ISLAMABAD, Jun 19 (Alliance News): Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq emphasized the importance of enhancing parliamentary cooperation to strengthen ties between Pakistan and the United Kingdom during a meeting with British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Ms. Jane Marriott.
Acknowledging the long-standing friendship between the two countries, the Speaker said that deeper inter-parliamentary engagement is vital for mutual growth.
“Pakistan deeply values its relationship with the UK, and increased cooperation between parliaments will pave the way for shared progress,” he noted.
Highlighting key reforms, Ayaz Sadiq said the Parliament of Pakistan had undergone significant modernization.
“This is the world’s first Green Parliament, powered entirely by solar energy,” he stated. He also shared that more than 60,000 applications were received for the three-month Parliamentary Internship Programme, and over 200 interns were selected through a transparent and inclusive process ensuring gender and minority representation.
He noted that he personally interviewed all National Assembly staff members to improve human resource management. “I’ve met with more than 1,400 employees to understand their concerns and improve their welfare,” he said.
Ayaz Sadiq also discussed ongoing training programs in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for parliamentary staff. “AI comes with challenges, but it offers significant governance benefits,” he added.
Referring to institutional reforms, he highlighted that the Legislative Council continues to support parliamentary committees since its establishment in 2014. “Even Private Members’ Bills, once ignored, are now routinely examined by relevant committees,” he said, adding that the Finance Committee is also reviewing the federal budget for the first time, enhancing parliamentary oversight.
The Speaker underlined the need to address pressing issues such as population growth and socio-economic disparities through coordinated policy efforts.
He also briefed the High Commissioner on the successful 18th Speakers’ Conference and the creation of the Association of Public Accounts Committees (PACs), a major step toward institutional collaboration across federal and provincial levels.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s policy of peace, Ayaz Sadiq referred to the country’s recent success in countering aggression. “Peace is crucial because in any conflict, it is the common citizen who suffers most,” he remarked.
High Commissioner Jane Marriott praised Speaker Sadiq’s inclusive approach, particularly his commitment to involving all political parties in the legislative process.
She appreciated Pakistan’s steps toward sustainability and offered continued UK support in education, climate resilience, and social development.
