The Speaker, National Assembly of Pakistan, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq held a meeting with the Speaker of House of Commons, United Kingdom, Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle at the House of Commons in London today. The member National Assembly & Chief Whip Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), Mr. Aijaz Hussain Jahakrani and the High Commissioner of Pakistan to UK, Dr. Mohammad Faisal were also present. This was the first meeting of the Speaker, National Assembly with his British counterpart, after assuming office. Both the Speakers’ discussed the Parliamentary proceedings of running the business of the Houses and facilitating healthy debates on issues of public importance. Sir Lindsay Hoyle, while welcoming the delegation, said that mutual visits & collaboration between parliamentarians will further strengthen UK – Pakistan relations that would manifest through welfare of the people of both countries whom the parliamentarians represent. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq highlighted the great importance that Pakistan attached to parliamentary diplomacy, sharing democratic experiences, international practices and learning democratic values, particularly those of UK Parliament, which represented the mother of democracy. As the representatives and voice of our people, the institutions had a singular responsibility to act as a bridge between our people and our institutions of governance. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also informed that the Parliament of Pakistan was focusing on legislations related to socio-economic development, women empowerment and climate change, in particular. Pakistan was an active partner of UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) but had been adversely affected by impact of climate change, although it had negligible contribution to the global carbon emissions. The Jammu and Kashmir dispute was also highlighted as a source of grave concern that required immediate resolution, as per the wishes of the Kashmiri people. The British Speaker agreed that amicable resolution of the Jammu & Kashmir issue was necessary for the peace and development in the region. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq conveyed prayers and wishes for the wellbeing of King Charles III and the Princess of Wales. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq extended the invitation to Sir Lindsay Hoyle to visit Pakistan, which was graciously accepted. Arranging a friendly cricket match between the teams of both the Parliaments was also agreed.
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