Soomro terms Commonwealth forum important for promotion of cooperation
By Ali Imran

ISLAMABAD—The Commonwealth is an important international forum which can be utilized not only for promoting understanding and cooperation among the parliaments of various democracies but also be used effectively for resolving outstanding issues, Chairman Senate Mohammadmian Soomro said.
Addressing the visiting delegation of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association CPA (UK Branch) at a banquet here last night the chairman Senate said, the democratic institutions were gradually taking firm roots in the country.
He said, it was evident from the fact that the country has a working Parliament with strong and vibrant opposition, free press and independent judiciary.
The women, he said, which form nearly half of the country’s population have adequate representation in all the elected bodies.
This augurs well for the future of democracy in the country, he added.
Terming the country’s commitment to democracy as firm and resolute, the chairman Senate said, we are marching ahead on road to development and democracy with confident strides.
“The Government is making efforts to improve the quality of life of people by improving the economy, attracting greater investment and expanding healthcare and education facilities along with creation of more job opportunities,” he added.
Welcoming the CPA delegation, the chairman Senate said that it signifies Pakistan’s growing partnership with UK as well also with the Commonwealth.
Leader of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) delegation Harry Cohen MP underlined the need for a settlement of the Kashmir issue, saying that its early resolution would pave the wave for durable peace in South Asia.
The CPA delegation left for London here early this morning. The delegation was seen off by Chairman Senate Mohammadmian Soomro.