parliamentarian group and is also the Secretary General, Women Parliamentary Caucus (WPC) said that the government was fully aware of the plight of the Internally displaced persons of Swat and Malakand Division and was paying focus on ensuring speedy and adequate relief and medical response to them. She said that this mass displacement of people was a human catastrophe and the largest movement of people since partition of Pakistan in 1947. She said that the sole purpose of the visit of Members of the WPC was to express solidarity and show their obligation towards their internally displaced brethren residing in Camps. The Group also handed over the monthly donation of Rs. 10,000 for baby Aman and her mother on the behalf of Madam Speaker.

The administration of the Shah Mansoor Town IDPs Camp briefed the parliamentarians about the relief arrangements made at the Camp. They were apprised that the said camp accommodates 20500 IDPs. They were briefed about the elaborate arrangements made for the accommodation of IDPs, education of their children, food and medical care. The parliamentarians expressed their satisfaction over the arrangements, however, asked to further enhance the healthcare facilities and sanitation arrangements since ensuing monsoon season might cause serious health related problems for IDPs. They also asked for carrying out a campaign to create awareness of personal health and hygiene among the IDPs at the camp besides providing counseling services to the physiologically traumatized people.

The women parliamentarians later interacted with the IDPs and assured them that they would be able to return to their homes soon and till their stay in Camps, they would be provided all the all necessary items, medical care and educational facilities for their children. They also distributed goods to the displaced people which included eatables, clothes, water coolers and other household items. 

The members of WPC who visited the Camp were Ms. Nafeesa shah, Secretary General (WPC), Mrs. Tahira aurangzeb, Mrs. Khursheed Khanum, Mrs. Nighta Mir, Mrs. Farahnaz Isphani, Mrs. Khalida Mansoor, Mrs. Shahnaz Saleem, Mrs. Shaheen Ashfaq, Mrs. Parveen Maqsood Bhatti and Malik Mehrunnisa Afridi.

Islamabad, June 6, 2009

Women Parliamentarians Visit IDPs Camp at Mardan

WOMEN PARLIAMENTARIANS VISIT IDPs CAMP AT MARDAN

Islamabad June 6, 2009: Ms. Nafeesa Shah, General Secretary of the Women Parliamentarians Caucus (WPC) has said that displacement of the People from Swat, Buner and Malakand Division was a human catastrophe and their displacement from their homes have traumatized them and aggravated their sufferings. She said that government was fully cognizant of their plight and was trying to provide them shelter, food, medicine and other good with indigenous resources as well as with the assistance of friendly countries, Philanthropist organizations and individuals. She said this while talking to the IDPs at a Camp established in Government Higher Secondary School, Shah Dan, Mardan by National Commission for Human Development (NCHD). Other Members of WPC including Mrs. Jamila Gillani, Dr. Mehreen Bhutto, Mrs. Farhat Khan and Mrs. Nuzhat Sadiq also accompanied her.

She said that the government was committed to provide relief and rehabilitation of the displaced persons and would take all possible measures in that regard. She said that the country was facing the menace of terrorism and extremism and was making all possible measures to establish the writ of the government. She appreciated the unprecedented response from the international community, armed forces and people of Pakistan in the hour of crisis. She appealed to the affluent people, philanthropists, NGOs and the world community to come forward and help the IDPs regarding their relief and rehabilitation.

The Officials of NCHD briefed the parliamentarians about the relief arrangements made at the Camps. They were apprised that 850 IDPs comprising 162 families were residing in Shah Dan Camp, Mardan where arrangements have been made for their accommodation, education, food and medical care.

The parliamentarians later interacted with the IDPs and said that they have visited the IDPs to express solidarity with them and to assure them that they were not alone in the time of distress. They assured them that they would be able to return to their homes soon and till their stay in Camps, they would be provided all the all necessary items, medical care and educational facilities for the children. They also met the patients in the dispensary established in the Camp.

The parliamentarians later distributed goods to the displaced people which included Medicines, eatables, clothes, water coolers and other household items. They also donated a substantial amount for the food prepared for the IDPs at the Camp.

Islamabad, June 2, 2009

NA Standing Committee on Defence Meets

NA STANDING COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE MEETS

Islamabad June 2, 2009: Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, Chairperson Standing Committee on Defence has directed the M/o Interior to issue a white paper highlighting the facts and figures of the Swat operation and implication of the war on terror in order to assess the fallout of those policies. She said that it would help the government to review and intensify the future strategy for dealing with the menace of terrorism and extremism. She said this while chairing a meeting of the Standing Committee on Defence in Parliament House, this morning.

The Committee was given a comprehensive briefing on the Counter Terrorism Policy of the government. The Secretary M/o Interior while apprising the committee said that the present democratic government was full cognizant of the destructive effects of terrorism and extremism and had adopted a comprehensive strategy taking on board all the stakeholders. The strategy includes dialogue with tribal elders, development of infrastructure and creating deterrence against anti-state elements. He further apprised that in order to effectively deal with the situation, amendments in the Anti-Terrorism Act had been proposed, militant outfits had been proscribed, new counter terrorism structure has been established besides introduction of stringent immigrations control measures to stop the illegal immigrants into the country. He further said that government has introduced madrasa reforms so as to bring the madrasas into the mainstream by revising its curricula.

The Committee appreciated the counter terrorism efforts of the government and asked to further intensify the security in other parts of the country as well. The committee asked to create employment opportunities for the unemployed youth in the FATA and other affected districts of the NWFP so that the militants may not engage unemployed youth on handsome wages to fight against the security agencies. The Committee asked the Ministry of Defence to make arrangements to airlift the stranded people in the Kurrum Agency and deploy armed personnel along with the Peshawar-Parachinar road so that the people could travel by road safely.

The Committee also expressed their solidarity with the families of the Shaheed Jawans and Officers of Armed Forces who have sacrificed their lives while discharging their duties during the War against Terrorism and expressed solidarity with the internally displaced persons(IDPs) hoping for early repatriation to their homes.

The meeting was attended by MNAs Dr. Talat Mahesar, Syed Haider Ali Shah, Sardar Mehtab Ahmad Khan, Capt (R) Rai Ghulam Mujtaba Kharral, Nawab Abdul Ghani Talpur, Mrs. Shagufta Sadiq, Sardar Talib Hassan Nakai, Dr. Abdul Wahid Soomro, Mr. Jawad Hussain, Mir Ameer Ali Khan Magsi, Secretary M/o Interior and other officers of the concerned departments.

Islamabad, May 30, 2009

NA Standing Committee on States and Frontier Regions meets

NA STANDING COMMITTEE ON STATES AND FRONTIER REGIONS MEETS

Islamabad May 29, 2009: Standing Committee on States and Frontier Regions (SAFRON) met under the chairmanship of Mr. Sajid Hussain Turi, MNA in the Parliament House this morning wherein the representatives of Ministries of SAFRON, Interior and Defence gave comprehensive briefing on the overall law & order situation in FATA specifically the blockage of main road from Peshawar to Parachinar.

The Committee after thorough discussion on the issue recommended to immediately deploy the Armed Forces along side the road from Peshawar to Parachinar to ensure safety of the travelers. The Committee urged the need to give service structure to the Khasadars/Levies working in FATA/PATA, increase their salaries, equip them to cope with the anti-state activities of the miscreants and make further recruitments from the local residents. The Committee directed the M/o Defence to explore all possible means including provision of Air Service to the people of Kurram Agency till the complete normalcy of the law & order situation in the area. It was stressed that the local public representative should be taken into confidence while initiating any military operation in that area.

While discussing the problems of IDPs, the Committee recommended that the relief package announced for the IDPs of Swat may be extended to the people of FATA as well. It was directed that IDPs may not be forcefully repatriated as long as the situation of their respective areas returns to normal. The Committee expressed its concern over the poor distribution arrangements of the Benazir Income Support Programme Forms in the FATA by the Pakistan Postal Services and recommended to ensure the proper distribution of the Forms.

The Committee also voiced its concern over the fake registration of Afghan Refugees as most of them are involved in criminal activities and decided to constitute a Sub-Committee to probe into the problems arising out of their presence in the Country and to look into the progress of their repatriation.

The Committee also offered Fatiha for the departed souls of Jawans and Officers of Armed Forces who have sacrificed their lives while discharging their duties during the War against Terrorism, the victims of recent blasts in different parts of the country and expressed solidarity with the internally displaced persons(IDPs) hoping for their early repatriation to their homes

The meeting was attended by Mr. Najam-ud-Din Khan, Minister for SAFRON and MNAs Mr. Shaukatullah, Mr. Javed Iqbal Warriach, Engineer Muhammad Tariq Khattak, Syed Asif Hasnain, Mr. Pervaiz Khan Advocate, Mr. Noor Alam Khan, Mr. Murtaza Javed Abbasi, Mr. Faiz Muhammad Khan, Mir Ahmadan Khan Bugti. Senior Officers from the Ministries of Defence, Interior, SAFRON, Afghan Commission and FATA Secretariat were also present in the meeting.

Islamabad, May 25, 2009

NA Standing Committee on Interior meets

Islamabad, May 25, 2009

NA Standing Committee on Law & Justice meets

Islamabad, May 23, 2009

NA Standing Committee on Defence meets

NA STANDING COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE MEETS

Islamabad May 23, 2009: Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, Chairperson while acknowledging the importance of the Standing Committee on Defence observed that the Committee would work as a bridge between our Defence Forces and the Parliament. She made this observation while chairing the meeting of the Standing Committee on Defence held today in the Parliament House, Islamabad.

The Committee chalked-out tentative schedule of the meetings to be held in the forthcoming months. It was agreed to have briefing on the counter-terrorism policy of the Government in the Joint Staff Headquarter on the 2nd & 3rd June, 2009 focusing on its objectives, the progress made so far and its long term impacts on our country. The Committee would also have briefings from all the wings of our Armed Forces besides discussing the overall functioning of PIAC in July, 2009. The Committee decided to launch its Website containing to its the functioning of the Committee so that the public may also know about its activities. 

The Committee also offered Fatiha for the departed souls of Jawans and Officers of Armed Forces who have sacrificed their lives while discharging their duties during the War against Terrorism and expressed solidarity with the internally displaced persons(IDPs) hoping for early repatriation to their homes.

The meeting was attended by MNAs, Dr. Talat Mahesar, Syed Haider Ali Shah, Sardar Mehtab Ahmad Khan, Mr. Bilal Ahmad Virk, Begum Ishrat Ashraf, Mrs. Shagufta Sadiq, Sardar Talib Hassan Nakai, Dr. Abdul Wahid Soomro and Mr. Jawad Hussain.

Islamabad, May, 21, 2009

Commerce Committee Probes Afghan Trade MOU, Summons Minister

COMMERCE COMMITTEE PROBES AFGHAN TRADE MOU, SUMMONS MINISTER

Islamabad, 21 May, 2009: There are grave concerns whether the government considered fully Pakistan security and economic interests vis-a-vis India before signing the MoU on Afghanistan Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTA) in Washington. The Commerce Committee also seeks answers on the location, modality, timing, and authorship of APTA. We have summoned the Federal Minister for Commerce to respond to these policy issues. This was stated by Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan MNA while chairing a meeting of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Commerce held in Parliament House today.

The Committee held a preliminary discussion on APTA and recommended that the Ministry of Commerce should devise the agreement keeping in view the interest of the country industry, employment, and trade patterns. Moreover, all ambiguities in the MOU may also be clarified as the agreement will be of great significance in future, especially in terms of trade with Central Asian Republics.

The Committee asked the Ministry to submit copies of the draft APTA submitted by Government of Afghanistan in November 2008 and recommended that the Ministry should take into confidence all stakeholders in the process of finalizing APTA.

The Committee took very serious notice of plunging balance of trade between Pakistan and India since 2004. During a detailed discussion on bilateral Indo-Pak trade, the Committee observed that India’s grant of most favored nation (MFN) status to Pakistan was pro forma and in fact India still deliberately and actively restricted Pakistani products through non-tariff barriers. The Committee directed that measures be taken to balance the deficit.

The Committee reviewed the Ministry of Commerce budget 2008-09 and expressed dismay that the Ministry was spending nearly one billion rupees of public money annually on its trade missions abroad but there was no significant, measurable output. The Committee examined the Export Development Fund allocation item-by-item and directed the Ministry to submit details of certain grants. The Committee also directed Ministry to submit details of grants under Export Marketing Development Fund (EMDF) made by Trade Development Authority.

The meeting was attended by MNAs Ch. Iftikhar Nazir, Nawab Abdul Ghani Talpur, Mr. Aamir Yar Warn, Mr. Nauman Islam Sheikh, Mr. Liaqat Ali Khan, Mrs. Tahira Aurangzeb, Haji Muhammad Akram Ansari, Ms. Shireen Arshad Khan, Hamid Yar Hiraj, Mrs. Kashmala Tariq, Arbab Zakaullah, and Mrs. Jamila Gillani.

Islamabad, May 14, 2009

Commerce Committee Unearths Misappropriation of Millions in TCP

COMMERCE COMMITTEE UNEARTHS MISAPPROPRIATION OF MILLIONS IN TCP

Islamabad, 14 May 2009: Trading Corporation of Pakistan is operating under a dark cloud of corruption and illegal behavior. The Ministry of Commerce and TCP collude to hide wrongdoing and criminals roam free. We will expose graft at every level. Those responsible must be identified and punished in order to ensure that every rupee of public exchequer is spent with integrity and efficiency This was stated by Engineer Khurram Dastgir Khan MNA while chairing the National Assembly Standing Committee on Commerce, which met in Parliament House today.

The Committee ordered Chairman TCP to immediately submit investigative findings on reports of: (1) large-scale theft and mixing of sand with sugar in TCP Pipri godowns near Karachi; (2) repeat burning of cotton bales worth Rs. 490 million at Rahimyar Khan; (3) purchase of rice at grossly inflated prices last season; (4) serious allegations of bribery demanded by TCP employees in recent purchase of cotton; (5) payment of $8.5 million demurrage to shippers due to incompetent TCP scheduling; (6) inflated transportation contracts of wheat awarded to ruling party favorites in 2008; and (7) irregularity in award of contract for renovation and rehabilitation of Pipri godwons.

Many committee members expressed serious concerns that process of award of contract was shady and beset with cartels formed by contractors. The Committee recommended strongly to TCP to abolish pre-qualification of contractors and award contracts through open bidding. Late decisions by the government and Economic Coordination Committee of the Cabinet also came under severe criticism. Members felt that delay in decisions to import commodities distorted prices and benefited neither growers nor consumers.

The Committee noted with dismay the absence of both the Federal Minister for Commerce and Secretary Commerce. We wanted to inquire about the recently signed MOU with Afghanistan on transit trade and possible concession to India, but both the Minister and Secretary are absent, said the Chairman. MNAs Mr. Liaqat Ali Khan, Ms. Yasmeen Rahman, Ch. Iftikhar Nazir, Ms. Tahira Aurangzeb, Haji Akram Ansari, Ms. Shireen Khan, Mr. Iqbal M. Ali Khan, and Ms. Jamila Gillani attended the meeting.

Islamabad, May 13,2009

3-NA Standing Committees Elect their Chairmen

3-N.A STANDING COMMITTEES ELECT THEIR CHAIRMEN
ACTING PRESIDENT AND ACTING SPEAKER CONGRATULATE NEWLY ELECTED CHAIRMEN

Islamabad May 13, 2009: Meetings of the National Assembly Standing Committees on Youth Affairs, Economic Affairs & Statistics and Sports were held in Parliament House, today for election of their Chairmen.

Mr, Sher Muhammad Baloch, Malik Azmat Khan and Mr. Jamshaid Ahmed Dasti unanimously elected Chairpmen of Standing Committees on Youth Affairs, Economic Affairs & Statistics and Sports, respectively.

Secretary National Assembly Mr. Karamat Hussian Niazi conducted the elections of the Standing Committees.

The Chairmen after their unanimous election thanked their fellow parliamentarians in reposing confidence in them by electing them as Chairmen. They assured them that with concerted efforts, they would make the Committees useful, effective and purposeful. All the members of the Committees congratulated the newly elected Chairmen and assured their cooperation for the smooth functioning of the Standing Committees.

Secretary National Assembly on behalf of Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Acting President and Faisal Karim Kundi, Acting Speaker National Assembly congratulated Mr, Sher Muhammad Baloch, Malik Azmat Khan and Mr. Jamshaid Ahmed Dasti on their election as Chairmen of the Standing Committees.

The meetings were attended by Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah, Minister for Labour and Manpower/Chief Whip and Members of the respective Standing Committees.

Islamabad, May 11, 2009

NA Standing Committee on Interior meets

NA STANDING COMMITTEE ON INTERIOR MEETS

Islamabad May 11, 2009: The Standing Committee on Interior has constituted a 3-member Sub-Committee under the convenership of Mr. Muhammad Ijaz Virk, MNA to look into the reported irregularities in the issuance of non prohibited bore Arms licenses by the Ministry of Interior. The Committee has also been mandated to suggest measures to streamline the procedure for issuance of new licenses and clear the backlog pending with the Ministry of Interior. The Committee met under the chairmanship of Mr. Abdul Qadir Patel, MNA in Parliament House, this afternoon.

The Committee took this decision on various complaints received from parliamentarians and general public on the inordinate delay in issuance of license by the Ministry despite fulfilling all the procedural requirements. It was brought into the notice of the Committee that a huge number of applications were pending with the Ministry and said backlog had accumulated since last one and half year due to inefficiency of concerned staff and reported malpractices. The sub-committee has been asked to submit its findings within a month to the main committee.

The committee while discussing the general law and order situation in the country asked the M/o Interior to intensify the pace of registration of aliens illegally residing in the country under the Aliens Registration Law. The Members of the committee pointed out those aliens of various nationalities were residing in different parts of the country without proper permission who have been involved in mischief and other activities detrimental to the interests of Pakistan. They were of the view that such registration would help the government in keeping a track of those people in wake of the recent law and order threat in the country. They also asked for intensifying the pace of repatriation of Afghan refugees to their homeland.

Earlier, the Director General (FIA) briefed the committee about the organizational framework of the Agency and its mandate. The D.G apprised the committee that after the emergence security threats, presently faced by the country, the FIA has been strengthened and equipped. He said that FIA had been made the focal point for coordinating all activities with Interpol besides countering anti-human trafficking, illegal immigration, cyber crimes, enforcing Intellectual Property rights, controlling production of spurious drugs and anti-corruption investigations. He said that FIA would prove it to be a professional, impartial and upright organization and would continue to keep its integrity unquestionable.

The Committee commended the performance of the FIA, however, asked to further intensify the monitoring of exit and entry points in Pakistan for checking illegal immigration, human trafficking and other sophisticated crimes. The Chairman of the committee also asked the FIA to check the adulteration and production of substandard consumable item in collaboration with Pakistan standards and Quality control authority.

The Committee decided to summon Inspector General of Police (Punjab) and DIGs of four police circles of Karachi in its next to get briefing on the law and order situation in Punjab and Karachi with particular reference to the killing of innocent citizens in Karachi in April, 2009.

The meeting was attended by MNAs Mr. Roshan-u-Din Junejo, Mr. Nazir Ahmad Bughio, Ch. Mehmood Bashir Virk, MR. Mohammad Afzal Khokar, Sahibzada syed Murtaza Amin, Sardar Bahadur Ahmad Khan Sehair, Sardar Mohammad Israr Tareen, Mr. Wasim Akthar, Ms. Bushra Gohar, Secretary M/o Interior, D.G (FIA), D.G (National Police Bureau), Inspector General of Police (NWFP) and other officers of the concerned departments.

Islamabad, May 4, 2009

NA Standing Committee on Minorities meets

NA STANDING COMMITTEE ON MINORITIES MEETS

Islamabad May 4, 2009: Standing Committee on Minorities met under the chairmanship of Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, MNA in the Parliament House to discuss the working of the Ministry of Minorities and its attached Departments.

The Committee expressed its grave concern over the law and order situation in the country specifically the displacement of families belonging to the Minorities from different parts of NWFP and FATA and stressed that the Ministry may take stringent measures for their immediate rehabilitation. It was urged that the Ministry may provide basic facilities including shelters, food, health and financial assistance to the displaced families of the Minorities. The Ministry should also make alternate arrangements for the examinations of students who were unable to appear in exams in their affected areas so that the precious year of these students could be saved. The Committee expressed its reservations over the performance of National Commission for Minorities and observed that since its establishment, the Commission has not been able to protect and safeguard religious, social and cultural rights of the Minorities. The Committee stressed that Media should highlight the problems being faced by the Minorities. The Committee appreciated the decision of the Government for enhancing the employment quota for Minorities up to 5%.

Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti, Federal Minister for Minorities while responding to the queries raised by the Hon. Members assured that the Government is taking every possible step to safeguard the rights of Minorities as enshrined in the constitution of Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

Earlier, Mr. Abdul Ghaffar Soomro, Secretary, M/o Minorities briefed the Committee in detail about the overall performance of the Ministry. The Committee was also briefed about the functioning of Evacuee Trust Property Board. 

Besides Mr. Shahbaz Bhatti, Federal Minister for Minorities the MNAs Dr. Lal Chand, Mrs. Farhat Khan, Mr. Ramesh Lal, Dr. Darshan, Dr. Nelson Azeem, Mr. Akram Masih Gill, Mr. Kishan Chand Parwani, Mrs. Jamila Gilani, Mrs. Asiya Nasir, Dr. Imtiaz Sultan Bukhari, Mr. Muhammad Nawaz Allai and Senior Officers from the Ministry of Minorities and Evacuee Trust Property Board also attended the Meeting.

Islamabad, April 28, 2009

NA Standing Committee on Women Development Meets

NA STANDING COMMITTEE ON WOMEN DEVELOPMENT MEETS

Islamabad, April 28, 2009: Meeting of the Standing Committee on Women Development, chaired by Ms. Bushra Gohar was held in the Parliament House, today. The meeting reviewed the 1st draft report on Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Violence against Women (CEDAW). The Committee expressed dissatisfaction over the process and content of the report and directed the Ministry of Women Development to constitute a working group consisting of key stakeholders including representatives of the NA Standing Committee on Women Development, MOWD, NCSW, Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior and members of Women Rights organizations with a week. The chair of the NCSW who was invited to the meeting on special invitation offered to facilitate the meetings of the working group after it is notified by the MOWD.

Recognizing the challenges faced by MOWD in the implementation and reporting of CEDAW, the members also directed the Secretary MOWD to present a proposal to the committee in its next meeting on how the CEDAW implementation process could be effectively institutionalized and what levels of support the Ministry would require in this regard. The members highlighted the need for rigorous oversight of the CEDAW implementation process.

The Committee noted with concern the deteriorating security situation in the country and the inability to protect human rights especially of women and children in the affected areas. They condemned growing militancy and extremism especially in Pakhtunkhwa and FATA resulting in serious human rights abuses, which have mainly affected women and children. The Committee noted the absence of women especially women parliamentarians and women rights activists in the peace negotiation and consultation process and demanded that Government takes special measures for ensuring women are actively involved in all peace consultation and decision making at all levels.

The Committee also expressed concerns over the lack of adequate facilities and outreach for the huge numbers of families displaced due to militancy. The Committee asked the Government to give an urgent update to the Committee on the prevailing security challenges and IDPs situation in the country and what efforts are underway to protect the local population from human rights violation especially women and children. The Committee also directed the Government to constitute an independent commission headed by an ex-judge of the Supreme Court to review the civilian casualties and human rights violations. The government must also ensure adequate compensation and rehabilitation of the IDPs and ensure reconstruction and development of the affected areas.

Finally, the Committee decided that the Sub-Committee constituted earlier for reviewing the domestic violence bill 2009 will continue to review other pending bills referred to the committee by the National Assembly. 

The meeting was attended by MNAs, Mrs. Shakeela Khanam Rashid, Dr. Zil-e-Huma, Ms. Qudsia Arshad, Mrs. Nisar Tanveer, Miss Shaheen Ishfaq and Dr. Attiya Inayatullah, officials of the MOWD. Chair National Commission on the Status of Women, Members of women rights organizations focusing on CEDAW implementation attended the meeting on special invitation.

Islamabad, April 28, 2009

NA Standing Committee on Defence Meets

NA STANDING COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE MEETS

Islamabad April 28, 2009: Capt. (R) Rai Ghulam Mujtaba Kharal, MNA observed that Pakistan is an ideological welfare state guided by the percept of Justice, equality, peace and tolerance. It does not harbour aggressive designs or territorial ambitions against any country and favours peaceful settlement of international disputes. He made this observation while chairing the meeting of the Standing Committee on Defence held today in the Parliament House for briefing to the Committee in the absence of Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, Chairperson of the said.

The Committee appreciated the overall briefing of the Ministry of Defence however, expressed its dissatisfaction over the security risks on almost all the Airports of the Country and recommended that highly professional trainings may be imparted for the capacity building of the ASF personnel to combat the challenging security hazard in the prevailing scenario. The Committee desired that a detailed briefing may be given to the Committee on the counter terrorism policy of the Government and the current status of Kashmir, Siachin and Sir Creek. It was agreed that the Committee would be updated on these issues in its next meeting to be held in mid of May, 2009.

Earlier, Lt. Gen. (R) Syed Athar Ali, Secretary M/o Defence briefly apprised the Committee about the aims, mission, tasks and organizational structure of the Ministry and its attached departments. He informed the Committee that the Ministry had a transparent monitoring system regarding the budget utilization of the Ministry and Departments under its administrative control.

The meeting was attended by MNAs, Dr. Talat Mahesar, Syed Haider Ali Shah, Sheikh Rohale Asghar, Sardar Talib Hassan Nakai, Mir Amer Ali Khan Magsi, Dr. Abdul Wahid Soomro and Mr. Jawad Hussain. Senior Officers from the Ministry of Defence were also present in the meeting.

Islamabad, April 27, 2009

Dewan Ashiq Hussain Bokhari, MNA Elected Chairman NA Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat, NA Speaker and Acting Speaker Congratulate Dewan Ashiq Hussain Bokhari

DEWAN ASHIQ HUSSIAN BOKHARI, MNA: ELECTED CHAIRMAN N.A STANDING COMMITTEE ON CABINET SECRETARIAT 
NA SPEAKER AND ACTING SPEAKER CONGRATULATE DEWAN ASHIQ HUSSIAN BOKHARI

Islamabad April 27, 2009: Dewan Ashiq Hussian Bokhari, MNA has been unanimously elected Chairman of the National Assembly Standing Committees on Cabinet Secretariat in meeting of the Committee held in Parliament House, today for election of its Chairman.

Name of Dewan Ashiq Hussian Bokhari was proposed by Syed Alla-ud-Din, MNA and seconded by Mrs. Tahira Aurangzeb, MNA. Secretary National Assembly Mr. Karamat Hussain Niazi conducted the election of the Standing Committee.

The Chairman after his unanimous election thanked his fellow parliamentarians in reposing confidence in him by electing him as Chairman. He assured them that with concerted efforts; he would make the Committee useful, effective and purposeful. Members of the respective Committees while felicitating, the Chairmen, assured their cooperation for the smooth functioning of the Committee.

The meeting was attended by Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah, Minister for Labour and Manpower/Chief Whip, MNAs Syed Alla-ud-Din, Mrs. Tahira Aurangzeb, Mr. Tariq Mehmood Bajwa and Malik Nawab Sher Waseer.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Acting Speaker National Assembly have congratulated Dewan Ashiq Hussian Bokhari on his election as Chairman of the Standing Committee and assured him of their full cooperation in carrying out their constitutional obligations.

Islamabad, April 25, 2009

Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, MNA, chairing the Sub-Committee meeting of the PAC

Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, MNA, chairing the Sub-Committee meeting of the PAC at
Parliament House on 25-04-2009

Islamabad, April 24, 2009

3-N.A Standing Committees Elect their Chairmen, NA Speaker and Acting Speaker Congratulate Newly Elected Chairmen

3-N.A STANDING COMMITTEES ELECT THEIR CHAIRMEN, NA SPEAKER AND ACTING SPEAKER CONGRATULATE NEWLY ELECTED CHAIRMEN

Islamabad April 24, 2009: Meetings of the National Assembly Standing Committees on Culture, Inter Provincial Coordination and Livestock & Dairy Development were held in Parliament House, today for election of their Chairmen.

Mr. Mohammad Raza Hayat Hiraj, Sheikh Waqqas Akram and Mir Jam Mohammad Yousaf were unanimously elected Chairmen of Standing Committees on Culture, Inter Provincial Coordination and Livestock & Dairy Development, respectively.

Secretary National Assembly Mr. Karamat Hussain Niazi conducted the elections of the Standing Committees.

The Chairmen after their unanimous election thanked their fellow parliamentarians in reposing confidence in them by electing them as Chairpersons. They assured them that with concerted efforts; they would make the Committee useful, effective and purposeful. Members of the respective Committees while felicitating, the Chairmen, assured their cooperation for the smooth functioning of the Committees.

The meetings were attended by Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah, Minister for Labour and Manpower/Chief Whip and Members of the respective Standing Committees.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Acting Speaker National Assembly have congratulated Mr. Mohammad Raza Hayat Hiraj, Sheikh Waqqas Akram and Mir Jam Mohammad Jousaf on their election as Chairmen of the Standing Committees and assured them of their full cooperation in carrying out their constitutional obligations.

Islamabad, April 20, 2009

Ghaus Bux Khan Mehar elected Chairman of NA Standing Committee on Industries and Production

GHAUS BUX KHAN MEHAR, ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF N.A STANDING COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRIES AND PRODUCTION
NA SPEAKER AND ACTING SPEAKER CONGRATULATE NEWLY ELECTED CHAIRMAN

Islamabad April 20, 2009 : Mr. Ghaus Bux Khan Mehar, MNA has been unanimously elected Chairman of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Industries and Production. The Committee met this afternoon in Parliament House for election of its Chairman.

Name of Mr. Ghaus Bux Khan Mehar for the chairmanship of the Committee was proposed by Mr. Noor Alam Khan, MNA and supported all the members of the committee. Secretary National Assembly Mr. Karamat Hussian Niazi conducted the election of the Standing Committee.

Mr. Ghaus Bux Khan Mehar after his unanimous election thanked his fellow parliamentarians for reposing confidence in him by electing him as Chairman. He assured them that with concerted efforts; they would make the Committee useful, effective and purposeful. Members of the Committee while felicitating, the Chairman, assured their cooperation for the smooth functioning of the Committee.

The meeting was attended by Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah, Minister for Labour and Manpower/Chief Whip, MNAs Mr. Noor Alam Khan, Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, Mr. Hamid Yar Hiraj, Mr. Abdul Waseem and Molvi Agha Mohammad.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Acting Speaker National Assembly have congratulated Mr. Ghaus Bux Khan Mehar on his election as Chairman of the Standing Committee and assured him of their full cooperation in carrying out his constitutional obligations.

Islamabad, March 28, 2009

Meeting of NA Standing Committee on Population Welfare

NA STANDING COMMITTEE MEETING ON POPULATION WELFARE

Islamabad March 28, 2009: A Meeting of Standing Committee on Population Welfare was held today in Parliament House. Muhammad Hanif Abbasi chaired the meeting.

The Secretary Mo Population Welfare briefed the Standing Committee about the functions and achievements of the Ministry

The Committee directed the M/o Population Welfare to give details briefing about the Ministry and its attached departments/organizations, salary of the employees, Family Welfare Centers and allocation of budget in the next meeting.

The Committee also directed the Ministry to launch a campaign in the rural areas to sensitize people about the problems of rapid population growth and adoption of population control measures.

The meeting was attended by the following committee members and ex-officio members. Dr. Firdous Ashiq Awan, Minister of MoPW, Begum Nasim Akhtar Chaudhry, Mr. Ch. Zahid Iqbal, Ms. Rahela Baloch, Dr. Imtiaz Sultan Bukhari, Ms. Shaeen Ishfaq, Sardar Mohammad Saif-ud-Din Khosa, Mrs. Farkhanda Amjad, Dr. Nahid Shahid Ali, Mr. Mohammad Kamran Khan, Mr. Ghulam Dastagir Rajar, Maulvi Asmatullah, and the other senior officers of MoPW.

Islamabad, March 6, 2009

2-N.A Standing Committees Elect their Chairmen NA Speaker and Deputy Speaker Congratulate Newly Elected Chairmen

2-N.A STANDING COMMITTEES ELECT THEIR CHAIRMEN NA SPEAKER AND DEPUTY SPEAKER CONGRATULATE NEWLY ELECTED CHAIRMEN

Islamabad March 6, 2009: Meetings of the National Assembly Standing Committees on Communications and Minorities were held in Parliament House, today for election of their Chairmen.

Mr. Saeed Ahmad Zafar and Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani were unanimously elected Chairmen of Standing Committees on Communications and Minorities, respectively.

Secretary National Assembly Mr. Karamat Hussian Niazi conducted the elections of the Standing Committees.

The Chairmen after their unanimous election thanked their fellow parliamentarians in reposing confidence in them by electing them as Chairmen. They assured them that with concerted efforts; they would make the Committees useful, effective and purposeful. All the members of the Committees congratulated the newly elected Chairmen and assured their cooperation for the smooth functioning of the Standing Committees.

The meetings were attended by Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah, Minister for Labour and Manpower/Chief Whip and Members of the respective Standing Committees.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly congratulated Mr. Saeed Ahmad Zafar and Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani on their election as Chairmen to the National Assembly Standing Committees and assured them of their full cooperation in conducting the meetings of the Standing Committee.

Islamabad, March 05, 2009

West and United States Must Come Forward and Help Countries in the Region to Remove the Root Causes of Terrorism and Extremism said Asfandyar Wali

WEST AND UNITED STATES MUST COME FORWARD AND HELP COUNTRIES IN THE REGION TO REMOVE THE ROOT CAUSES OF TERRORISM AND EXTREMISM SAID ASFANDYAR WALI

Islamabad March 5, 2009: Chairman Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs Asfandyar Wali has said that extremism and terrorism was threat to our society and also a major cause of instability in the region. He urged the West, especially the European Union Countries to help Pakistan in resolving the root causes of extremism.

Asfandyar Wali expressed these views in a meeting of National Assembly Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs held in the Parliament House today that was also attended by the 10 member Danish Parliamentary delegation headed by Gitte Lillelund Bech, Chiarman of the Foreign Policy committee of the Danish Parliament.

The Chairman said that extremism and terrorism in the region was the outcome of the Afghan war. He said that after the Afghan war the United States and the West left the area without resolving the aftermaths of the war. He said that it was the responsibility of the West and United States to come forward and help countries in the region to remove the root causes of terrorism and extremism.

The Chairman said that Pakistan was a peace loving country and believed in peaceful coexistence. He said Pakistan wanted peace with all neighbours and termed peace as pre-requisite for Development and prosperity of the region.

Maulana Fazlur Rehman while briefing the Committee said that Pakistan preferred peace and resolution of problems through dialogue. He said that to end militancy in the region, we need to resolve the root causes of this menace. He said that dialogue was the only way to resolve issues.

The head of the Danish Parliamentary delegation Gitte Lillelund Bech, who is also the Chairman of the Foreign Policy Committee of the Danish Parliament said that the issues of terrorism and extremism are common problems confronting Pakistan, the region and the world and needed to be tackled unitedly.

She said that the whole world was concerned about the instability in the region and added that the legacy of the past should be left behind and we all should unitedly work for better tomorrow. Besides the Danish Parliamentary delegation the meeting was attended by MNAs Miss Palwasha Khan, Mrs. Farah Naz Ispahani, Ms. Fouzia Habib, Mir Amir Ali Khan Magsi, Sh. Aftab Ahmad, Mr. Humair Hayat Khan Rokhri and Dr. Muhammad Farooq Sattar.