Balance of power shifting from West to East: Mushahid

Date : May 17, 2013

Chairman Senate Standing Committee on Defence and Defence Production Senator Mushahid Hussain Sayed has said that international transformation is taking place and consequently the balance of economic, political and cultural power is shifting from West to East and this is high time that we must utilize this opportunity for making 21st century an Asian century.

He was expressing these views in a meeting with a group of 39 mid carrier foreign diplomats from Asia and African region at Parliament House here Thursday. The foreign diplomats were given comprehensive briefing regarding the role of the Parliament particularly Senate by special Secretary Senate, Amjad Pervaiz.

He informed the participants that Parliament in Pakistan has played significant role in strengthening democracy and its continuity as depicted by holding of recent general elections in the country and peaceful transition from one democratically elected government to another democratically elected government.

This transition is indeed milestone in our chequered political history where political process was hindered time and again by military intervention. He told the delegates that in Pakistan President, National Assembly and Senate make up the Parliament and plays significant roles like legislation, accountability and policy guidance. He told the delegates that oversight role of Parliament over executive is increasing which will definitely lead to improved governance in the country.

Parliament has given foreign policy guidelines particularly vis-à-vis US and Nato. He told the diplomats that we have established Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services that provides training and support to legislatures in order to facilitate their legislative work. Senate Committees are mini legislatures and are playing proactive role in legislative business, accountability and oversight and policy guidance to the concerned ministries.

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By: Pakistan Observer