ISLAMABAD, Jan 10: Canada has offered training and research facilities to Pakistani legislators to improve their efficiency and build capacity as members of the Senate and National Assembly.

The offer came during a meeting of a seven-member parliamentary delegation from Canadian House of Commons led by Speaker Peter Milliken with Chairman Senate Mohammedmian Soomro here on Monday.

Mr Milliken welcomed the re-entry of Pakistan in the Commonwealth and the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). He described the exchange of parliamentary delegations as beneficial for enhancing understanding of each others institutions as well as the system.

The speaker of the Canadian House of Commons appreciated the efforts of the government for strengthening democracy and democratic institutions in the country. The chairman Senate briefed the delegation on the system, operations, functions and procedures of the democratic institutions, particularly the Senate.

Mr Soomro also apprised the Canadian speaker of the structure, election, constitution, operating procedure, powers and responsibilities of the Senate standing committees.

He informed the visitors that an all-time high 33 per cent representation had been given to women in the local bodies while a significant number of women were elected as members of the Senate and National Assembly.

He said the present parliament had the most educated people as graduation had been made mandatory for contesting elections under new laws. Mr Soomro also spoke about the role of the opposition parties in the parliament, particularly the Senate, and added that the opposition members were given due time for debate on various issues and in legislative business before the passage of any bill. -APP