EU assures support for building electoral capacity

Five-member delegation meets NA Speaker Ayaz Sadiq

ISLAMABAD: The European Union (EU) will continue its unwavering support to Pakistan to help the country strengthen the election commission, develop infrastructure, promote gender equality and improve education and health facilities.

This was stated by EU Ambassador to Pakistan Jean-Francois Caution while talking to National Assembly speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq at the Parliament House in Islamabad on Friday.

Heading a five-member delegation, Caution assured the speaker that assistance would be given to parliament for capacity building of both parliamentarians and secretarial staff.

The EU delegation praised Pakistan’s continued struggle towards democracy and parliamentary supremacy. They took keen interest in the working of parliament, asking Sadiq about electoral reforms, the census in Pakistan, human rights and the role of NGOs in the country.

The two sides also touched upon regional and international issues.

Sadiq told members of the EU delegation that Pakistan and the EU “have the same perspective on global issues” and that they “both attach a high value to their strategic partnerships”.

The speaker appreciated EU’s support in strengthening the democratic processes and institutions in the country. He added that the political leadership in Pakistan “envisions an enduring strategic partnership” with EU which would help strengthen economy and provide more avenues for trade partnerships and extending parliamentary cooperation.



Sadiq informed the EU delegation that the government’s commitment to a sovereign democracy could clearly be seen by the inclusion of parliament in all major matters.

“The National Security Committee, comprising all political parties in parliament, often offers advice to the government on issues concerning the security of the country,” he said.

Sadiq lauded parliament and said the members “are extremely progressive and are working tirelessly in the larger interest of democracy and the country”.

Caution appreciated the remarks of the speaker and said that EU would continue its unwavering support to Pakistan to help the country strengthen the election commission, develop infrastructure, promote gender equality and improve education and health facilities.