ISLAMABAD, Sep 15 (APP): Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaisar on Wednesday said that incumbent government was committed to strengthen democracy as well as democratic institutions in the country.
He stated this while addressing a ceremony held here in connection with International Democracy Day which is commemorated on 15th September every year.
The Speaker said that protecting citizens' rights and strengthening rule of law is our prime focus. “Today, I urge all democratic leaders to recommit to consolidate democracy by making it more inclusive and responsive to emerging challenges,” he added.
Highlighting the performance of National Assembly, he said, 145 government bills and 58 Ordinances were presented in the House of which 92 were passed while remaining are in different stages.
Speaker National Assembly said that a total of 266 private members’ bills were introduced in the House during the tenure of 15th National Assembly of which 19 bills were passed. He said that passage of 19 private members’ bills are a record in the parliamentary history of the country.
Asad Qaisar said that 2100 questions, 672 resolutions and 1189 calling attention notices were received to National Assembly during this tenure and all were disposed of as per law. He said that 2105 motions under various laws were received to the National Assembly Secretariat which were also settled by incorporating them into parliamentary business.
The speaker in a message in connection with International Democracy Day earlier said that no country could progress without having democratic values. He said that democracy gives the right to people to choose their elected representatives which are responsible for making laws and govern the country.
In order to achieve this objective, it’s the duty of all political parties to shun their differences and join hands to strengthen democratic process in the country, he added.
He also highlighted the contribution of the National Assembly in austerity campaign of the government and said that expenses were reduced during his tenure.
The Speaker said that multiple steps were taken by the incumbent Assembly to resolve the various social issues including of persons with disabilities and effective legislation was made in this regard.
