ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: Chairman Senate Mian Raza Rabbani has urged Commonwealth nations to make collective efforts for overcoming the challenges of poverty, illiteracy and terrorism by boosting mutual cooperation and learning from one another experiences.
Chairman Senate expressed these views at reception organized in honor of the Secretary General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and participants of the three-day Parliamentary staff development workshop for Asia and South East Asia.
Raza Rabbani emphasized that nations belonging to Asia need to look inward, build on the Asian dream to put Asia back on the map of the history and give Asia its rightful place, said a news release issued here on Saturday.
He further said “the region is passing through a great deal of trouble and CPA provides us an opportunity to learn from one another’s experiences and exchange of ideas.”
“CPA is an essential requirement in present day polity where we share common values, our principled positions and have a common heritage”, he added.
He said CPA can be a very effective forum to be able to take those goals forward as the nation shares commonality of views.
He expressed the confidence under the dynamic leadership of Akbar Khan the new Secretary General, CPA would be playing a more active role in putting parliaments together and making collective endeavors for overcoming common challenges.
Raza Rabbani expressed his gratitude to the CPA for co-hosting an international workshop in collaboration with the Senate of Pakistan and said that such interactions are necessary for exchange of views, sharing of experiences and learning internationally recognized best practices for efficient service delivery and improving quality of work.
He appreciated the excellent arrangements made for workshops and expressed the hope that such fruitful interactions would continue in future as well.
Later, the newly elected Secretary General of the CPA Akbar Khan also addressed the participants.
“I believe that commonwealth nations have a wealth of expertise and a wealth of wisdom”, CPA Secretary General said.
He also underscored the need for boosting further boosting cooperation and exploring new avenues to learn and share experiences.
Akbar Khan said that committee systems of the National Assembly and Senate very vibrant and active which shows that Parliament is playing an active role.
He also highlighted the significance of the trained and well qualified Parliamentary staff essential for providing expertise to members of parliament.
He termed his visit a pleasant one and expressed his sincere appreciations for the excellent arrangements. He lauded the dedication of the participants and resource persons.
The Parliamentary Staff Development workshop concluded in Islamabad which touched upon different crucial area necessary for parliamentary support.
Participants of the course and resource persons expressed satisfaction over the contents and other learning opportunities provided during this three day workshop.
Source: APP
