ISLAMABAD: The speakers of the National Assembly and the Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Legislative Assembly on Thursday agreed to promote parliamentary collaboration and exchange of experiences between the two legislatures.

Speaker of the AJK Legislative Assembly, Chaudhry Latif Akbar, met National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq at the Parliament House.

Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, was also present during the meeting.

Both leaders held a detailed discussion on enhancing parliamentary cooperation, strengthening institutional linkages between the legislative bodies and other matters of mutual interest.

Speaker Sadiq said that the hearts of the people of Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir beat together. He emphasised that close coordination among legislative institutions is vital for strengthening democracy and ensuring effective public representation.

The speaker added that promoting cooperation among legislative bodies remains one of his top priorities.

He appreciated the welfare and development initiatives undertaken by the AJK Legislative Assembly for the well-being of its people, adding that strengthening inter-parliamentary relations would further consolidate cooperation between the two legislatures.

Speaker Akbar lauded Sardar Ayaz Sadiq for conducting the proceedings of the House in an efficient and impartial manner and commended his efforts in fostering parliamentary cooperation. He remarked that the Parliament of Pakistan has always been the true voice of the Kashmiri people, adding that the people of Kashmir take pride in their emotional and ideological bond with Pakistan.

Published in Dawn, November 14th, 2025