Islamabad: In a recent meeting at Parliament House, Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq emphasized that enhancing parliamentary cooperation is essential for strengthening the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. He highlighted the deep value Pakistan places on its longstanding ties with the UK, noting that stronger inter-parliamentary engagement is crucial for shared progress. The remarks were made during a meeting with the British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Ms. Jane Marriott.
Speaker Sadiq pointed to a series of structural reforms aimed at modernizing the Parliament. He noted that Pakistan’s Parliament is the first in the world to achieve complete solarization, becoming a Green Parliament. Additionally, he mentioned a significant response to the Parliamentary Internship Programme, which received over 60,000 applications. More than 200 interns were selected through a merit-based, gender-inclusive process that ensured representation from minority groups and major universities.
The Speaker also shared his hands-on approach to resource management, as he personally interviewed the entire staff of the National Assembly. This included meeting with over 1,400 employees to address their concerns and ensure their welfare. Furthermore, parliamentary staff are being trained in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Information and Communication Technology (ICT), highlighting the potential benefits of AI for governance despite its challenges.
Sadiq outlined the role of the Legislative Council, established in 2014, in strengthening parliamentary committees. Technical staff have been assigned to assist these committees, and he noted that Private Members’ Bills are now receiving more attention. Legislative proposals are shared across party lines to promote inclusive scrutiny.
For the first time, the National Assembly’s Finance Committee is conducting a review of the federal budget for 2025-26, reflecting enhanced institutional oversight. Sadiq also identified population growth and socio-economic disparities as pressing challenges requiring coordinated policy responses.
The Speaker briefed Ms. Marriott on the successful 18th Speakers’ Conference, which aimed to harmonize legislative efforts between federal and provincial legislatures. He also highlighted the formation of an Association of Public Accounts Committees (PACs) as a milestone for coordination between the National and Provincial Assemblies.
Sadiq reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace and restraint, citing a recent victory in the conflict with India. He stressed that global peace is essential, as conflicts and war primarily affect the common man.
British High Commissioner Ms. Jane Marriott commended the Speaker for his inclusive approach to the legislative process and praised Pakistan’s sustainability initiatives. She emphasized the importance of sharing parliamentary experiences to strengthen lawmaking and reaffirmed the UK’s ongoing support to Pakistan in education, climate resilience, and social development.