Ayaz Sadiq says two countries should fight challenges together instead of wasting resources in confronting each other. PHOTO: FILE
The Speakers of India and Pakistan’s assemblies agreed to continue enhancing the process of engagement at parliamentary levels, enabling the two sides to build better relations, at a meeting in the Maldives during the 7th SAARC Speakers and Parliamentarians Conference.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, representing Pakistan, met with India’s Smt. Meira Kumar in Male. Sadiq said the two neighbouring countries face multiple challenges of poverty and illiteracy and it is important to fight these challenges together instead of wasting resources in confronting each other.
He stressed the need to keep all available channels open to avoid an escalation of mistrust and bitterness on both sides. He also suggested the need for joint collaboration between the National Assembly and the Lok Sabha in Legislative Drafting, Rules of Business and other parliamentary practices.
India’s Speaker Meira Kumar agreed that elected representatives have a responsibility to build strong relations and praised Pakistan’s role in SAARC. She also extended an invitation to Speaker Ayaz Sadiq to visit India. The Pakistani Speaker accepted the invitation, saying he hoped that his presence in India would further strengthen the relationship between the two countries.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 24th, 2013.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ