Pakistan elected as head of Asia-Pacific Group of Inter Parliamentary Union

DOHA: For the first time in the history, Pakistan has been chosen as head of the 34-member Asia-Pacific Group of Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Doha on Tuesday.

According to the detail, National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser has been chosen as president of the Asia-Pacific Group of Inter Parliamentary Union for one year term.

A seven member joint parliamentary delegation, led by the Speaker National Assembly Asad Qaiser visited Doha to attend 140th IPU’s General Assembly.

In another major development, Pakistan’s Sher Ali Arbab was elected to the Standing Committee on Peace and International Security, Shazia Marri was chosen to sit on the high level advisory group of the IPU on countering terrorism and violent extremism as well as on the standing committee on sustainable development, finance and trade, while Senator Shahzaib Durrani was elected to the bureau of the young parliamentarians forum.

Earlier, National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser, on April 8, had declared dynamic parliament guarantee for peace and prosperity in any country.

Addressing the 140th General Assembly of the Inter Parliamentary Union in Doha, Asad Qaiser had said proactive institutions ensured economic growth and stability in a country.

The speaker had said that Pakistan condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and added that they had been fighting against the menace of terrorism for last two decades. Asad Qaiser had said that Pakistan had rendered unmatched sacrifices in war against terrorism and lost over 60,000 citizens.