Democratic institutions flourishing: Fehmida
By Mona Khan

ISLAMABAD—The Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza has said that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with United States and both the countries have similar perceptions on many international issues. She said this while talking to US Ambassador. Ms. Anne W. Patterson, who called on her in Parliament House on Thursday.
The Speaker apprised the ambassador about the functioning of the National Assembly and said that democratic institutions were flourishing without restraint. She said that women empowerment, press freedom and protection of minorities’ rights in the country were the top priorities of the government and the parliament would work for it.
She said that opposition is an important stakeholder in the parliamentary process, had a constructive role to play and will be provided equal opportunities in the House. Dr. Fehmida said the government has adopted liberal policy towards media.
The Speaker also apprised the Ambassador about the Committees system in the National Assembly, their formation and working. She said that Pakistanis abhor terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and the majority of Pakistani population was moderate. The Speaker said Pakistan believes in peace and has always emphasized the need for creating peace and stability in the region. She appreciated the US assistance for strengthening democratic institutions and developmental works in Pakistan. US Ambassador, Ms. Anne W. Patterson said that there was great support in the US for democracy in Pakistan and the US was anxious to see democracy succeeded in Pakistan.
She assured that US would continue its assistance for capacity building and training of the Parliamentarians in Pakistan. The ambassador said that US wanted to build long-term and multi-faceted strong relations with Pakistan. The meeting emphasized the need for expanded cooperation between the two countries, particularly in economic sector. The Ambassador apprised the speaker that the US has an ambitious programme for assistance and development in FATA.
The Ambassador congratulated the Speaker on her election as Speaker of the National Assembly. She also appreciated the decisions announced by the Prime Minister in his first speech in Parliament House.
She said that opposition is an important stakeholder in the parliamentary process, had a constructive role to play and will be provided equal opportunities in the House. Dr. Fehmida said the government has adopted liberal policy towards media.