Mr Soomro briefed the Canadian deputy prime minister on the socio-economic developments in Pakistan. Matters relating to functioning of the senate, process of legislation, working of the senate standing committees and role of women in the national politics also came under discussion.

The acting president said women were playing an important role in legislation as well as politics and that around 44,000 women councillors were also active at the local level.

He said the government was taking all-out steps to ensure better quality of life to the people. He said the process of privatization and deregulation had been successfully carried out with a view to transform the economy on sound footings.

Appreciating the economic assistance provided by Canada, he said Pakistan was an investment-friendly country and there existed vast scope for joint ventures in real estate, housing, information technology and various other sectors.