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KP Assembly, Ombudsperson Secretariat sign MoU for improved coordination
PROVINCE REPORT
PESHAWAR: The Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Provincial Ombudsperson Secretariat, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing institutional coordination, strengthening collaboration, and improving mechanisms for effective public grievance redressal across the province.
The MoU was formally signed by Mr. Syed Wiqar Shah, Secretary, Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on behalf of the Assembly, while Ms. Rubab Mehdi, Provincial Ombudsperson (Khatoon Mohtasib), signed on behalf of the Ombudsperson Secretariat.
The agreement establishes a structured framework for cooperation between both institutions, focusing on legislative support, policy input, information sharing, and coordinated engagement on matters of mutual interest, particularly related to good governance, administrative justice, and citizens’ rights protection.
Under the MoU, both sides will promote consultation on statutes of mutual interest, including laws related to women’s rights, workplace protection, harassment prevention, and other public welfare legislations. The collaboration will also support parliamentary forums such as the Women Parliamentary Caucus and other institutional platforms to strengthen inclusive governance.
The agreement further emphasizes the importance of capacity building, awareness campaigns, and technical cooperation to improve service delivery, transparency, and accountability within public sector institutions.
It has been agreed that all formal communications under the MoU will be routed through designated focal persons, ensuring proper documentation and institutional record-keeping, while maintaining respect for the independence and constitutional roles of both institutions.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing public trust, promoting responsive governance, and ensuring timely and effective redressal of citizens’ grievances in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
National
Chinese Delegation Meets Senate Chairman at Parliament House
PROVINCE REPORT
ISLAMABAD: Chairman Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, on Wednesday, welcomed a high-level delegation led by Cai Dafeng, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) of China, during an important meeting held at Parliament House, Islamabad.
During the meeting, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani emphasised that the enduring friendship between Pakistan and China remained a cornerstone for peace, stability, development, and prosperity in the region.
He noted that the completion of 75 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries reflected the historic and time-tested bond shared by the peoples of Pakistan and China.
Highlighting the significance of parliamentary diplomacy, the Chairman of the Senate said that parliamentary exchanged and institutional cooperation between the Senate of Pakistan and the National People’s Congress of China were playing a pivotal role in further strengthening bilateral relations.
He stressed that sustained engagement between lawmakers of both countries would deepen mutual understanding and enhance cooperation across multiple sectors.
Gilani observed that Pakistan-China relations were founded on mutual trust, respect, goodwill, and unwavering support for each other’s core interests. Recalling his numerous visits to China while serving in different national capacities, he said he had the privilege of meeting Chinese leadership, including the President, Prime Minister, and senior ministers, while also visiting various regions of China. He added that these engagements led to several important agreements aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Referring to the historic foundations of Pakistan-China friendship, Gilani stated that visionary leaders, including Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Mao Zedong, and Zhou Enlai laid the strong foundation of this iron-clad friendship, which continues to grow stronger with every passing generation.
The Chairman Senate underscored that China remained Pakistan’s closest friend and most reliable strategic partner, while Pakistan highly valued China’s consistent support at regional and international forums. He highlighted that cooperation in trade, economy, culture, infrastructure development, and connectivity has significantly contributed to regional progress.
Focusing on future cooperation, he reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to further strengthening collaboration under the framework of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
He stated that Pakistan sought enhanced cooperation with China in agriculture, energy, mining, education, information technology, green technology, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, fintech, agri-tech, and the Digital China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) initiative.
He termed CPEC the cornerstone of Pakistan-China strategic partnership and reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to transform the corridor into a hub of innovation, sustainable development, and economic prosperity. He further welcomed increased Chinese investment in Special Economic Zones and environmentally sustainable projects.
Gilani also highlighted the importance of people-to-people contacts, cultural exchanges, and parliamentary engagement in further consolidating bilateral ties. He remarked that his long political experience had convinced him that stronger public and parliamentary connections were essential for taking Pakistan-China friendship to new heights.
Discussing regional and international affairs, the Chairman reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to peace and dialogue. He said that Pakistan continued to play a constructive role in promoting regional stability and reducing tensions, including efforts aimed at de-escalation in the Middle East. He emphasised that Pakistan believed all disputes should be resolved through diplomacy and negotiations.
The Chairman of the Senate further noted that Pakistan-China defense cooperation serves as a symbol of mutual trust and contributes significantly to peace, stability, and security in the region.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chairman NPC Standing Committee, Cai Dafeng, thanked Chairman of the Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani and members of the Senate for the warm welcome accorded to the Chinese delegation. He stated that China attached great importance to its brotherly relations with Pakistan and remained committed to enhancing cooperation in diplomatic, parliamentary, economic, and development sectors.
Cai Dafeng appreciated the unanimous support expressed by Pakistan’s Upper House for Pakistan-China friendship and emphasised that parliamentary forums could play a crucial role in addressing global challenges through dialogue and cooperation.
The meeting was attended by prominent parliamentarians and officials, including Sherry Rehman, Saleem Mandviwalla, Rana Sanaullah, Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, Romina Khurshid Alam, and Jiang Zaidong, among others.
