October 24, 2008	Friday	Shawwal 24, 1429

ISLAMABAD, Oct 23: US Ambassador Anne W. Patterson said on Thursday that Pakistan was playing a significant role in stability and prosperity of the region.

The US envoy, who met National Assembly Speaker Dr Fehmida Mirza at the Parliament House on Thursday, said the US wanted democracy to flourish and strengthen in Pakistan. She assured the Speaker of her support in further enhancing the capacity of lawmakers and their support staff.

The Speaker said that adoption of a unanimous resolution by the parliament on issues of national security and curbing extremism was a big achievement.

She said the new parliament was vibrant and parliamentary parties, including the Opposition, were playing a constructive role.

Dr Mirza underlined the need for greater interaction between lawmakers of the two countries for sharing experiences in the field of legislation. She appreciated the assistance of USAID in establishing parliamentary services institute, capacity building of lawmakers and training of staff.

Later, talking to the Country Director of Unifem, Ms Alice Harding Shackelford, the Speaker said that there was a need for “gender mainstreaming” and “gender sensitisation” for protection of rights of women in the country.

Ms Shackelford appreciated the Speaker’s efforts for forming a caucus of women parliamentarians, saying it would play a major role in protecting women’s rights.