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ISLAMABAD, Jan 12: The US government has launched a $14 million project to strengthen legislative governance, media and civil society over a period of three years.
The was stated by the US ambassador, Nancy Powell, during a meeting with Senate chairman Mohammadmian Soomro at his chamber in the Parliament House on Monday.
They discussed matters pertaining to the strengthening of National and provincial legislative governance. Ms Nancy said that a consortium of six civil society groups has been awarded contract to run the programme and added that the US was keen to strengthen the democratic system in Pakistan.
Orientation programmes will be run for the legislators at the National and provincial assemblies so that their input in parliament and its committees is meaningful and objective, observed the ambassador. The leaders of the constituent groups of the consortium will prepare training models for the programme, which will also cover strengthening of the parliamentary system and train the staff for providing support to the legislators.
They discussed adequate research support to the legislators and felt that this kind of support was vital in today's parliaments. The Senate chairman thanked the US government for funding this programme and appreciated the role of the US ambassador for taking keen interest. He assured all possible help and assistance in running the programme aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and democracy in Pakistan.
IRANIAN ENVOY: The Iranian ambassador, Mohammed Ebrahim Taherian, also called on Mr Soomro and discussed with him matters pertaining to bilateral relations and promotion of trade and economic ties between the two countries.
The Senate chief said relations between Pakistan and Iran were deep rooted in the cultural, historical and religious affinities. He said it was Pakistan's earnest desire that existing ties of friendship and cooperation were upgraded into a close partnership. He said both countries shared common views on many issues, particularly on matters concerning the Muslim Ummah as well as peace and security in the region.
The Senate chairman expressed profound sympathies for the loss of thousands of lives in the disastrous earthquake in Bam. He asked the ambassador to convey the condolence and sympathy from the government and people of Pakistan to the brotherly people of Iran.
Mr Taherian thanked the government and people of Pakistan for their help and assistance for the earthquake victims. Referring to the bilateral relations between the two countries, the ambassador said Pakistan and Iran were two brotherly countries and enjoyed special relations.
He said that economic and trade relations between the two countries were growing rapidly and the recent visit of Prime Minister Jamali provided a fresh impetus in the relationship of the two countries. It would go a long way in further promoting economic and trade relations between the two countries.
Both sides emphasized the need for setting of joint ventures, strengthening the collaboration in various sectors, promoting interaction and exchanges at various levels between the two countries. The envoy also extended an invitation to the Senate chairman to visit Iran.
