KARACHI, Aug 3: Senator Nisar Ahmed Memon has emphasised on the significant role the parliament should play for good governance through its Public Accounts Committee.

He was speaking at the conclusion of the four-day regional seminar for Asian Parliamentarians held in Colombo recently, which he attended as the head of a two-member Pakistani delegation alongwith Senator Mir Naseer Mengal.

The seminar, attended by delegates from Pakistan, India, Maldives, Thailand, Bangladesh and host Sri Lanka, was inaugurated by Speaker of the Sri Lankan Parliament Joseph Michael Perera.

Talking to APP here on Sunday, Senator Nisar Memon said that while addressing the seminar, he highlighted the working of PAC and the role of Auditor General of Pakistan.

Mr Nisar said that he informed the seminar participants about the appointment of an ad-hoc Public Accounts Committee by General Musharraf.

He pointed out that the audit reports about cases of gross financial irregularities, culpable negligence and misuse of powers were also brought before the PAC. He said the committee worked close to the democratic norms.

The Senator said that now all the democratically elected institutions were in place, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, and the new PAC would start its work soon.

He said that Mir Naseer Mengal also addressed the seminar and stated that transparency played a key role in the process of eliminating corruption.

According to Mr Nisar, Senator Mengal was of the view that as far as possible, PAC meetings should be open to the press and electronic media to ensure transparency and keep the people aware of its discussions.

Mr Nisar said that at the concluding session, he told the participants that Pakistan was committed to the ideals of democracy, accountability and transparency as these alone could lead to socio-economic justice and strengthening the elected institutions.

He informed the participants of various steps taken by Prime Minister Jamali’s government for strengthening democratic institutions from local and provincial governments to the federal government.

He said that the government was absolutely firm in its commitment to bring sustainable democracy at grass-root level and continuing the reform process, initiated during the last three years.

Senator Nisar Memon said that he highlighted the importance of training for all stake holders and called for developing such training programmes through CPA, where all regional countries should identify institutions which impart relevant training.

Replying to a question, Mr Nisar expressed hope that the World Bank and CPA could come forward for financial assistance in order to support these programmes.

The Senator said that Sri Lankan Minister for Water and Power, Karu Jayasuria informed the delegates that Sri Lanka Parliament had already taken steps to call a meeting of an unofficial committee of members to recommend ways and means of establishing sectoral committees with inputs from professional bodies.—APP