Pakistan attaches great importance to ties with US: Speaker
By Bushra Makhdoom

ISLAMABAD—Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fahmida Mirza said on Tuesday that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with United States and both countries have similar perceptions on many international issues.She said this while talking with US Secretary of State John D Negroponte and Assistant Secretary of State Richard Boucher who called on her at the Parliament House chamber.
The Speaker appraised the delegation about the functioning of Parliament and democratic institutions in the country and said that after formation of new parliament these institutions would flourish without restraint.
She said that women empowerment,press freedom and protection of minorities rights in the country were guaranteed and secured by the Constitution.
She also apprised the delegation about the committee were the lynchpin of the parliament where legislative work was done in detail and in transparent manner.
The speaker said that Pakistan believed in peace and has always emphasized the need for creating peace and stability in the region. Fahmida Mirza appreciated the US assistance for social and economic development and strengthening of democratic institutions in Pakistan.
The US secretary of state and assistant secretary of state congratulated Fahmida Mirza on her election as Speaker.Negroponte said US wanted to build a long term multi-faceted strong relations with Pakistan.US also wanted democratic institutions in Pakistan to flourish,he added.
Meanwhile, Matters of mutual interest and the ongoing fight against the scourge of terrorism came under discussion during the meeting, the former prime minister later told reporters.
Nawaz Sharif said the senior US officials had congratulated him over the party’s election victory.
The PML-N Quaid said that he briefed US officials about the stand of the party on various issues.