Dr.

Fahmida Mirza

Dr. Fahmida Mirza was born on December 20th, 1956. She is the first woman Speaker of
the National Assembly of Pakistan. She is a medical doctor, agriculturist from
Hyderabad, Sindh, she was elected as The Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan
on March 19, 2008. She is also the first female Parliamentary Speaker in the Muslim
world.

She has been elected to Parliament for three consecutive terms in 1997, 2002 and 2008 as
MNA from Badin district, in South Eastern region of Sindh province.

Dr. Mirza graduated with a medical degree (MBBS) from Liaquat Medical College,
Jamshoro, Sindh, in 1982 and did her house job (residency) in gynaecology and
paediatrics. The Liaqat Medical Collecge (LMC) is now called Liaqat Medical
University

Dr. Fahmida Mirza is Confident and committed to serve the nation and democracy, she
reached the highest honor when she was accorded reverence by 249 members out of 324
to elect her as the first woman Speaker to the National Assembly of Pakistan.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza is the Daughter of Qazi Abdul Majid Abid. She did her matriculation
form St Mary’s Convent, Hyderabad, in 1972 and Intermediate in 1974 from Nazareth
College Hyderabad. Fahmida Mirza did her MBBS from Liaqat Medical College,
Jamshoro in 1982 and also passed Sindh Public Service Commission examination in
1983. Fehmida Mirza had been medical practitioner in MCH Centre and then served at
School Health Centre from 1983 to 1989.

Later she opted for running family business and served as Director of Mirza Sugar Mills
and later was appointed as Chief Executive Officer of the same Mill.

Her family has contributed to the political and social development of both Sindh and
Pakistan for years.

Her grandfather Qazi Abdul Qayyum was the first Muslim President of Hyderabad
Municipality and uncle Qazi Muhammad Akbar was a member of the Provincial
Assembly and served as a minister for home, finance , public works and information at
various times.
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

Dr. Mirza’s father Qazi Abid started his political career as Chairman Hyderabad Division
Council. He later served as Federal Minister for Education, Water and Power, Food and
Agriculture and Information. He also served thrice as Secretary General of the APNS.

Dr Fehmida Mirza is married to Dr. Zulfiqar Mirza, a former MNA and recently elected
MPA & Home minister for the Sindh Provice. She has four children.

In an Interview she expressed following views.

Q: What was the secret behind your success in 2008 elections?

When my husband was elected to serve the same constituency in the ‘93 elections, he
contributed a lot towards the development of Badin. When I was elected in the ‘97 polls,
I was in the opposition, and despite political victimisation managed to address Badin’s
problems in parliament. Whenever PPP candidates are elected they never fail to serve
their people. That is why our vote bank always remains strong.

Q: What will you do to secure women’s rights?

I will ensure that no discriminatory laws against women are implemented in the future.
Making people aware of women’s rights and empowering women economically are
priorities on my agenda. I am not sure whether I will be able to achieve what I want, but I
have a desire to bring about change, which is something I cannot say about some of our
former politicians.

ISLAMABAD, March 19: The new National

Assembly on Wednesday elected its first woman
speaker and her deputy with more than two-thirds
majority, giving the future ruling coalition full
control of the lower house ahead of a looming
parliamentary confrontation with President Pervez
Musharraf.

The choice, by secret ballot, of Speaker Dr

Fehmida Mirza and Deputy Speaker Faisal Karim
Kundi, both from the Pakistan People’s Party,
against joint opposition candidates in the
assembly’s first vote two days after its
inauguration was hailed by parliamentary group
leaders as a historic event in a still incomplete
transition from more than eight years of military-led rule to democracy.

Dr Mirza won by 249 to 70 votes of Sardar Israr Tareen of the previously ruling Pakistan
Muslim League, and Mr Kundi polled 246 votes against 68 of Khushbakht Shujaat of the
Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM).
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

A candidate needed only a simple majority of the votes cast to win, but the votes polled
by the two winners were more than two-thirds of the 342-seat house required for a
constitutional amendment and more than total 228 of the PPP-led four-party coalition,
indicating that most of 10 independents from the Federally Administered Tribal Areas
and some members of former ruling and present opposition alliance also voted for the
coalition candidates.

Political sources said the vote could be a dreadful warning for President Musharraf about
the future alignments in parliament while the new rulers were likely to turn their attention
to what is now only a slender majority of his loyalists in the 100-seat Senate, with the
aim of winning majority there to be able of pass any ordinary legislation or a two-thirds
majority for a constitutional amendment.

A two-thirds majority of the total members of both the houses can impeach the president
in a joint session called by the National Assembly speaker and two-thirds majorities in
each house can amend the Constitution to clip the controversial presidential powers to
sack a prime minister, dissolve the National Assembly and appoint provincial governors
and armed forces’ chiefs.

However, the nearest challenge to a powerful but politically isolated president will be a
pledge by the PPP and its main coalition partner, the Pakistan Muslim League-N, to get a
resolution passed by the National Assembly within 30 days of their government to restore
about 60 judges of superior courts who were sacked under the controversial Nov 3, 2007,
emergency.

Power struggle

Wednesday’s historic election of the first woman as the country’s parliamentary speaker
remained clouded by a bitter power struggle within the PPP over its choice of the next
prime minister who too must come from the party under its power-sharing agreement
with other winners of the Feb 18 general election.

Just after the voting ended in a packed National Assembly hall, the PPP added a new
drama to the controversy by announcing that its boy chairman Bilawal Zardari Bhutto,
rather than his father and effective leader as co-chairman Asif Ali Zardari, would
announce the party’s candidate for the post of prime minister.

PPP vice-chairman Makhdoom Amin Fahim, who is also president of the party’s
electoral arm of PPP Parliamentarians, told reporters that he continued to be in the race
for prime minister undeterred by speculation that the choice of the National Assembly
speaker from his home province of Sindh and the deputy speaker from the NWFP could
hit his chances in favour of any hopeful from the most populous Punjab province.

He dismissed the speculation by citing the pre-Musharraf government when both then
prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his hand-picked president Mohammad Rafiq Tarar
were from the Punjab.
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

The speaker’s election was conducted by Chaudhry Amir Hussain as his last act as the
PML speaker of the previous assembly whose term was marked by frequent opposition
protests against a perceived partisan attitude and two failed opposition no-confidence
moves.

One majority coalition figure, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, failed to vote in the election for
the new speaker and arrived in the house just before the result was announced.

It was not immediately known whether the Maulana’s absence, as of at least three other
members, was a coincidence or a deliberate avoidance of voting for a woman due to any
religious reservations as he did cast his vote in the election for deputy speaker although
the coalition candidate was the man who defeated the MMA leader on Feb 18 in his
home constituency in Dera Ismail Khan.

Responding to welcoming speeches of party and group leaders in the house, Dr Mirza
told a news conference afterwards that she would treat members from treasury and
opposition benches equally in conducting business of the house in accordance with the
Constitution and rules of the business. She said considerations of party affiliation had
ended with her election as speaker.

PROMOTION OF EDUCATION, TOP PRIORITY OF THE PRESENT

GOVERNMENT: SAYS NA SPEAKER

Islamabad October 4, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker has urged the nation to pledge
for enhancing the respect and dignity of teachers in the society as ordained by our
religious, social and cultural values. She said that we should take all measures to restore
dignity, honour and respect of the teachers in society to promote education in real sense.
She said this in her message on World’s Teachers Day observed worldwide under the
auspices of United Nation on 5th October.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that teachers are the greatest builders because they give vision
and direction to the youth who are future of a nation. She said that the teachers serve as a
guide to deliver people from darkness of ignorance, show them the light of knowledge
and help put nation on the path of development and progress. The teachers besides
teaching, also concentrate on promoting wisdom, integrity, character and tolerance
among the students so that they could become good citizens, she added.

The Speaker said that a nation can only prosper if it gives due respect and honour to its
teachers. She regretted that in the past teachers had been neglected in our society. She
assured the teaching community that they were important members of the society. He
said teaching has been universally acclaimed as one of the noblest of professions.

She said that promotion of education was top priority of the present government and had
taken a number of initiatives for the uplift of education in the country including welfare
of teachers by enhancing the pays of the teachers, allocation of substantial funds for the
establishment of educational institutions and provision of free books to the students. She
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

called upon the civil society organizations and individuals to come forward and
supplement the efforts of the government in this noble cause. She also urged the teachers
to work hard and acquire the latest knowledge and skills in order to better guide and train
the students so that they could play an effective role in nation building.

N A SPEAKER CONDEMNS INCIDENT OF ACID THROWING

Islamabad; September 29, 2009. Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has
strongly condemned the incident of acid throwing on a young girl named Noreen of
Narangwal, District Faisalabad, yesterday.

Condemning the incident, the Speaker said that the acid throwing on the young girl was
an inhuman and shameful act and highly condemnable. She said that no civilized society
can allow such incidents unchecked and unpunished. She said that the acid throwing was
reflection of the ignorance and barbarity that needed instant elimination.

The Speaker called upon the concern authorities to provide all necessary medical
assistance to the victim and apprehend the culprit involved in this heinous crime and
bring him to justice.

She sympathized with the victim and her family and prayed for her early recovery.

NA SPEAKER AND DEPUTY SPEAKER FELICITATES NATION ON EID-UL-

FITR

Islamabad September 19, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has
extended her warm greetings to the Muslim Parliamentarians and fellow countrymen on
the auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr falling on 21st September, 2009.

In her message, Speaker National Assembly said that she felicitates her elders, brothers,
sisters and children on the joyous occasion of Eid. “We are thankful to Allah Almighty
who gave us the opportunity to keep fasts, offer prayers and help our needy brothers and
sisters during the month of Ramzan” the Speaker said.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that the Eid day brings happiness for us; however the true joy
relates with taking care of the needs of our poor brothers and sisters and to include them
in our pleasures. Our acts should help smoothen the social irregularities and promote the
spirit of sacrifice, mutual harmony and fraternity. Only then we can provide strong
foundation for the establishment of a welfare Islamic society, she said.

She said that on this day let us renew our pledge and pray for the prosperity and
development of entire Muslim Ummah. She prayed to Allah Almighty to guide all the
Muslims to us chose right path and help them follow the true spirit of Islam and protect
them from every evil. “May Allah help and protect us all. Amen”, she added.
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

The Madam Speaker called upon the nation to stand united on every issue of national
importance and support the democratically elected government so that it can prove before
the world that we are alive nation with determination, unity and will power.

Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National assembly has extended eid mubarak to his
fellow parliamentarians and the nation on Eid-ul-Fitr. He said that he felt very much
honored in extending his warm felicitations to the entire nation and his fellow
parliamentarians. He termed Eid-ul-Fitr a day to express gratitude before Allah Almighty
for his blessings at the end of Ramazan-ul-Mubarak. He called for sharing the joys of Eid
with the needy and marginalized segments of the society.

NA SPEAKER AND DEPUTY SPEAKER CONDEMN THE SUICIDEL BOMB

BLAST IN KOHAT

Islamabad; September 18, 2009. Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi,
Deputy Speaker National Assembly have strongly condemned suicidel bomb blast in
Kohat and expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives.

In their separate messages, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker termed the blast a barbaric
act of terrorism, which reflected inhuman and callous nature of the perpetrators. They
said that the elements involved in such cowardice act were the enemies of the country
and brought bad name to Islam and they will not succeed in their nefarious design. They
called upon the law enforcing agencies to apprehend the criminals involved in this act of
terrorism and bring them to justice.

The Speaker and Deputy Speaker prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the souls of the
victims in eternal peace and grant the bereaved families the courage to bear the
irreparable loss. They also sympathized with the injured and their families and prayed for
their speedy recovery.

DEMOCRACY INEVITABLE FOR PEACE, STABILITY AND

DEVELOPMENT: SAYS DR. FEHMIDA MIRZA

Islamabad, September 14, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza has said that political leadership
should forge unity and join hands in order to take Pakistan out of the present quagmire.
She said that democracy is inevitable for peace, stability and development of the country.
She said this in her statement on the International Democracy Day being commemorated
worldwide under the auspicious of United Nations on Tuesday 15th September.

The Speaker said that democracy was a universal value, based on the freely expressed
will of the people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural system
and their full participation in all aspects of life. In order to achieve this objective, it is
incumbent upon the political leadership to shun their political differences and join hands
to strengthen the democratic process in the country.
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

Dr. Fehmida Mirza stressing the continued need for promotion of democratization and
development of the political system in the country said that democracy, peace,
development and respect for human rights are inter-dependent phenomena and therefore,
it is imperative for democracy to flourish. She said that the people’s participation in
the affairs of the country would ensure fundamental independence, equality,
achievements of the needs of the people and restoration of law and order.

She said that involvement of the people in public affairs of the country ensures basic
freedom and equality, fulfillment of the needs of people and preserve or restore peace.
The Speaker said that the ultimate goal of democracy is to preserve and promote the
dignity and fundamental rights of the individuals, to achieve social justice, foster the
economic and social development of the community; strengthen the cohesion of society
and building a propitious environment for international peace. She said that continuous
electoral process ensures a democratic dispensation in the country.

Paying rich tributes to Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, the Speaker said, she
embraced martyrdom in her struggle for restoration of democracy and rights of the
people. She said her mission would be carried forward by the present democratic
dispensation in the country.

MINISTER FOR INTERIOR, REHMAN MALIK CALLS ON SPEAKER NA

Islamabad
September
7, 2009: The
NA Speaker
Dr. Fehmida
Mirza has
said that
security and
law & order
was the
prime
concern of
the
democratic
government
and all efforts being made to ensure the country’s security were having the full support of
the parliament. Speaking to the Minister for Interior, Rehman Malik who called on her in
the Parliament House today, the Speaker said that peace and security was a must for
country’s progress and therefore should be ensured at all cost.

The Speaker said that the parliament has already passed unanimous resolutions regarding
the security issues. She said that the recommendations of the Parliamentary Committee
on security and passage of unanimous resolution regarding military action in Swat
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

proved very helpful for restoration of peace and security in the country. She appreciated
the velour and sacrifices of the security forces in the war against terrorism.

Interior Minister, Rehman Malik briefed the Madam Speaker about the security situation
in the country. The Minister apprised the Speaker about the successes of the security
forces in Swat and tribal areas. He said that security and law & order situation in the
troubled areas today was totally different then it was 3 months back. He said that most of
the IDPs have returned to their homes and they were helping the security forces in
maintaining law & order there. He also apprised the Speaker about the security measures
in Islamabad and the Parliament House.

WPC WILL HOLD NATIONAL WOMEN CONVENTION FROM 30TH OCT TO

1ST NOV

Islamabad September 7, 2009: Working Council of Women Parliamentary Caucus will

hold a National Women Convention in Islamabad on Oct 30th to November 1st, 2009,
with the theme “role of women parliamentarians in peace building and reconciliation”.
The decision was made in a meeting of Working Council of the Women Parliamentary
Caucus held in the Parliament House today. Chairing meeting of the Working Council of
WPC,
the

Speaker National Assembly, Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that women empowerment was
essential for development and prosperity as well as strengthening of democracy in the
country. She said that women folk consisted of more than 50 % of the country’s
population and could play a decisive role in country’s prosperity and progress.

She said that the Women Caucus in the Parliament was playing active role in
empowerment of the women and was instrumental in making legislation for their
protection. She said that the role of Women Caucus would be extended to all the four
provinces and AJK and Gilgit Baltistan, adding that the ambit of the Caucus would
further be extended to regional states at appropriate time.

The Working Council of the Women Parliamentary Caucus decided to hold a National
Women Convention on 30th October to 1st November, 2009 in Islamabad with the theme
“Role of Women Parliamentarians in peace building and reconciliation”.
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

Briefing the meeting of the Working Council, the Secretary General, Women’s
Parliamentary Caucus, Miss Nafisa Shah informed that the convention will be an
opportunity for parliamentarians and human rights activist of the country and the region
to speak their voice and channelize their energies for the better and effective role for the
reconciliation and peace and prosperity of the country and the region. She said that
during the three days convention, various sessions will be held on the issues relating to
peace, security and protection of women rights. She said that separate session on the
women IDPs and Benazir Income Support Programme will also be held during the
convention.

She said that the convention is being held at the time that coincides with the 10th
anniversary of the UN Security Council Resolution on “Role of women in conflict and
peace keeping” that was moved by Pakistan in the year 2000.

LITERACY NOT JUST READING, WRITING – ‘IT IS ABOUT RESPECT,

OPPORTUNITY AND
DEVELOPMENT’: SAYS NA SPEAKER

Islamabad September 7, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has said
that Literacy was imperative for sustainable human development in today’s complex and
fast-changing societies. Therefore, we should strengthen our commitment to promoting
global literacy and to back this support with the resources needed to achieve real
progress. She said that in her message on the International Literacy Day being
commemorated worldwide under the auspices of United Nation on 8 September. She said
that this day serves us an opportunity to renew our international obligation and put the
spotlight on the empowering role of literacy and its importance for participation,
citizenship and development.

She said that literacy is not just about reading and writing, it is about self-respect and
human dignity and about opportunities that give hope to individuals, families,
communities and entire societies. Literacy, an integral part of the right to education, has
shown itself time and time again to be a vital tool of empowerment. It is time for the right
to education of all persons, of whatever
age, to be realized in practice in order to help eradicate extreme poverty and increases
opportunities besides promoting gender equality and environmental sustainability, she
said.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that despite the fact that education and knowledge are the
necessary passports to a better life, the scale of illiteracy is truly staggering. It is really
astonishing that more than 800 million adults -- most of them women -- have no secure
command of the fundamentals of literacy, millions of children are not in school and even
for those who get a start
on their education, drop-out rates are very high. She said that “even the simplest
acquisition of literacy can have a profoundly empowering effect personally, socially and
politically”.
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

She said that we should focus on the empowering role of literacy since literacy gives
people tools with which to improve their livelihoods, participate in community decision-
making, gain access to information about health care, and much else besides. Above all,
it enables individuals to realize their rights as citizens and human beings, she added.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza called upon provincial and local governments, international
organizations, civil society organizations and the private sector to give renewed attention
and support to literacy as a vital instrument for achieving sustainable development
especially in the rural areas. She said that each of us can make a contribution and all can
be part of the solution.

NATION NEEDS COURAGE AND VALOR OF SEPTEMBER 1965 TO

CONFRONT THE PRESENT DAY CHALLENGES: SAYS NA SPEAKER

Islamabad September 6, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has said
that the nation was confronting with many challenges and it needed the spirit of 6th
September 1965 to face and fight these challenges successfully. In her message to the
nation on Defense Day, being celebrated today, the Speaker said that it reminds us of the
resolve and the courage displayed by the country Armed Forces and the people of
Pakistan while defending their country during 1965 War against India.

The Speaker said that on that day the courageous soldiers of Pakistan defeated the
numerically superior enemy and proved their worth for defense of the motherland. The
Nation will always remember the unprecedented bravery and supreme sacrifices of the
armed forces of the country she said.

The Speaker said that today the country was facing the threat of terrorism and extremism.
This time the enemy is from within us and more dangerous but on this occasion too, the
armed forces exhibited the same valour. The timely and prompt action of the armed
forces backed by the resolve of the people of Pakistan has defeated terrorism, she added.

The Speaker said that today the nation needed the same unity and the spirit of September
1965 to resolve the problems it was confronting.

NA SPEAKER AND DEPUTY SPEAKER CONDOLE THE DEATH OF

BROTHER OF DR. ZAHEER-U-DIN BABAR AWAN, FEDERAL MINISTER
FOR PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS

Islamabad, September 05, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi,
Deputy Speaker National Assembly have expressed grief over the sad demise of Khalid
Mehmood Awan, elder brother of Dr. Zaheer-u-Din Babar Awan, Federal Minister for
Parliamentary Affairs.
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

In their separate messages, the Madam Speaker and the Deputy Speaker have prayed to
Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to the
bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss with equanimity.

NA SPEAKER AND DEPUTY SPEAKER CONDEMN ATTACK ON HAMID

SAEED KAZMI, FEDERAL MINISTER FOR RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS

Islamabad: September 2, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi,
Deputy Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan have condemned the incident of firing on
Hamid Saeed Kazmi, Federal Minister for Religious Affairs.

In their separate messages, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker said that the assassination
attempt on Hamid Saeed Kazmi was conspiracy against the Islam and Democracy. The
elements behind the incident wanted to weaken the democratic process and peace in the
country but they will not succeed in their nefarious designs. They expressed hope that
miscreants involved in the incident will be apprehended and punished according the law
of the country.

SAUDI AMBASSADOR CALLS ON SPEAKER NA

Dr. Fahmida Mirza

Islamabad: August 26, 2009: Pakistan values high its relations with Saudi Arabia and
both the countries
are tied in the eternal
bonds of religion,
history and culture.
Saudi Arabia has
always supported
Pakistan in difficult
times and is expected
to play a leading role
in Friends of Democratic Pakistan forum. These views were expressed by Dr. Fehmida
Mirza, Speaker National Assembly, while talking to H.E Abdul Aziz Alghadeer,
Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who called on her in Parliament House,
today.

The Madam Speaker said that Pakistan wanted stability and peace in the region because
it was necessary for prosperity and development of the region. She said that the menace
of extremism and terrorism has adversely effected
the region’s progress, and needed collective efforts
to overcome it. She appreciated the Saudi
Arabia’s role for peace and stability in the region.

The Madam Speaker said that democracy in

Pakistan was flourishing and there was unanimity
of views of all political forces on issues of national
importance. She said that the adoption of
unanimous resolution by all political parties on the
issues of national security and curbing terrorism
was a land mark achievement of the Parliament. The Speaker underlined the need for
greater exchange of parliamentary delegations of both the countries for strengthening
relations and establishing people to people contacts.
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

The Saudi Ambassador, Abdul Aziz Alghadeer said that his government wanted Pakistan
to prosper and develop. The Ambassador stressed the need for spreading the true
message of Islam for curbing extremism and terrorism. He assured Madam Speaker of
his country’s support in all sectors of the economy.

PAKISTAN NEEDS SUPPORT TO STRENGTHEN DEMOCRACY: SPEAKER

NA

Islamabad; August 24, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has said
that despite many
challenges, the new
democratic set up in
Pakistan was moving
forward with great
success. She said this
while talking to
Kenneth Wollack,
President and Ms.
Sheila Fruman,
Country Director of
the National
Democratic Institute
of America, who called on her in the Parliament House today.

The Speaker said that Pakistan was facing challenges like terrorism, extremism, poverty,
illiteracy, inflation and energy shortages but the country was moving in the right
direction and was successfully resolving the problems confronting it. She said that the
war against extremism has caused great human crisis of IDPs that needed immediate
rehabilitation.

The Speaker said Pakistan needed support of the international community to strengthen
democracy, alleviate poverty and improve social well being of the people. The Speaker
expressed her gratitude for US Government support for strengthening of democratic
institutions in Pakistan and expressed hope that US will continue its support in this
regard.

The Speaker said that women representation in public affairs was central to the
functioning and strengthening of democracy and struggle against oppression. She said
that the women were sufficiently represented in the Parliament in Pakistan and their
performance in the Parliament was encouraging. She said that a women parliamentary
caucus has been formed with the objectives of protecting women rights in the country.
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

The President of the National Democratic Institute of America, Kenneth Wollack, while
talking on the occasion said that US wanted long term relations with Pakistan. He said
that US wanted Pakistan a prosperous and peaceful democratic country.

He underlined the need for enhanced interaction between the parliamentarians of the two
countries. He assured his country committed support to Madam Speaker to strengthen
parliament and democratic institutions in Pakistan.

NA SPEAKER AND DEPUTY SPEAKER CONDOLE THE DEATH OF LT. GEN

(R) CH. IFTIKHAR ALI KHAN BROTHER OF CH.NISAR ALI KHAN,
OPPOSITION LEADER IN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Islamabad: August 22, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi,
Deputy Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan, have expressed grief and sorrow over
the sad demise of Lt. Gen. (R) Ch. Iftikhar Ali Khan, brother of Ch. Nisar Ali Khan,
Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly.

In their separate condolence messages to Ch. Nisar Ali Khan, the Speaker and Deputy
Speaker said that Lt. Gen. (R) Ch. Iftikhar Ali Khan was a thorough professional and
brave soldier who always served the country with devotions and dedications. His
services for the defence of the country will be remembered for a long to come. They
prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage to
the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

DR. FEHMIDA MIRZA CONGRATULATES NATION ON ADVENT OF

RAMAZAN

Islamabad August 22, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has
congratulated the nation on advent of Ramazan on Sunday 23rd August, 2009. In her
message to the nation, the Speaker said that she was pleased to extend warm felicitation
to all fellow citizens, many happy returns on the occasion of the arrival of blessed month
of Ramazan.

She said that this month arrives to purify souls and replenish them with faith, piety and
readiness for the life, thereafter. She said that this magnanimous month comes to
discipline the souls for tolerance, humanity and shunning of haughtiness. She said that
we should all plead to Almighty Allah for compassion and mercy, salvation from
misdeeds, strength to recite and understand Quran and teaching of Holy Prophet
(PBUH).

The Speaker said that in this holy month, Allah may grant us all stronger faith, manifest
expression of brotherhood, affection, adherence to Islam and philanthropy making us all
one entity.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza urged upon all the Pakistanis to share the joys and bounties of this
holy month with our brethren in distress of FATA and Swat who have been displaced
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

from their homes due the activities of mislead and deviant elements in the society. She
prayed to Almighty to enable all of us to do what he is pleased with, bless Pakistan with
peace, security and stability and eliminate extremism and terrorism from the country.

NA SPEAKER CHAIRING MEETING OF WORKING COUNCIL OF WOMEN

PARLIAMENTARY CAUCUS

Islamabad August 18, 2009: The Speaker National Assembly, Dr. Fehmida Mirza has

said that war on terrorism and extremism had created great humanitarian crisis in the
effected areas and has dislocated millions of people whose rehabilitation was the
responsibility of the government, international community and the civil society. She said
this while chairing the meeting of the General Assembly of Women Parliamentary
Caucus (WPC) in the Parliament House today.

The Speaker said that the military action in

the area had the backing of the entire nation
and the parliament has adopted a unanimous
resolution in this regard. She said that peace
was the most wanted thing by the people that
has returned to the area now and the
economic activities as usual were being
restored there. The Speaker also introduced
the 1st born girl baby in IDPs Camp in Swabi
who was named as Amn, to the members of
WPC. The baby was adopted by the Speaker
till the rehabilitation of the family in Buner.
The gesture was widely lauded by the caucus.

The Madam Speaker said that financial

independence of women was a must for their
empowerment and appropriate legislation to
the effect was under consideration. She said
that legislation will be done for making the
Women Bank more effective and a branch of
the Bank will be opened in the Parliament
House too. Besides announcing to open her
account, the Speaker also urged the Women
Parliamentarians to open their accounts in
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

Women Bank. She said that soon after Ramzan a women convention will be held to
discuss women issues in the country. She urged the women parliamentarians to play their
role for better legislation regarding women empowerment.

Earlier the President of Women Bank Ms. Shaukat Sultana briefed the caucus about the
structure, working and the advantages of Women Bank in Pakistan.

She said that the existing governing structure of the Bank needed to be reformed for
making the Bank more effective. She said that Women Bank provided financial and
banking facility to women at grass root with minimum guarantees and collaterals, besides
providing employment opportunities to them. She also proposed enhanced control and
shares of the Bank by the government.

Later on Ms. Nafisa Shah, Secretary General of WPC and Chairperson of NCHD
informed the meeting about the delivery of goods and medicines to the IDPs during the
visit of the women parliamentarians to the IDPs Camp in Mardan.

The meeting was attended by a large number of Women Parliamentarians

(NA SPEAKER AND DEPUTY SPEAKER CONDEMN BOMB BLAST IN

CHARSADA).

Islamabad; August 17, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi,
Deputy Speaker National Assembly have strongly condemned bomb blast at a petrol
pump in Charsada, and expressed grief and sorrow over the loss of precious lives.

In a message, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker said that it is a barbaric act of terrorism,
which reflected inhumane nature of the perpetrators. They said that a few misguided
people were trying to disrupt peace in the country but they will not succeed in their
nefarious designs. They said that the criminals were playing with the lives of innocent
people without realizing that they can not save themselves from wrath of Allah. They
called upon law enforcing agencies to apprehend the culprits involved in the blast and
bring them to justice.

The Speaker and Deputy Speaker prayed Almighty Allah to rest the departed souls in
eternal peace, sympathized with the injured and their families and prayed for their speedy
recovery.

NA SPEAKER DR. FEHMIDA MIRZA CONGRATULATES THE PEOPLE ON

INDEPENDENCE DAY
Islamabad August 13, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has said
that an independent Pakistan was a special blessing from Allah and now it is the
responsibility of the people of this country to make it strong and prosperous. She said this
in her message on the occasion of 62nd Independence Day Anniversary of Pakistan.
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

While congratulating the Nation on this auspicious occasion the Madam Speaker said
that this day reminds us all the sacrifices and endeavors of the Muslims of the
subcontinent to achieve independence While celebrating the Independence Day, it is
incumbent upon us to revive the spirit of national unity and follow the Quaid guiding
principles of Unity, Faith and discipline, She added. Let us make a firm resolve today to
make all-out efforts to achieve the objectives of creation of Pakistan and also to make
Pakistan a strong and a prosperous democratic country where will of the people, equality,
justice and brotherhood reign supreme she said.

The Speaker said that this year the Independence Day has great importance because we
have achieved our goal of restoration of democracy in the country. But at the same time
we were also facing the unprecedented challenge of extremism and terrorism. She
expressed her firm belief that nothing could stand before the will of the people. She said
that the Parliament has passed a unanimous resolution and the entire nation is united on
the issue of rooting out terrorism from the country.

Madam Speaker said that democracy was the best solution to all our problems, therefore,
on this auspicious occasion let us resolve to work hard to strengthen democracy in
Pakistan and follow the sayings of the father of the nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali
Jinnah. She said that democracy in Pakistan was at work and it is responsibility of every
citizen to work for the strengthening the democratic institutions in the country.

NA BUSINESS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETS

Islamabad; August 12, 2009: The Business Advisory Committee of the National
Assembly in its meeting has decided that the 15th NA Session will continue till 21st
August instead of 18th August, 2009. The meeting also decided that security in the

Parliament House will be tightened by adopting fool proof security measures. It was also
decided that Souvenir shop will be established at an appropriate place in the Parliament
House on the pattern of Souvenir shops in the parliaments of UK and USA. The meeting
also decided that Independence Day celebrations in the Parliament House will be held on
13th August, 2009 on the pattern of previous year, by affixing badges by parliamentary
leaders and playing of National Anthem in the House. It was decided that the whole
proceedings of the session on 13th August will be live telecast on PTV. The meeting of
the Business Advisory Committee was held in the Parliament House today and was
presided over by the Speaker NA, Dr. Fehmida Mirza.
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

The meeting was attended by Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker NA, Syed
Khursheed Ahmed Shah, Minister for Labour and Mapower, Syed Naveed Qamer,
Minister for Privatization, MNAs. Nawab Muhammad Yousaf Talpur, Sheikh Aftab
Ahmed, Rana Tanveer Hussain, Ch. Muhammad Barjees Tahir, Dr. Tariq Fazal
Chaudhry, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Engineer Amir Muqam, Iqbal Muhammad Ali
Khan and Mrs. Jamila Gillani.

CAPACITY BUILDING OF LEGISLATORS ESSENTIAL FOR BETTER

LEGISLATION: SPEAKER NA

Islamabad August 12, 2009: Proactive and dynamic legislation was necessary for

progressive and welfare oriented societies and that could be possible only when
legislators are well trained and equipped with latest legislative research and knowledge.
The Speaker National Assembly, Dr. Fehmida Mirza who is also President of the Board
of Governors of PIPS, said this while chairing the meeting of Board of Governors of the
Institute of Parliamentary Services (PIPS) in Parliament House today.

The Speaker said that that the country was in dire need of an institution like PIPS for
training and updating the legislators and added that PIPS will go a long way in providing
training and research facilities to the legislators. She said that PIPS will prove helpful in
capacity building of the parliamentarians and the staff of the National Assembly and
Senate Secretariat and Provincial Assemblies. The Speaker said that the training and
capacity building of the staff and parliamentarians by the PIPS will help in ensuring
better legislation for the welfare of the people and will also strengthen the democratic
institutions in the country. She said that our objective was to get maximum benefit from
the institution but austerity will be observed at all cost.

Earlier Mr. Michel, the Director USAID, Islamabad and head of the PLSP Project briefed
the Committee about the background and the existing set up of PIPS. He said that
passage of legislation and securing of land for PIPS was the major achievement of the
steering Committee and now PIPS will be handed over to Board of Governors. He also
proposed formation of transitional Committee for smooth transfer of work from the
Steering Committee to Board of Governors.

The members of the committee while expressing their views underlined the need for
austerity in construction of institution and recruiting and training.
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

Those who attended the meeting included Deputy Chairman Senate/ Vice President PIPS,
Mir Jan Muhammad Jamali, Senators. Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Syed Tahir Hussain
Mashhadi, Dr. Khatu Mal Jeewan, MNAs Mia Riaz Hussain Pir Zada, S.A Iqbal Qadri,
Pervaiz Khan Advocate, Ch. Muhammad Barjees Tahir, Mrs. Yasmeen Rehman, Syed
Zafar Ali Shah and Zafar Beg Bhittaani.

YOUTH KEY PARTNER FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE

WORLD: SAYS NA SPEAKER

Islamabad August 11, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has said
that proper utilization of the youth potential could steer the world out of crisis recently
being faced by it. She termed youth, key partner in sustainable development of the world.
She said this in her message on International Youth Day, to be observed on 12 August
under the auspices of United Nations.

She said that the world was facing multiple interconnected crises with severe and far-
reaching impacts that fall disproportionately on the youth. She said that let us all resolve
on this day to invest in and protect our most valuable resource, and give young men and
women a fair and full stake in our society, and in its success.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that young people have proven themselves to be key partners in
sustainable development; therefore, they should be engaged by the governments and
communities to formulate poverty reduction strategies, entrepreneurial schemes and
many other policies and initiatives. She said that youth deserves our commitment for full
access to education, adequate health care, employment opportunities, financial services
and full participation in public life. She said that youth comprises more than 25 per cent
of the world’s working age population yet accounted for 40 per cent of the
unemployed. In view of the global economic downturn; the youth unemployment may
continue to climb, therefore, government should ensure financial, education and technical
support made available to young people, and help them realize their potential.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that Pakistan was currently passing through a crucial period of
history. The future of the country depends on the youth since active participation of
educated young population plays vital role in development of the nation. She said that
this situation necessitates intense efforts from both public and private sectors to play their
role in transforming this populace into educated and trained human resource for the
mutual benefit.

NA SPEAKER AND DEPUTY SPEAKER CONGRATULATE SHAUKAT TARIN

ON HIS UNOPPOSED ELECTION AS SENATOR

Islamabad; July 29, 2009: Speaker Dr. Fehmida Mirza and Deputy Speaker National
Assembly Faisal Karim Kundi have congratulated Shaukat Tarin, Advisor to Prime
Minister on Finance on his unopposed election as a member Senate of Pakistan.
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

In their separate congratulatory messages to the newly elected Senator the Speaker and
the Deputy Speaker said that his unopposed election as a Senator was an evidence of the
trust and confidence reposed in him by the Members of the Provincial Assembly Sindh
and Leaders of the Coalition Parties. They were confident that his election as Senator will
provide him better opportunities to work for the promotion of democracy and also the
economy. They said that newly elected Senator has vast experience in finance sector and
under his sagacious leadership the Ministry of Finance will succeed to overcome the
financial problems being faced by country. They prayed and wished for his success.

TRAININGS AND CAPACITY BUILDING OF LEGISLATORS A MUST FOR

BETTER LEGISLATION AND STRENGTHENING DEMOCRATIC
INSTITUTIONS: SPEAKER NA

Islamabad July 23, 2009: Speaker National Assembly, Dr. Fehmida Mirza has said that

parliamentarians represented the will of the people of Pakistan and they needed a strong
support base for research and capacity building for better legislation and strengthening of
democratic institutions. The Speaker NA who is also the President of Board of Governors
of Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services (PIPS) said this while chairing the
inaugural meeting of Board of Governors of PIPS in Parliament House today.

The Speaker said that PIPS was established after a long deliberation and efforts by the
parliamentarians and it will go a long way in providing training and research facilities to
the legislators. She said that PIPS will prove helpful in capacity building of the
parliamentarians and the staff of the National Assembly and Senate Secretariat and
Provincial Assemblies. The Speaker said that the training and capacity building of the
staff and parliamentarians by the PIPS will help in ensuring good governance and
strengthening the democratic institutions in the country. She said that setting up of this
institution was a move in the right direction as the country was in dire need of an
institution for training and updating the legislators.

The meeting decided to constitute two committees to look into the matters regarding (i)
formulation of rules for recruitment and making of organizational chart and (ii)
Budgetary estimates for the year 2009-10 and accounting procedure.
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

Earlier the committee was informed that the institute at present was working in the
parliament lodges and the construction work of the new building for PIPS has been
started and will be completed within twenty months.

The members of the committee while expressing their views underlined the need for
austerity in recruitment and raising the infrastructure for the institution. They also
stressed for recruiting new and trained persons on the basis of merit while observing
provincial representation.

Those who attended the meeting included Deputy Chairman Senate/ Vice President PIPS,
Mir Jan Muhammad Jamali, Speaker Punjab Assembly, Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan,
Speaker NWFP, Kiramt Ullah Khan Chagharmati, Dr. Zaheer-ud-Din, Minister for
Parliamentary Affairs, Muhammad Azam Khan Swati, Minister for Science &
Technology, Senators. Muhammad Ishaq Dar, Syed Tahir Hussain Mashhadi, Dr. Khatu
Mal Jeewan, MNAs Mia Riaz Hussain Pir Zada, S.A Iqbal Qadri, Pervaiz Khan
Advocate, Ch. Muhammad Barjees Tahir, Zafar Beg Bhatti, Mrs. Yasmeen Rehman,
Syed Zafar Ali Shah, Moulana Muhammad Qasim and Secretaries National Assembly
and Senate.

DR. FEHMIDA MIRZA, SPEAKER NATIONAL ASSEMBLY CALLED ON THE

SPEAKER OF HOUSE OF LORD, BARONESS HAYMAN AND THE NEWLY
ELECTED SPEAKER OF HOUSE OF COMMONS, JOHN SIMON BERCOW, IN
LONDON

Islamabad July 17, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly called on the
Speaker of House of Lord, Baroness Hayman and the newly elected Speaker of House of
Commons, John Simon Bercow, in London yesterday and exchanged views on the state
of bilateral relations, regional and international issues of mutual interest, democratic
process in Pakistan and promotion of parliamentary exchanges between the two
countries.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza made a stop-over in the British capital after attending Women
Speakers Parliamentary Association Meeting in Vienna.

The two Houses of British Parliament also made special arrangements for Dr. Fehmida
Mirza to view the sessions in progress.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza apprised the two Speakers about the current state of dislocated
persons of Swat and Malakand and efforts made towards their assistance and
rehabilitation.
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

She informed the two Speakers that there are 69,000 pregnant women among the
displaced persons which led her to initiate adopt a child and mother campaign till the
rehabilitation of these people.

Highlighting the initiatives taken by Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed during her
Premiership for the empowerment of women in Pakistan, the Speaker said that the
present PPP Government was carrying forward Mohtarma vision, taking new initiatives
and making legislations to ensure protection of women.

She said that the formation of Women Parliamentarian Caucus was fully active to protect
women rights in Pakistan. She said that the Caucus had adopted 10 families under the
adopt a child and mother initiative. She extended invitation to the Lord Speaker and
House of Common Speaker to visit Pakistan.

Lord Nazir Ahmed also greeted Dr. Fehmida Mirza in the House of Lords and exchanged
views on promoting Pakistan interest in the UK with the view to strengthening the
bilateral relations.

WORLD WOMEN SPEAKERS CONFERENCE CALLS FOR SWIFT

INTERNATIONAL ACTION FOR REHABILITATION OF IDPs FROM SWAT

Islamabad July 16, 2009: World Women Speakers Conference at Vienna in its
concluding statement has urged the international community to take swift measures for
the rehabilitation of the IDPs, particularly the displaced women and children of Swat.
This was great success for Pakistan as the call by the Speaker from Pakistan, Dr.
Fehmida Mirza for responding to the plight of women and children of Swat, was
unanimously approved and consequently the issue was included in the concluding
statement of the Chairperson of the Conference, the Speaker of Austria and the Host of
the Conference Ms. Barbra Premmer. Later on while expressing her views, the Speaker
NA termed the conference a great success. She said that the concluding statement of the
Women Speakers Conference expressed deep concern about the plight of the IDPs of
Swat, particularly women and children and has urged the world community for instant
relief. She said that statement that was read by the Speaker of Austria Parliament called
the displacement of civilian in war on terrorism and their hardships very saddening.

The concluding statement urged the world community to take prompt measures for the
relief and rehabilitation of the displaced women and children of Swat, she said.

WORLD WOMEN SPEAKERS CONFERENCE CALLS FOR SWIFT

INTERNATIONAL ACTION FOR REHABILITATION OF WOMEN AND
CHILDREN OF SWAT

Islamabad July 15, 2009: World Women Speakers Conference at Vienna in its
concluding statement has urged the international community to take swift measures for
the rehabilitation of the IDPs, particularly the displaced women and children of Swat.
This was great success of Dr. Fehmida Mirza as her call for responding to the plight of
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

women and children of Swat, was unanimously approved and consequently the issue was
included in the concluding statement of the Chairperson of the Conference, the Speaker
of Austria and the Host of the Conference Ms. Barbra Premmer.

The concluding statement of the Women Speakers Conference expressed deep concern
about the plight of the IDPs of Swat, particularly women and children and has urged the
world community for instant relief. The statement that was read by the Speaker of
Austria’s Parliament said that the displacement of civilian in war on terrorism and their
hardships are saddening us all. She said that the most vulnerable among the IDPs are
women and children and their rehabilitation needed urgent attention. She urged the
world community to take prompt measures for the relief and rehabilitation of the
displaced women and children of Swat.

SPEAKER ASKS WORLD COMMUNITY FOR COLLECTIVE RESPONSE AND

BETTER LEGISLATION FOR WOMEN EMPOWERMENT

Islamabad July 13, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has said that
it was unfortunate that women around the globe were abused, harassed, marginalised and
threatened and were compelled to live a miserable life under the constant shadows of
violence, discrimination and poverty. She urged the world community for collective
response and better legislation to protect women rights. She said this while addressing
5th Annual Conference of Women Speakers at Vienna, Austria today.

She said that Violence against women continued unabated on and there was a need to
change the mind set and perception of the people to protect women rights.

The Speaker said that the right of the vulnerable cannot be protected under dictatorships
and added that it was democracy that fully guarantees equal rights, eliminate all forms of
exploitation and makes special provisions for women representation in all spheres of life.
She said that it was Unfortunate that Pakistan foremost of the time since its inception,
has endured dictatorships wherein people were deprived of their rights, constitution was
violated and women were pushed behind the four-walls.

She said that under the leadership of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto, Pakistanis
strived for the betterment of all marginalised sections of Pakistani society, including
women and it went to her credit that despite all resistance from the forces of bigotry, she
introduced reforms leading women into the higher echelons of power.

She said that today, Pakistan had a vibrant National Policy for the Development and
Empowerment of Women. She said that fair representation of women in the Parliament
and in decision-making was must for the democratic system and added that that today
Pakistani Parliament has the highest number of women seats in our history.

She said that Pakistan was progressive and modern Muslim gender-balanced society. She
said that for the first time, in Pakistan the Parliament has elected a woman as Speaker and
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

Chairpersons of important standing committees, besides giving them important

ministerial portfolios and bureaucratic appointments.

The Speaker said that the Parliament in Pakistan has passed an important bill for
protection of women, namely the Women Protection Bill, and has amended Criminal Act
that declares honour killings as cold-blooded murder and added that in this regard two
other important Bills were in their final stages.
She said that the formation of Women Caucus in the Parliament in Pakistan was a good
start for sensitizing society regarding the women rights. I propose expanding this idea of
the Caucus to the regional and international levels she added.

The Speaker said that terrorism and extremism were the main challenges confronting the
world today and Pakistan was striving hard to cope with these challenges.

She said that Pakistan was actively working for the relief and rehabilitation of Internally
Displaced Persons. Besides Civil Society, NGOs, Government Organizations and Donor
countries, the Parliament was also playing its due role. She said that in the Parliament,
Speaker Relief Fund has been constituted for the displaced persons in which
Parliamentarians have generously donated. She urged the world community to play its
role in supporting Pakistan in fight against terrorism and rehabilitation the IDPs.

The Madam Speaker also congratulated the newly elected Women Speakers in different
parts of the world.

MADAM SPEAKER TO ADDRESS WOMEN SPEAKERS CONFERENCE AT

VIENNA TODAY

Islamabad; July 13, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has left for
Vienna, Austria yesterday to attend Women Speakers Conference being held from 13-14
July, 2009.

The 5th Annual Conference of Women Speaker at Vienna would deliberate on global
issues relating to women empowerment and women role to resolve problems relating to
peace, security and development, especially in developing countries. Madam Speaker
would address the Women Speaker Conference today, 13th July, 2009.

MADAM SPEAKER TO ATTEND WOMEN SPEAKERS CONFERENCE AT

VIENNA: FAISAL KARIM KUNDI WILL ACT AS SPEAKER NA

Islamabad; July 11, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has left for
Vienna, Austria to attend Women Speakers Conference being held from 13-14 July,
2009.

The 5th Annual Conference of Women Speaker at Vienna would deliberate on global
issues relating to women empowerment and women role to resolve problems relating to
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

peace, security and development, especially in developing countries. Madam Speaker

would address the Women Speaker Conference on 13th July, 2009.

During the visit of Madam Speaker abroad, Deputy Speaker National Assembly, Faisal
Karim Kundi would perform as Acting Speaker, National Assembly.

NA SPEAKER URGES FOR ADOPTION OF AN INTEGRATED APPROACH

FOR SLOWING POPULATION GROWTH

Islamabad July 10, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has said that
rapid growth in the country nullified development gains and it was imperative to adopt an
integrated approach to slowdown the population growth. She said that due to scarce
resources and present economic crisis, population explosion could result in a catastrophe.
She said this in her message on the world population day being commemorated under the
auspices of United Nations throughout the globe on July 11.

She said that this day highlights the fragile relationship between human beings and earth
where massive growth in population has resulted in dangerous depletion of resources,
deforestation, pollution and emissions of carbon dioxide to unprecedented levels, altering
the global climate. She said that an integrated approach to reducing poverty, slowing
population growth, and protecting the environment was imperative for achieving the
desired objectives.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza stressed the need for empowering and including women in the
decision making for achieving the goals of universal access to education, reproductive
health care and family planning. She said that women make up more than half of the
world's population, yet they are often denied the right to learn, to own or inherit land, and
to control their own fertility. She was confident that by enhancing opportunities for
women would enable them to make informed choices about family size -- and to break
the vicious cycle of poverty and environmental degradation.

The Speaker said that let us all, without delay, begin to tread more lightly on the earth,
and take steps towards better use of its resources. She said that the world's population has
increased manifold, therefore, we must stabilize our numbers, and equally important, we
must stabilize use of resources and ensure sustainable development for all.

The Speaker said that the present economic crisis in the country could be resolved
through collective efforts by health experts, community leaders, politicians and religious
leaders with the special cooperation of masses. She said that awareness and advocacy
could be instrumental in sensitizing the masses about the population issues, including the
health of mothers and children.

NA SPEAKER AND DEPUTY SPEAKER CONDOLE THE DEATH OF

FATHER-IN-LAW OF SENATOR JAHANGIR BADAR
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

Islamabad: July 6, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy
Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan have expressed sorrow and grief over the sad
demise of father-in-law of Senator Jahangir Badar, Secretary General, PPP.

In their separate condolence messages to Senator Jahanir Badar, the Speaker and Deputy
Speaker said they were shocked to learn the news about the sad demise of his father-in-
law. They prayed to Al mighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant
courage to the bereaved family to bear the loss with equanimity.

NA SPEAKER AND DEPUTY SPEAKER SHOCK OVER THE HELICOPTER

CRASH

Islamabad; July 04, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy
Speaker National Assembly have expressed grief and shock over the unfortunate incident
of helicopter crash in Orakzai Agency yesterday, causing killing and injuring of
security personnels.

In their separate messages to bereaved families the Speaker and Deputy Speaker
conveyed their heart felt grief and sympathies besides appreciating the bravery and the
courage of the martyres.

The Speaker and Deputy Speaker prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed souls in
eternal peace and grant the bereaved families the courage and strength to bear the
irreparable loss. They also sympathized with the injured and their families and prayed for
their speedy recovery.

NA SPEAKER DELIGHTED OVER UNANIMOUS DECISIONS OF THE

CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS COMMITTEE: CONGRATULATES
CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE

Islamabad July 3, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker, National Assembly has said that
the unanimous decision to elect Chairman and adoption of draft rules of Procedure for
the Constitutional Reforms Committee in its first meeting was a good start, signaling the
speedy and early completion of the task assigned to the Committee. She said this while
talking to media persons at her residence, yesterday.

The Speaker said that the Committee consisting of seasoned politicians, was constituted
on the desire of the President and after the unanimous resolutions passed by the National
Assembly and the Senate with the task which the entire nation wanted to accomplish
quickly and satisfactorily. She said that unanimity shown by the Committee regarding
election of its Chairman and adoption of draft rules of procedure for the Committee was a
good omen, speaking for the will and determination of the Committee to move forward
speedily. She said that calling for proposals and suggestions from a cross section of the
society, including lawyers and constitutional experts was novel idea that speaks volumes
for the good intentions and desire of the Committee to take the entire nation on board
regarding Constitutional Reforms.
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

The Madam Speaker congratulated Senator Mian Raza Rabbani on his unopposed
election as Chairman of the Constitutional Reforms Committee and expressed hope that
under his chairmanship the Committee would successfully accomplish the assignment.

PAKISTANI CRICKET TEAM MEETS NA SPEAKER

Islamabad June 25, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has said that
the historic victory of Pakistani cricket team in the ICC
Twenty20 World Cup has rejuvenated the spirit of
nationhood amongst the Pakistani nation in the critical
juncture through which the country was passing. She said
that whole nation is proud of their national heroes. She
said this while talking to the Members of Cricket Team
and Management of PCB in the Parliament house, today
who called on Speaker National Assembly.

The Speaker felicitating the

Pakistan Heroes said that whole
nation was happy and proud of
their commendable performance
with a real Pakistani spirit which
led to their triumph. She said
that as a nation there was in dire
need to forge unity to counter the
problems confronting the country. She said that the historic victory of Pakistani team has
revived the spirit in the whole nation. She was confident that with the concerted efforts,
the menace of terrorism and extremism would be rooted out.

She appreciated the efforts of the PCB management for promotion of cricket in the
country. She stressed upon the Team Members to uphold the team spirit and continue to
strive to win the World Cup 2011 and other international titles for the country. Dr.
Fehmida Mirza also announced prize of Rs.25 Lac for every Team Member on behalf of
PCB.

Later, the cricket team witnessed the proceedings of the House.

WOMEN PARLIAMENTARY CAUCUS RECOMMENDED AUTONOMOUS

NATIONAL COMMISSION ON STATUS OF WOMEN
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

Islamabad, June 24, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly, has said that

women empowerment was essential for development and progress of the country and it
was high time to ensure equal opportunities to women in social, political and economic
spheres of life. She said this while chairing a meeting of the Working Council of Women
Parliamentarian Caucus held to review working of the National Commission on status of
women (NCSW).

The Speaker said that the present democratic setup was determined to make effective and
comprehensive legislation to protect the women rights. She said that women
parliamentarians were actively participating in public affairs and legislative work. She
said that National Commission on the status of women was an important body that was
helpful in pointing out women related problems and proposing their solution. She said
that the Commission would be activated through legislation in the parliament. She said
that the NCSW should play proactive role in finding solutions to problems confronting
women in the country.

Earlier Ms.
Anisa
Haroon,
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

Chairperson of NCSW briefed the meeting about the formation, functions and future
plans for improvement of the commission. She said that there was a need of coordination
between the federal government and provinces. She proposed that the NCSW should be
permanent and autonomous for making it more effective body.

Ms. Shehnaz Wazir Ali, Advisor to the P.M also briefed the meeting about the role of the
commission. She said that commission role should be independent and advocating the
cause of women empowerment. She said that its role was distinctively clear from the
government body or ministry.

Ms. Nafisa Shah while briefing the meeting supported the idea of autonomous
commission with representation from all provinces. She said that women parliamentarian
unanimously support independent and autonomous commission with adequate budgeting
and staffing.

The meeting was attended by MNAs. Ms. Nafisa Shah, Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, Mrs.
Asiya Nasir, Ms. Bushra Gohar, Ms. Khush Bakht Shujaat, Begum Nuzhat Sadiq, Ms.
Reena Kumari, Ms. Saima Akhtar Bharwana, Ms. Shahnaz Wazir Ali, Ms. Farahnaz
Ispahani, Ms. Shakeela Khanam Rasheed, Dr. Zil-e-Huma, Dr. Attiya Inayatullah,
Senators Ms. Sughra Imam and Begum Najma Hameed.

WOMEN PARLIAMENTARIANS DECIDE TO ADOPT AN IDPs CAMP

WOMEN MPs DONATE HEFTY AMOUNTS IN SPEAKER'S RELIEF FUND

FOR IDPs

Islamabad June 18, 2009: The Women Parliamentarians Caucus in a meeting held today
has decided to adopt an IDPs camp for the relief and rehabilitation of IDPs of that
particular camp. A committee in this regard has been constituted with the task to
coordinate with the provincial government to point out the IDPs camp that will be
adopted by the WPC. The Women Parliamentarians also announced hefty amount of
donations for instant relief to women and children in the IDPs camps besides
announcement of adoption of 10 children.
The WPC
that consist
of the
women
Senators
and MNAs
met here
today under
the
chairpersonship of Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly. The meeting
discussed and reviewed the health and hygiene problems specifically related to women
and children. The WPC decided to establish maternity center in the IDPs camps and also
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

to provide hepatitis diagnostic kits and vaccines for the IDPs. During the meeting women
MPs also announced adoption of ten orphan children till the time of their rehabilitation.

The meeting decided to form a special committee with Senators and MNAs as members
who will coordinate with provincial government to identify a camp that would be
sponsored by the women parliamentarians. It was decided that the Caucus will focus on
all the needs of the adopted camp till rehabilitation of the IDPs. On this occasion MNAs
and Senators donated Rs.1.4 million into the Speaker’s Relief fund established for
the IDPs.

Speaking on the occasion the Speaker Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that women and children
always suffer more during calamities and turmoil and needed greater attention for relief
too. She said that women parliamentarians were alive to respond to the needs of IDPs,
especially women and children. She said that WPC contribution towards improvements
in women policing and burn centers was widely appreciated. The Speaker said that IDPs
have sacrificed their present for the future of the country and women parliamentarians
will not leave them unattended. She said that the entire parliament and particularly the
WPC will respond to the call of the IDPs. The Speaker said that protection of women and
their welfare was the prime focus of the women parliamentarians and they needed to
work for effective legislation for the betterment of womenfolk in the country.

Earlier, Ms. Nafeesa Shah, MNA briefed the meeting about the visit of the women
parliamentarians to the IDPs camps in Mardan and Swabi. She apprised the meeting
about the response of their visits and the problems confronting women and children in
the camps. She said that female were exposed to women borne diseases and needed
special attention and urgent relief. She said that the hygiene and health conditions in the
camps need special attention and there was urgent need for medicines regarding
gynecological problems.

The meeting was attended by a large number of women MNAs and Senators.

MORE WOMEN POLICE STATIONS TO BE ESTABLISHED IN THE

COUNTRY: SAYS DR. FEHMIDA MIRZA

WOMEN PARLIAMENTARIANS CAUCUS UNDERLINE THE NEED TO

STRENGTHEN WOMEN POLICE FORCE IN THE COUNTRY

Islamabad June 17, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has said that
women in the country were subject to domestic violence, harassment at work place and
discrimination in different walks of life. She said that in order to protect women in the
country, Women Police Force would be strengthened and more women police Stations
would be established. Madam Speaker said this while presiding over a meeting of the
working council of the Women Parliamentarians Caucus, here today.

Madam Speaker said that women empowerment was imperative to root out poverty from
the country and added that women rights protection laws would be enacted to protect and
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

empower them. She said that Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto had a vision for women
empowerment and first women police station was established during her premiership.
The Madam Speaker said that the Women Police Stations would be further strengthened
through more staffing and funding and its ambit would also be extended to all parts of the
country.

Madam Speaker said that establishment of Women Parliamentarians Caucus was a

significant achievement of the women parliamentarians. The Caucus had provided them a
forum where they could work for the development, empowerment and emancipation of
women above party affiliations and politics. She said that the caucus would ensure
effective parliamentary oversight of the implementation of women related national
policies and programs besides promoting national and international efforts against social
discriminatory practices and violence against women. She said that government was in
process of gender sensitization and gender budgeting which would pave the way for
bringing women into mainstream.

The meeting also reviewed the contribution of women parliamentarians for the IDPs and
their visits to the IDPs camps and reiterated their resolve for gearing up the funds
collection and rehabilitation efforts for the IPDs.

The meeting was attended by MNAs Ms. Nafeesa Shah, Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho, Mrs.
Asiya Nasir, Ms. Bushra Gohar, Dr. Doniya Aziz, Ms. Khushbakht Shujaat, Mrs. Saeeda
Iqbal and Mrs. Farahnaz Isphani.

NA SPEAKER STRESSES NEED TO COMBAT DESERTIFICATION AND

DROUGHT

Islamabad June 16, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has stressed
the need for coordinated and stringent measures for combating the looming threat of
desertification and drought. She called for immediate measures for saving the
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

livelihoods, well-being and development of a large number of populations around the

world. Dr. Fehmida Mirza said this in her message on the World Day to Combat
Desertification and Drought, to be observed on 17 June throughout the world under the
auspices of United Nation.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that desertification and land degradation not only affect the
earth’s surface but also threatens the livelihoods, well-being and development of a large
number of population around the world. Consequent to that, desertification also induces
migration of the population, drought, famine and deepens poverty. She said that if the
desertification goes unchecked, it would further deepen the miseries of the masses in the
coming years. She said that this day serves us an opportunity to highlight the growing
threat to national and regional stability posed by desertification. She said that the climate
change was a contributing factor, but not the only one rendering nearly one third of the
world’s cropland to become unproductive and been abandoned in the previous years.
She stressed for water conservation, reconsideration of our agricultural practices and
aforestation. She said that growing demand for animal feed and befouls will put further
pressure on these scarce resources if not managed sustainabally. The Speaker said that
current global consumption and production patterns were unsustainable, which would
consequently aggravate global food crises, desertification, land degradation and periods
of drought. She feared that as usual, the poor will be the first victims and the last to
recover. The Speaker said that for sustainable Development, desertification and land
degradation were global problems that require a global response, therefore, world leaders
should think for a comprehensive strategy to slow down global warming. In particular, it
must provide adequate and predictable financing to support improved land management,
more efficient water use and sustainable agriculture.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza called upon the federal and provincial agriculture departments to
raise awareness amongst the farming community to conserve water and sagaciously use
it, reconsider agricultural practices and plant more trees to avert the desertification and
drought.

NA SPEAKER AND DEPUTY SPEAKER CONDOLE THE DEATH OF

MIAN ABDUL QADEER FATHER OF FEDERAL MINISTER SAMINA
KHALID GHURKI

Islamabad: June 15, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Duputy
Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan have expressed their heartfelt condolence over
the sad demise of Mian Abdul Qadeer, father of Samina Khalid Ghurki, Federal
Minister for Social Welfare and Special Education who died after protracted illness in
Lahore.

In their separate messages to Samina Khalid Ghurki, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker
expressed grief and sorrow over the sad demise of her father. They prayed to Almighty
Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant courage and fortitude to the
bereaved family to bear the loss with equanimity.
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

SPEAKER AND DEPUTY SPEAKER CONDEMN BOMB BLAST IN D.I KHAN

Islamabad; June 14, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi Deputy
Speaker National Assembly have strongly condemned the bomb blasts in Tijarat Ganj,
D.I Khan and expressed their heart felt grief over the loss of precious lives.

In their messages the Speaker and Deputy Speaker said that it was a shameful act of
terrorism, which reflected inhuman nature of the preprators. They said that the elements
involved in such activities were the enemies of the country and earned bad name to
Islam. They said that perpetrators wanted to create panic and fear among the people and
disrupt the peace but they will not succeed in their nefarious designs. They said that the
criminal were playing with the lives of innocent people without realizing that they could
not save themselves from the wrath of Allah.

They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed souls in eternal peace and grant
courage to the bereaved families to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity. They also
sympathized with the injured and prayed for their early recovery.

NA SPEAKER CONGRATULATES THE PM AND MINISTER OF STATE FOR

FINANCE ON PRESENTATION OF BUDGET

Islamabad: June 13, 2009: Prime Minister Syed Yusuf Raza Gillani visited the Chamber
of Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza after the presentation of Budget 2009-
10 in the National Assembly by the Minister of State for Economic Affairs Ms. Hina
Rabbani Khar today.

The Speaker congratulated the Prime Minister on preparation of comprehensive and poor
friendly budget despite many odds and difficulties faced by the government.

The Prime Minster said that for thorough discussion on budget, all political parties
should get appropriate time so that their recommendations could be well taken and
accommodated to make it more public friendly.

The Speaker apprised the Prime Minister about the decisions of House Business
Advisory Committee regarding proceedings in the House during the budget session and
added that all the Parliamentary Parties Leaders and their representatives will be given
ample time to express their views on the budget.

The Speaker also congratulated the Minister of State for Finance and Revenue, Hina
Rabbani Khar and the Advisor to the Prime Minister on Finance, Shaukat Tareen on
presentation of pro- people budget and appreciated the efforts of the Ministry of Finance
in this regard.

Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker, National Assembly, Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah,
Minister for Labour and Manpower, Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister for Privatization, Dr.
Zaheer-ud-din Babar Awan, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Mehreen Anwar Raja,
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Sardar Asif Ahmed Ali, Deputy
Chairman, Planning Commission were present on the occasion.

NA BUSINESS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETS

Islamabad; June 12, 2009: Meeting of the Business Advisory Committee was held under
the Chairperson of Dr.
Fehmida Mirza, Speaker
National Assembly, in the
Parliament House today.
The meeting discussed
agenda and ways to run the
proceeding of the Budget
Session of the National
Assembly. The meeting
decided that presentation of
the budget will be at 4:00 p.m sharp on 13th June, 2009 (Saturday) followed by the two
days break. The general discussion on the budget will commence from 16th June,
(Tuesday) and will continue till 23rd June, 2009. It was also decided that discussion &
voting on demands for grants will be held on 24th and 25th of June, the finance bill will
be passed on 26th and discussion on suplplementary demands for grants and
appropriation will be held on 27th June.
The meeting decided that the daily session will commence from 10 a.m and will continue
till 8:00 p.m with break for Zuhar prayer for half an hour. It was also decided that the
budget session will conclude on 27th June, 2009.
The meeting was attended by Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly,
Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah, Minister for Labour and Mapower, Syed Naveed Qamer,
Minister for Privatization, Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Minister for Water & Power, Dr.
Zaheeruddin Babar Awan, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Mrs. Hina Rabbani Khar,
Minister of State for Finance & Revenue, MNAs Nawab Muhammad Yousaf Talpur,
Sheikh Aftab Ahmed, Ch. Muhammad Barjees Tahir, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Ghous
Bux Khan Mahar, Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhary, Mrs. Jamila Gillani, Munir Khan Orakzai,
Dr. Abdul Qadir Khanzada and Abdul Wasim.

SPEAKER AND DEPUTY SPEAKER CONDEMN BOMB BLAST IN

NOWSHEHRA AND LAHORE.& EXPRESS GRIEF OVER THE
ASSASINATION OF DR. SARFARAZ NAEEMI.
Islamabad; June 12, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi Deputy
Speaker National Assembly have strongly condemned the bomb blasts in Jamia Naeemia
Lahore and Cantt Mosque Nowshehra, causing loss of precious lives.
In their messages the Speaker and Deputy Speaker said that it was a shameful act of
terrorism, which reflected inhuman nature of the preprators. They said that the elements
involved in such activities were the enemies of the country and earned bad name to
Islam. They said that perpetrators wanted to create panic and fear among the people and
disrupt the peace but they will not succeed in their nefarious designs. They said that the
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

criminal were playing with the lives of innocent people without realizing that they could
not save themselves from the wrath of Allah.
The Speaker and Deputy Speaker expressed their heartfelt grief and sorrow over the the
assassination of Dr. Sarfaraz Naeemi, Head of the Jamia Naeemia. They said that Dr.
Sarfaraz Naeemi was an eminent religious scholar who always worked for interfaith
harmony and peace in the country. The vacuum created by his death will be difficult to
fill, they said.
They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed souls in eternal peace and grant
courage to the bereaved families to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity. They also
sympathized with the injured and prayed for their early recovery.

NA SPEAKER AND DEPUTY SPEAKER CONDEMNED THE MURDER OF

FORMER MNA MALIK FAZAL MANAN KHAN

Islamabad: June 10, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy
Speaker National Assembly have strongly condemned the murder of the Former MNA
Malik Fazal Manan Khan who was assassinated by the unknown assailants in Peshawar,
yesterday.

In their separate condolence messages to the bereaved family the Speaker and the Deputy
Speaker expressed their profound grief and sorrow over the murder of Malik Fazal
Manan Khan. They said that Malik Fazal Manan Khan was a seasoned politician and
rendered valuable contributions during his tenure as member of National Assembly. His
services for legislation and promotion of democracy in the country will always be
remembered.

They prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant the
bereaved family the courage to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

TURKISH FOREIGN MINISTER CALLS ON SPEAKER NATIONAL

ASSEMBLY

Islamabad; June 09, 2009: The Speaker N.A Dr. Fehmida Mirza has said that people in
Pakistan were pining great hopes on the parliament and democracy and that must be
given a chance to resolve problems confronting the country. She said this while talking to
Foreign Minister of Turkey Ahmet
Davutoglu, who called on her in the
Parliament House today.

The Madam Speaker said that

Pakistan attaches great importance to
its relations with Turkey and both the
countries have unanimity of views on
regional and global issues. She said
that the two fraternal countries are
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

tied in the eternal bonds of religion, history and culture that will further be cemented
through enhanced economic cooperation and interaction of the parliamentarians.

The Madam Speaker said that people of Pakistan and Turkey have exemplary feelings of
respect and friendliness for each other, that can best be materialized in the form of
enhanced economic co-operation between the two countries. Underlining the importance
of inter parliamentary exchange of delegations, the Speaker said that greater exchange of
parliamentary delegations was necessary because such
exchanges will provide opportunities to exchange of
views and learn from the experiences of each other.
The Speaker also underlined the need for enhanced co-
operation in the economic, educational and social
sectors of the economies of the two countries.

The Madam Speaker said that terrorism and extremism

was a threat to peace and prosperity in the region and
the whole country and the parliament was united to
fight this menace. The Speaker said that Muslim
Ummah today was confronting challenges of
unprecedented nature and to meet these challenges Muslim Countries will have to show
unprecedented unity and cooperation. She appreciated Turkesh support for IDPs and at
the Friends of Democratic Pakistan Forum.

The Foreign Minsister of Turkey Ahmet Davutoglu, said that Pakistan has always
supported Turkey on all international forums for which the Govt and the people of
Turkey were grateful. He expressed his optimism that both the countries will enhance
their support and cooperation with each other in the years to come. The Minister assured
his country’s support to the IDP and added that he will plead for IDP at global forum
including OIC. He appreciated Pakistan for countering terrorism and extremism. The
minister also termed the women speaker a blessing for Pakistan.

NA SPEAKER AND DEPUTY SPEAKER CONDEMN SUICIDE ATTACK ON

RESCUE 15

Islamabad June 7, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy
Speaker National Assembly have strongly condemned the suicide attack on Rescue 15
Building in Islamabad, which caused death of two police personnel and injured several.

In a message, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker said that it is a barbaric act of terrorism,
which reflected inhumane and callous nature of the perpetrators. They said that a few
misguided people were trying to disrupt peace in the country but they will not succeed in
their nefarious design. They said that the criminals were playing with the lives of
innocent people. They called for an immediate inquiry to unearth the elements behind
these attacks.
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

Praying for the deceased, the Madam Speaker and Deputy Speaker said that may Allah
rest the souls of the victims in eternal peace and grant the bereaved families the courage
to bear the loss. They also sympathized with the injured and their families and prayed for
their speedy recovery.

NA SPEAKER AND DEPUTY SPEAKER CONDOLE THE DEATH OF

MOTHER OF SINDH MINISTER FOR PRISONS AND BROTHER OF FORMER
SENATOR SYED SAJJAD HUSSIAN BOKHARI

Islamabad June 7, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy
Speaker have condoled the death of mother of Haji Muzaffar Ali Shujra, Provincial
Minister for Prisons, Sindh and brother of Former Senator Syed Sajjad Bokhari, Chief
Editor Daily Musawaat, Lahore.

In their separate condolence messages to the bereaved families, the Speaker and Deputy
Speaker said that they were grieved over the demise of mother of Haji Muzaffar Ali
Shujra Mr. Bhatti and bother of Senator Syed Sajjad Bokhari. They prayed to Almighty
Allah to rest the departed souls in eternal peace and grant the courage to the bereaved
families to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity

NA SPEAKER AND ACTING SPEAKER CONDEMN THE BOMB BLAST IN

DIR MOSQUE

Islamabad; June 05, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi Acting
Speaker National Assembly have condemned the bomb blast in Mosque at Dir, causing
loss of precious lives. In their messages the Speaker and Acting Speaker said that it was a
shameful act of terrorism, which reflect inhuman nature of the perpetrators. They said
that elements involved in such act of terrorism wanted to create panic and fear among the
people and disrupt the peace. They termed the blast a heinous and shameful act of
terrorism, which reflected inhuman and callous nature of the perpetrators. They said that
the criminals were playing with the lives of innocent people without realizing that they
were earning the wrath of Allah.

The Speaker and the Acting Speaker prayed that may Allah rest the souls of the victims
in eternal peace and grant courage to the bereaved families to bear the irreparable loss
with equanimity. They also sympathized with the injured and their families and prayed
for their early recovery.

NA SPEAKER CALLS FOR CONCERTED EFFORTS TO CURB

ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION

Islamabad June 4, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has called for
concerted efforts by everyone for curbing the environmental degradation in the country.
She said that it was high time for actions by governments, organizations and individuals
for a common purpose. She said this in her message on the World Environment Day,
being observed on 5 June under the auspicious of United Nations throughout the globe.
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

The Speaker said that the Earth was facing the grave threat of climate change and the
cost will have to be borne by all of us. She said that the economic and financial turmoil
sweeping the globe was a true wake-up call, sounding an alarm about the need to
improve old patterns of growth and make a transition to a new era of greener, cleaner
development. Your planet needs you---united to combat climate change, She urged.

She called for adoption of renewable sources of energy, eco-friendly infrastructures and
energy efficiency in order to tackle the global warming. She said that by adopting such
measures we could provide a substantial stimulus to the preservation of our environment
and turn today crisis into tomorrow sustainable growth. Moreover, countries that make
the transition to a low-carbon society will reap more than significant environmental
benefits.

The Speaker said that our planet needs more than just action by Governments and
individuals. She said that every individual efforts, no matter how small, can contribute to
the sustainable and cleaner environment for our future generations. She asked people to
save electricity, switch on to public transportation, adopt recycling and plant a tree.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza called upon the industrial concerns, financial institutions, corporate
organizations and individuals to contribute for the environmental preservation in the
country and participate in the monsoon forestation drive, this year.

NA SPEAKER FELICITATES NEWLY ELECTED SPEAKER OF LOK SABHA

Islamabad June 2, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has felicitated
Meira Kumar on her election as the first Women Speaker of the Indian Lok Sabha. She
said that her election to the office of Speaker was a milestone in the democratic history of
India.

In her message to Meira Kumar, the Speaker said that it gives her immense pleasure to
extend her earnest wishes to her on assuming the post of Speaker of the august House.

Dr. Fehmida said that Meira Kumar election as Speaker would give impetus to the
existing bilateral parliamentary relations between the two countries and would further
strengthen them. She expressed her desire for further enhancing interaction between the
two parliaments.

RELIEF AND REHABILITATION OF THE IDPs NEEDED TO BE

STREAMLINED: SPEAKER NA

Islamabad; May 15, 2009: The

Speaker National Assembly,
Dr. Fehmida Mirza has said
that relief and rehabilitation of
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

the displaced people of Swat and Buner was a big challenge that needed concerted efforts
by the government, donors and world community. She said this while talking to the UN
High Commissioner for Refugees, Antonio Guterres, who called on her in the Parliament
House, today.

The Madam Speaker said that Pakistani people were generous by nature and like the Oct,
2008 2005 earthquake, they are assisting today the displaced people of Swat and
adjoining areas. The Speaker said that the relief and rehabilitation of the displaced people
was a long process and needed concerted efforts by all the stakeholders. She underlined
the need for streamlining and coordinating the relief activities of various agencies for
better results

The Speaker said that the parliament and the government was active to fulfill the
requirements of the IDPs but their work needed to be supplemented by the international
community, NGOs, philanthropists and civil society.

The Speaker while appreciating the UNHCR’s support for Afghan refugees in Pakistan,
urged the commissioner to play proactive role to mobilize and muster the support of
world donor’s agencies for the relief and rehabilitation of the IDPs.

Antonio Guterres, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, on the occasion, said that
Pakistan has always been generous to host refugees. He appreciated Pakistan’s efforts to
provide quick and timely arrangements for the comfort of the IDPs. He assured the
Madam Speaker that UNHCR will use all means and make all possible efforts to
mobilize the world bodies for helping the IDPs from Swat and Buner.

DELEGATION OF LCCI CALLS ON SPEAKER NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Islamabad May 14, 2009 : Dr. Fehimda Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has said that
stability, peace and continuity of policy was necessary for development and
industrialization of the country. She said that efforts were underway to facilitate investors
and provide them incentives for establishment of vibrant industrial base of the country.
Dr. Fehmida Mirza said this while talking to a delegation of Lahore Chamber of
Commerce and Industry (LCCI) led by Mr. Tahir Javed Malik, Acting President of the
LCCI, which called on her in Parliament House, today.

The Speaker said that the government was fully cognizant of the present problems
confronting the economy and has initiated various rectifying measures which were
yielding positive results. She said that government has devised various pro-investment
policies and legislated for providing security of the investment. She said that the present
crisis in Swat and Malakand and resultant displacement of people of the area has
burdened the economy but with the concerted efforts of the nation, the economy would
be steered out of the financial crisis.

She eulogized the services of the businessmen and industrialists to show a sense of
patriotism for their fellow countrymen in distress. She appreciated the donation of food
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

items, blankets, tents, medicines, water coolers, clothes and other items by the LCCI for
the internally displaced people of Swat and Malakand Division residing in IDPs camps in
Mardan and Swabi.

The Speaker urged the nation to follow the suit and generously donate for the IDPs so
that their miseries and agony could be addressed. She appreciated the sense of patriotism
of NGOs, philanthropist organization and individuals for donating funds and relief items
in Speaker Relief fund established for IDPs.

The delegation assured full support of the trading community to the Government in
helping the IDPs. Mr. Tahir Javed Malik said that LCCI will sponsor one IDPs camp and
will provide food, clothing, medical healthcare and required assistance for education for
the children by establishing school in IDPs camp.

ACTING PRESIDENT APPEALS TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY,

PHILANTHROPISTS AND AFFLUENTS TO HELP THE IDPs

Islamabad May 13, 2009: The Acting President Dr. Fehmida Mirza has said that
Pakistan faced the challenges of
millions of Internally Displaced
People in Swat and it was the
responsibility of the World as well
local community to assist the
government for the rehabilitation of
the IDPs. The Acting President
expressed these views while talking
to Media on conclusion of her visit to
Sheikh Shehzad Camp established
for IDPs in Mardan (NWFP).
Members of the National Assembly
oversight committee for Releaf also
accompanied the Acting President during her visit.

Speaking on the occasion, the Acting President said that the government was committed
to provide relief and rehabilitation of the displaced persons and would take all possible
measures in that regard. She said that the country was facing the menace of terrorism and
extremism and make all possible measures to establish the writ of the government. She
said that she and the parliamentarians have visited the IDPs to express solidarity with
them and to assure them that they were not alone in the time of distress.
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

The Acting President said that the

Parliamentarians were committed to resolve the problems confronting the people and
specifically during the time of national emergency and crisis. She said that
Parliamentarians have always set precedence of service to the nation in crisis. She said
parliamentarians have generously donated money to the National Assembly constituted
Speakers Relief Fund for the displaced people of the tribal areas. The Acting President
said that the funds will be utilized for the IDPs from Swat and Malakand. She urged the
civil society, philanthropists, NGO and parliamentarians the world over to contribute and
donate into the fund for the welfare of the IDPs from Swat and adjoining areas.
The Acting President asked the Media to highlight the problems of the IDPs residing in
camps and the generosity of the people who help them. She asked the affluent class to
bear the expenditures of orphans and other deserving families as a good will gesture. The
Acting President announced to bear the expenditure of the upbringing of the newly born
girl child named Amn and her mother as long as they were in the IDPs camp at Swabi
and till their rehabilitation.
The Acting President later distributed relief goods to the displaced people of Swat and
Malakand which included blankets, tents, eatables, clothes, medicines and potable water.
She appreciated the relief work carried out by armed forces, civil administration, people
of Mardan, NGOs, Lahore Chamber of Commerce and welfare organizations.

MEET THE GOVERNOR OF PUNJAB AND CHINESE AMBASSADOR,

CHAIRS MEETING OF THE RELIEF COMMITTEE
Islamabad May 12, 2009: The Acting President Dr. Fehmida Mirza has said that the issue
of the internally displaced people of Swat and Malakand (IDPs) was human catastrophe
and it needed an unprecedented response from the international community and people of
Pakistan to overcome it. She asked the political forces and the religious scholars in the
country to get united to successfully overcome the menace of extremism and terrorism in
the country and the damage caused by it. The Acting President said this while talking to
Rana Mohammad Iqbal, Acting Governor of Punjab and H.E. Luo Zhaoui, Ambassador
of China, in separate meetings with them in the Parliament House, today.
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

Talking to the Ambassador of China Luo Zhaui, the Acting President said that friendship
between Pakistan & China was based on principles and understanding between the two
countries and has withstood the test of time. The Acting President said that Pak-China
relationship represented a model of coexistence of two countries with different
ideologies, political systems and cultural backgrounds. She said that both the countries
have stood together as neighbors and friends in every crisis and at every change in the
international and regional situations. The Acting President said that the strategic
partnership between the two fraternal countries was seen as a major factor of stability in
the region. She termed the Chinese model of development worth emulation for other
developing countries. She thanked for the warm hospitality extended to her by the
Chairman of NPC during her recent visit to China.

The Chinese Ambassador Luo Zhaoui said that both China and Pakistan will continue
supporting each other on international and regional issues and their friendship will grow
stronger. He said that the IDPs issue was a humanitarian problem and assured the Acting
President that his country would support Pakistan in this hour of trial. He thanked
Pakistan for supporting China on all international forums.

Talking to the Acting Governor of Punjab Rana Mohammad Iqbal, the Acting President
said that Pakistani nation has always been resilient and tolerant during the period of trial
and added that the nation will help IDPs with the same spirit and zeal they displayed
during the October 2005 earthquake. The Acting President said that the IDPs problem
was biggest human tragedy and it needed backing of the international community and
NGOs to supplement the governments efforts. She said that the political forces should get
united to overcome the menace of extremism and eke up the losses caused by terrorism.

The Acting governor said that the problem confronting the country needed to be tackled
jointly. He said that Pakistan at this juncture could not afford internal bickerings and
urged the politicians to forge unity to face the challenges confronting the country.
Later on, the Acting President also chaired the meeting of oversight committee for
Displaced persons of Tribal Areas. Speaking on the occasion, the Acting President said
that the Parliamentarians were committed to resolve the problems confronting the people
and specifically during the time of national emergency and crisis. She said that
Parliamentarians have always set precedence of service to the nation in crisis. She said
parliamentarians have generously donated money to the National Assembly constituted
Speakers Relief Fund for the displaced people of the tribal areas. The Acting President
said that the funds will be utilized for the IDPs from Swat and Malakand. She urged the
civil society, philanthropists, NGO and parliamentarians the world over to contribute and
donate into the fund for the welfare of the IDPs from Swat and adjoining areas.

As a good will gesture, the Acting President also decided to bear the expenditure of the
upbringing of the newly born girl child named Amn and her mother as long as they are in
the IDPs camp at Swabi and till their rehabilitation. She urged the well-off people to
adopt orphans and take responsibility of the expenses of at least one family till their
rehabilitation. The Acting President and the members of the oversight committee will
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

visit the camps in Mardan tomorrow (Wednesday) to oversee the relief work and
distribute relief goods there.

The meeting was attended by Acting Speaker Faisal Karim Kundi, MNAs Syed
Akhunzada Chitan, Mr. Masood Abass, Mr. Nadeem Afzal Chan, Engineer Amir
Muqam, Engineer Shaukat Ullah, Mrs. Yasmeen Rehman, Mr. Zafar Beg Bhittni and
Mrs. Jamila Gillani.

ACTING PRESIDENT APPEALS TO THE PHILANTHROPISTS AND

AFFLUENTS TO HELP THE IDPs

Islamabad May 12, 2009: The Acting President Dr. Fehmida Mirza has decided to defray
the expenditures of the upbringing of the newly born girl child named Amn and of her
family as long as they are residing in Internally Displaced People (IDPs) Camp at Swabi,
till their rehabilitation.

The Acting President made this decision while presiding over a meeting of the
Parliaments Relief and Oversight Committee for IDPs in the Parliament House, today.
The Acting President said that helping the IDPs was the responsibility of every Pakistani
and urged the well-off people to adopt orphans and bear the responsibility of expenditure
of at least one displaced family till their rehabilitation.

She appealed to the affluent people, philanthropists, NGOs and the world community to
come forward and help the IDPs regarding their relief and rehabilitation.

IDPS REHABILITATION IS GLOBAL RESPONSIBILITY SAYS THE ACTING

PRESIDENT

Islamabad May 11, 2009: The Acting President Dr. Fehmida Mirza has said that
continuity of policies and stability in the area was necessary for progress and prosperity
of the countries in the region. She said that Pakistan faced the challenges of 1.8 million
Internally Displaced People in Swat and it was the responsibility of the World
Community to assist in the rehabilitation of the IDPs. The Acting President expressed
these views while talking to the Ambassadors of UAE and Oman in separate meetings,
held in the Parliament House, today.

Talking to Ambassador of Oman Sheikh Ahmad Bin Muhammad bin Salam Alashai, the
Acting President said that Pakistan values high its relations with Sultanate of Oman and
wanted to further strengthen them. She said that there was a vast potential of cooperation
between the two countries and the need was to materialize this potential. The Acting
President said that the area of cooperation and the existing volume of trade between the
two countries could be expanded through more investment by the Oman's investors in
Pakistan. The Acting President said that a large number of Pakistanis were contributing
in development and prosperity of the economies of Oman and other Muslim countries
and their strength in these countries could be increased by ensuring opportunities to
Pakistani manpower there.
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

The Acting President said that the displaced persons in Swat and Tribal Areas are victims
of extremism and terrorism and was a biggest human tragedy. She said that it was the
responsibility of Civil Society, NGOs and international community to assist in their
rehabilitation.

Talking to the Ambassador of UAE H.E Mr. Ali Saif Sultan Al-Awani the Acting
President said that strengthening relations and enhancing cooperation with the UAE and
other Muslim countries was an important objective of Pakistan's policies.

She said that the misperception about Islam created by the media in the West needed to
be removed through joint efforts. She said that interfaith dialogue needed to be
supported and encouraged to overcome the existing waves of extremism in various
societies the world over. She said that the Internally Displaced People of Swat and
Tribal Area needed universal support. The Acting Speaker expressed optimism that
Pakistan will overcome this challenge with our traditional patience, endurance and
courage.

The Acting President thanked the UAE Government for the power plant granted to
Pakistan for electricity generation.

Both the Ambassadors of UAE and Oman assured the Acting President of their countries
support for the rehabilitation of the IDPs and the socio-economic development of Swat
and the Tribal Areas. Both the Ambassadors underlined the need for increased
cooperation in economic fields and assured full cooperation on behalf of their respective
Governments to the Acting President.

ACTING PRESIDENT CONDOLE THE DEATH OF HUSBAND OF PRIME

MINISTER OF BANGLADESH

Islamabad May 10, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Acting President has expressed her deep
sense of grief and sorrow over the demise of Dr. Wajid Mia, husband of Sheikh Hasina
Wajid, Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

In her message to Sheikh Hasina Wajid, the Acting President conveyed her condolence
on behalf of the government and people of Pakistan as well on her behalf. In her
condolence message, Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that the sad news of passing away of your
illustrious husband has been received with deep grief and sorrow. May Allah rest the
departed soul rest in eternal peace. It is my prayer to Allah Almighty to grant you and the
family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity.

AMBASSADORS OF IRAN AND FRANCE CALL ON THE ACTING

PRESIDENT.
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

Islamabad May 09, 2009: The Acting President, Dr. Fehmida Mirza has said that
Pakistan was confronting
the problems of terrorism
and extremism and it was
determined to overcome
these challenges with the
support of the masses and
friendly countries. The
Acting President said that
despite problems caused
by the collateral damages
in fight against terrorism
and extremism and the burden of refugees, moral of the people was high and Pakistan’s
economy was moving forward. She said this while talking to the Ambassador of Iran,
Masha’allah Shakeri and the Ambassador of France Daniel Jouanneau who called on her
separately in the Parliament House, today.

Talking to the Ambassador of Iran, the Acting President said that Iran and Pakistan have
too much in common and they could use their proximity and commonalities for the
benefit of the people of both the countries. The Acting President said that there was a
vast opportunities for
Iranian investors to invest
in the agro-based
industries in Pakistan
while Pakistan can provide
enough manpower to Iran
for its industrial
development. She said that
Pakistan was a big market
and the Iranian investors
could benefit from it. The
Acting President said that
early completion of Pak-
Iran gas- pipeline
would open new avenues
of progress and prosperity in the region.
The Ambassador of Iran Masha’allah Shakeri said that Iran wanted to see Pakistan strong
and prosperous. He said that his country would extend every support to Pakistan to
overcome the challenges it was confronting right now.

Talking to the Ambassador of France, the Acting President said that Pakistan was
committed to root out terrorism for which it has adopted the policy of dialogue,
deterrence and development. She said that Pakistan was a progressive country and its
people wanted peace and prosperity in the region. She said that there are people who
wanted to tarnish the image of Pakistan by projecting only negative things and then
blowing that out of proportion.
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

She said that there were a lot of positive developments and good things in Pakistan that
needed to be projected by media, so that the misperception generated in the west was
removed. The Acting President said that Pakistan needed support of the friendly
countries to eliminate the root causes of extremism and develop the tribal and other
effected areas of the country.
The Acting President said that continuity of the democratic process was necessary for
developing democratic culture, strengthening of institutions and grooming of political
leadership in the country. She appreciated the western support for restoration of
democracy and strengthening of institutions in Pakistan.

The Ambassador of France Daniel Jouanneau said that his country supports democracy in
Pakistan and would assist in strengthening democratic institutions there. He said that
France wanted Pakistan to resolve problems confronted by it and assured his country’s all
out support in this regard.

FORMATION OF PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE TO REVIEW LAWS

WILL BE ANNOUNCED SOON: ACTING PRESIDENT TELLS THE EU
DELEGATION

Islamabad May 08, 2009: A 5-members delegation of European Union led by Tomas
Nikalson called on
the Acting
President, Dr.
Fehmida Mirza in
the Parliament
House, today.

Talking to the
delegation, the
Acting President
said that Pakistan attaches great importance to its relations with European Union
Countries and wanted to further strengthen it. She said that despite many challenges, the
newly established democracy in Pakistan was gaining strength. She said that European
Union countries role in restoration of democracy in Pakistan was commendable.

The Acting President said that the government was following the policy of reconciliation
and wanted all political forces on board. She said that in accordance with the presidential
address to the joint sitting of the parliament and after passing resolutions by both the
houses, the Speaker National Assembly will soon announce a parliamentary committee
that will review the present laws and recommend measures to strengthen the election
commission and other democratic institutions in light of the charter of democracy.

The Acting President assured the EU Delegation of all out support for their projects for
strengthening democratic institutions and capacity building of the legislators in Pakistan.
She also thanked the delegation for monitoring the last general elections in Pakistan.
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

The Head of European Union Delegation, Tomas Nikalson said that the European Union
was interested in strengthening democratic system in Pakistan. He said that a strong and
vibrant election commission was necessary for credible election. He assured that the
European Union would provide assistance for the capacity building of the legislators and
secretariat staff of the parliament. He appreciated the developments and reforms being
carried out in the Parliament House.

ACTING PRESIDENT STREESSES FOR RAISING PUBLIC AWARENESS FOR

PREVENTION OF THALASSEMIA

Islamabad May 7, 2009: Dr Fehmida Mirza, Acting President Islamic Republic of

Pakistan has said that today, millions of children across the world are suffering from
Thalassemia, which need immediate attention of the nations individually and
collectively.

She expressed these views in her message on the Thalassemia Day being observed on
Friday (tomorrow) across the globe.

The Acting President said that lack of awareness among the masses was the main cause
behind the increase in Thalassemia disease in Pakistan. She stressed for raising public
awareness for prevention of the dreadful blood disorder.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that Thalassemia is a genetically transmitted blood disorder,
which has affected million of people around the world and its further proliferation could
only be slashed down by avoiding intra-family marriages.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza called upon the Ministry of Health to allocate necessary funds for
establishment of more Thalassemia Centres to ensure health coverage and blood
transfusion services to the deserving patients in both the rural and urban areas of the
country. She also appealed to the Non-governmental organizations and philanthropist
community to generously donate for establishment of such Centres where deserving
Thalassemia patients could undergo clinical care besides having free blood transfusion
services. Dr. Fehmida Mirza also called upon the Media to create awareness among
masses to stop further proliferation of the blood disorder. The Acting president eulogized
the services of the volunteers and philanthropists working for wellbeing of Thalassemia
patients.

2-N.A STANDING COMMITTEES ELECT THEIR CHAIRPERSONS

ACTING PRESIDENT AND ACTING SPEAKER CONGRATULATE NEWLY

ELECTED CHAIRPERSONS

Islamabad May 06, 2009: Meetings of the National Assembly Standing Committees on
Information & Broadcasting and Overseas Pakistanis were held in Parliament House,
today for election of their Chairpersons.
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

Mrs Belum Hasnain and Mr. Ghulam Dastagir Rajar were unanimously elected
Chairpersons of Standing Committees on Information & Broadcasting and Overseas
Pakistanis, respectively.

Secretary National Assembly Mr. Karamat Hussian Niazi conducted the elections of the
Standing Committees.

The Chairpersons after their unanimous election thanked their fellow parliamentarians in
reposing confidence in them by electing them as Chairpersons. They assured them that
with concerted efforts, they would make the Committees useful, effective and purposeful.
All the members of the Committees congratulated the newly elected Chairpersons and
assured their cooperation for the smooth functioning of the Standing Committees.

Secretary National Assembly on behalf of Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Acting President and
Faisal Karim Kundi, Acting Speaker National Assembly congratulated Mrs. Belum
Hasnain and Mr. Ghulam Dastagir Rajar on their elections as Chairpersons of the
Standing Committees.

The meetings were attended by Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah, Minister for Labour and
Manpower/Chief Whip and Members of the respective Standing Committees.

SPEAKER NATIONAL ASSEMBLY TO ACT AS PRESIDENT

Islamabad May 05, 2009: In pursuance of Article 49(2) of the Constitution of Islamic
Republic of Pakistan, Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly would perform the
functions of President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan w.e.f today, 05th May, 2009 in the
absence of Mr. Asif Ali Zardari, President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan who has
proceeded to USA on an official visit and the Chairman Senate who has also proceeded
abroad on an official visit today, on 5th May, 2009. Dr. Fehmida Mirza will remain
Acting President till the return of President Asif Ali Zardari from abroad.

NA SPEAKER SAYS: FREE, SECURE AND INDEPENDENT MEDIA IS

FOUNDATION OF PEACE AND DEMOCRACY

Islamabad; May 2, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has said that
present democratic set up in the country strongly believes in freedom of press and would
remove all laws repugment to the freedom of press. She said this in her message on
World Press Freedom Day being observed tomorrow through out the globe under the
auspices of United United Nations.
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that this day reminds us to raise awareness on importance of
freedom of press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right of
freedom of expression stipulated in universal declaration of Human Rights. She said that
rapid pace of globalization has strengthened the development of a free, pluralistic
independent and professional media, therefore, it is imperative on nations of the world to
ensured independence of media so that information could be dispense with to all without
discrimination.

She said that a free, secure and independent media is one of the foundations of peace and
democracy. The Speaker said that Media has played a significant role in highlighting the
cause of downtrodden and marginalized segments of the society. She urged the Media to
keep on playing its role objectively so that governance in the country could be
improved. She paid rich tributes to the journalists working in the conflict zones without
foe and fear. She also eulogized the service of late media personnel who lost their lives
in pursuance of their jobs in war and conflict zones in all parts of the World.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza urged the Media to create harmony in the country by highlighting the
social evils and anti-state elements since Pakistan is passing through turbulence and anti-
state elements were trying to destabilize the country; however the present Government
was aware of the problem and trying to confront their nefarious designs, she said.

DEWAN ASHIQ HUSSIAN BOKHARI, MNA: ELECTED CHAIRMAN N.A

STANDING COMMITTEE ON CABINET SECRETARIAT

NA SPEAKER AND ACTING SPEAKER CONGRATULATE DEWAN ASHIQ

HUSSIAN BOKHARI

Islamabad April 27, 2009: Dewan Ashiq Hussian Bokhari, MNA has been unanimously
elected Chairman of the National Assembly Standing Committees on Cabinet Secretariat
in meeting of the Committee held in Parliament House, today for election of its
Chairman.

Name of Dewan Ashiq Hussian Bokhari was proposed by Syed Alla-ud-Din, MNA and
seconded by Mrs. Tahira Aurangzeb, MNA. Secretary National Assembly Mr. Karamat
Hussain Niazi conducted the election of the Standing Committee.
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

The Chairman after his unanimous election thanked his fellow parliamentarians in
reposing confidence in him by electing him as Chairman. He assured them that with
concerted efforts; he would make the Committee useful, effective and purposeful.
Members of the respective Committees while felicitating, the Chairmen, assured their
cooperation for the smooth functioning of the Committee.

The meeting was attended by Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah, Minister for Labour and
Manpower/Chief Whip, MNAs Syed Alla-ud-Din, Mrs. Tahira Aurangzeb, Mr. Tariq
Mehmood Bajwa and Malik Nawab Sher Waseer.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Acting Speaker National
Assembly have congratulated Dewan Ashiq Hussian Bokhari on his election as Chairman
of the Standing Committee and assured him of their full cooperation in carrying out their
constitutional obligations.

NA SPEAKER AND ACTING SPEAKER CONGRATULATE NEWLY

ELECTED CHAIRMEN

Islamabad April 23, 2009: Meetings of the National Assembly Standing Committees on
Kashmir Affairs & Northern Areas, Labour & Manpower, Petroleum & Natural
Resources and Planning & Development were held in Parliament House, today for
election of their Chairmen.

Shahzada Muhiuddin, Ch. Nazir Ahmad Jatt, Mr. Ehsan Ullah Reki and Mir
Ahmadan Khan Bughti were unanimously elected Chairmen of Standing Committees
Kashmir Affairs & Northern Areas, Labour & Manpower, Petroleum & Natural
Resources and Planning & Development, respectively.

Secretary National Assembly Mr. Karamat Hussain Niazi conducted the elections of the
Standing Committees.

The Chairmen after their unanimous election thanked their fellow parliamentarians in
reposing confidence in them by electing them as Chairpersons. They assured them that
with concerted efforts; they would make the Committee useful, effective and purposeful.
Members of the respective Committees while felicitating, the Chairmen, assured their
cooperation for the smooth functioning of the Committees.

The meetings were attended by Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah, Minister for Labour and
Manpower/Chief Whip and Members of the respective Standing Committees.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Acting Speaker National
Assembly have congratulated Shahzada Muhiuddin, Ch. Nazir Ahmad Jatt, Mr. Ehsan
Ullah Reki and Mir Ahmadan Khan Bughti on their election as Chairmen of the Standing
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

Committees and assured them of their full cooperation in carrying out their constitutional
obligations.

PAKISTAN, CHINA AGREE FOR FREQUENT EXCHANGE OF

PARLIAMENTARIAN DELEGATIONS

Islamabad April 22: Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza underlined the need
for frequent exchange of Parliamentary delegations between Pakistan and China to
strengthen our relations and to help better understand each other’s system of governance.
Dr. Fehmida Mirza who was leading a delegation of National Assembly members from
both opposition and ruling parties expressed these veiws while talking to Chairman of
National People’s Congress of China, H.E Wu Bangguo at the Peoples Great Hall in
Beijing.

“I was extremely delighted over the warm welcome on my first visit as Speaker National
Assembly of Pakistan to China”, said Dr. Fehmida. She also expressed her thanks over
the reception and hospitality accorded to her and members the delegation. The present
government she pointed out is determined to further strengthen Sino-Pak relations.
Talking on economic cooperation, the Speaker National Assembly said that there was a
need to expand Trans-Border Economic Zones. The Karakuram Highway and the
Gwadar Port which Pakistan has constructed with the help of China were of great help to
boost economic development of her country.

Dr. Fehmida said that she was very impressed with the economic progress and
development China has achieved in a short span of time. The Speaker NA said that the
people and the present democratically elected government keep Sino-Pak relations in
high esteem as China is our most trusted friend. Quoting the founding Chairman of
Pakistan People’s Party and former Prime Minister Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto she said
that Pakistan, China friendship is higher than the mountains and deeper than the oceans.

The Speaker NA pointed out that there are women and Friend of China caucus in our
parliament and she wants to pursue through these platforms further cooperation with
regard to exchange of parliamentarian delegation with China.

Earlier, H.E. Wu Bangguo said that he was very delighted to welcome the first lady
speaker of the National Assembly from Pakistan. He said that she is not only the first
lady Speaker of Pakistan, but of whole Muslim world. Depsite all these development, Wu
Bangguo said that our friendship remained very strong. Highlighting the importance of
exchanges of parliamentarian delegations from both side, H.E Wu Bangguo said that
people to people contacts help enhance understanding. Expressing thanks to Pakistan for
supporting China on all issues, Wu Bangguo said that China also wants to see Pakistan a
strong and stable. H.E. Wu Bangguo said that Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto had played a
great role in promotion of relations between the two countries.
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

Later, the Chairman NPC hosted a banquet for the distinguished guest at the Great Hall
of the people which was also attended by Ambassador Masood Khan and senior officials
from Pakistan Embassy.

CHALLENGES CONFRONTING TO PAKISTAN CAN BE OVERCOME BY

FOLLOWING THE TEACHINGS OF ALLAMA IQBAL: SPEAKER NA

Islamabad; April 20, 2009: Allama Iqbal was a visionary who conceived the idea of
separate homeland for the Muslims of the subcontinent that was ultimately materialized
in the shape of Islamic Republic of Pakistan, said that Speaker National Assembly in her
message to the nation on the occasion of 71st Death Anniversary of Allama Muhammad
Iqbal.

The Speaker said that prior to 1940, when Pakistan resolution was formally passed,
Allama Iqbal’s philosophical and poetic writings were instrumental in formation and
molding of public opinion. The Speaker said that the dream of Allama Iqbal was a great
blessing for the Muslims of the subcontinent, and added that his poetic message rouse
and strengthen the spirit and well of the Muslims to get independent and separate
homeland for them where they could live according to their creed, culture and traditions.

The Speaker said that Allama Iqbal visualized the suffering of Ummah and masses that
led to their melt down and also proposed recipe for their revival and regaining the lost
glory of Muslims.

The Madam Speaker said that the Muslim Ummah in general and Pakistan in particular
today was confronting tremendous problems and challenges that cold be overcome
through the proposed remedies by Hakeemul Ummah Allama Muhammad Iqbal. The
Speaker said that Allama Iqbal was the great proponent of unity of Muslim Ummah and
reliance on their resources and strength. She said that much of today’s problems will
simply vanish by following the teachings of Allam Iqbal and strictly following by
Islamic ways of life.

The Speaker said that Iqbal’s vision of Islamic society was universal that transcended
beyond limits of territorial boundaries and barriers of nationhood. She said that his vision
of Islam was global encompassing every colour and race of humanity.

The Madam Speaker said that extremism and bigotry had no place in the Allam Iqbal
scheme of thing and he wanted Muslims to be moderate, peaceful and enlightened so that
their deeds convince non Muslim to develop penchant for Islam.

GHAUS BUX KHAN MEHAR, ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF N.A STANDING

COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRIES AND PRODUCTION

NA SPEAKER AND ACTING SPEAKER CONGRATULATE NEWLY

ELECTED CHAIRMAN
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

Islamabad April 20, 2009 : Mr. Ghaus Bux Khan Mehar, MNA has been unanimously
elected Chairman of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Industries and
Production. The Committee met this afternoon in Parliament House for election of its
Chairman.

Name of Mr. Ghaus Bux Khan Mehar for the chairmanship of the Committee was
proposed by Mr. Noor Alam Khan, MNA and supported all the members of the
committee. Secretary National Assembly Mr. Karamat Hussian Niazi conducted the
election of the Standing Committee.

Mr. Ghaus Bux Khan Mehar after his unanimous election thanked his fellow
parliamentarians for reposing confidence in him by electing him as Chairman. He assured
them that with concerted efforts; they would make the Committee useful, effective and
purposeful. Members of the Committee while felicitating, the Chairman, assured their
cooperation for the smooth functioning of the Committee.

The meeting was attended by Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah, Minister for Labour and
Manpower/Chief Whip, MNAs Mr. Noor Alam Khan, Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, Mr.
Hamid Yar Hiraj, Mr. Abdul Waseem and Molvi Agha Mohammad.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Acting Speaker National
Assembly have congratulated Mr. Ghaus Bux Khan Mehar on his election as Chairman
of the Standing Committee and assured him of their full cooperation in carrying out his
constitutional obligations.

REPORT ON STATUS OF WOMEN POLICING LAUNCHED

Islamabad; April 16, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly, has said
that discrimination against women in our society was impeding the pace of progress and

it was high time to ensure equal opportunities to women in social, political and economic
spheres of life. She said this while launching a “report on the status of women police
station” compiled by a Committee of Women Parliamentarian Caucus in the Parliament
House, today.
Presiding over the meeting of the General Body of Women Parliamentary Caucus, the
Speaker said that women in our society particularly in the rural areas are confronting
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

severe problems regarding education, healthcare and employment. She said that denying
women of their due rights was hampering our economic progress and tarnishing our
image abroad. The Speaker said that attitudinal change was needed to bring the
womenfolk to the main stream.
She said that women police stations in Pakistan were great phenomenon and achievement
of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto that she established for protection of women
rights, securing them against violence and where women would seek justice with fear or
any gender discrimination.
The Speaker said that the report would be sent to the Interior Ministry and all provincial
governments as recommendations to bring betterment in women policing in the country.
She said that the report has recommended allocation of more funds, better service
structure, attractive environment and better salaries for the women police in the country.
She said that implementation of the recommendations of the Parliamentary Caucus will
go a long way in improving women policing, ensuring quick dispensation of justice to
women and elimination of violence against women in the country.
The meeting was also briefed by the representatives of Aurat Foundation, NADRA and
Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).
The Representative of Aurat Foundation in his briefing apprised the women
parliamentarians about the problems confronting women in Pakistan regarding acquiring
ID card and casting votes. He proposed closer coordination between NADRA and ECP
for expediting registration and removal of the obstacles in vote casting.
The Representative of NADRA informed the meeting that incentives were given by the
NADRA for women registration has sped up their registration by 28%. He informed that
women in FATA and other backward areas have been given the option of waiver of
photo requirement for ID card besides provisions of mobile registration vans and female
staff and waiver of fee.
The Representative of Election Commission apprised the meeting that lack of education
and cultural norms were the major obstacles in the way of registration and voting which
could be removed through legislation and massive education.
The Chairperson of Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) informed the meeting
that BISP Programme was the biggest ever programme launched by the government to
empower women and eliminate poverty. She said that 7 million families will benefit from
the programme. She said that the programme has inspired women in remote areas to get
registered with NADRA.

SIX-MEMBER CHINESE DELEGATION OF SHANGHAI ACADEMY OF

SOCIAL SCIENCE CALLS ON SPEAKER NA

Islamabad; April 14, 2009: The Speaker National Assembly, Dr. Fehmida Mirza has said
that relations between Pakistan and China have withstood the test of time and these
exemplary relations will be further strengthened through enhanced economic
cooperation. She said this while talking to a Six Member Chinese Delegation of
Shanghai Academy of Social Science (SASS) headed by its Vice President Huang
Renwei, who called on the Speaker in the Parliament House, today.
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

The Madam Speaker said that

China was a great emerging
economic power in the world
and there was lot for Pakistan
as well as countries in the
region to benefit from its
experiences. The Speaker
said that Pakistan and China
have commonality of views
on all regional and international issues and the need was to further strengthen these
relations through frequent parliamentary interaction and exchanges.

The Speaker said that variety of economic projects in Pakistan were infusing strength in
our economy and proving a source of great economic activities in the region. The
Speaker said that security and prosperity were the common objectives of the two
countries for which efforts needed to be expedited. The Speaker said that Pakistan at the
moment was facing variety of challenges which will be over come soon with the support
of peoples and friendly countries, particular China..

The Head of the Chinese delegation Huang Renwei said that China understands well the
strategic importance of Pakistan and it believes that economic development in the area
was the best security of the region. He said that China believed that a stable Pakistan
was necessary for stability and prosperity of the region and assured China continued
support in this regard. He said that China has launched a long run programme of
progress in all sectors of the economy and the next 10 to 12 years may witness great
reforms, especially education sector in China.

NA SPEAKER AND DEPUTY SPEAKER EXTENDS WARM FELICITATIONS

TO THE CHRISTIAN ON EASTER

Islamabad April 12, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has extended
warm felicitations to the Christian Members of the Parliament and the Christian
community on the auspicious occasion of Easter.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that the Easter is occasion to commemorate the resurrection of
Jesus Christ, the culmination of the entire year’s worship and prayers and forty days of
fasting by our Christian brethren followed by celebration and jubilation. She said that this
joyful celebration of the Feast of Easter may bring happiness, prosperity to everyone in
the Christian community. “Happy Easter”. The Speaker asked them to pray for peace,
prosperity and solidarity of the Pakistan.

The Speaker said that Jesus Christ (peace be upon him) was ordained by almighty Allah
to preach love, peace, tolerance and brotherhood. He inculcated spiritual values among
his followers to work for the Divine pleasure. His eternal message of love for humanity
and for members of all communities and fraternities still holds strength to ensure
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

harmony and peace in today’s world. She said that in the day of turbulence in the
country, we should forge unity to counter the nefarious designs of the enemies.

She reiterated that the rights and privileges enjoyed by all minorities in Pakistan will be
fully safeguarded by the government according to the Constitution of Pakistan, guiding
principles of the Father of the Nation and Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Mohtarma
Benazir Bhutto. These would always remain a sacred trust for the people and the
Government of Pakistan.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza also extended her appreciation to the Christian community for their
deep sense of patriotism and dedicated services for the progress and prosperity of the
country. Their unmatched contribution in the process of nation building, especially in the
field of health and education was a glowing chapter of our national history.

Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly has also extended greetings on
his fellow Christian colleagues on the auspicious occasion of Easter.

NA BUSINESS ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETS

Islamabad; April 09, 2009: A meeting of the House Business Advisory Committee of the
National Assembly was held today in Parliament House. Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker
National Assembly presided over the meeting.

The meeting discussed the agenda and ways to run the proceedings of 12th session of the
National Assembly. The Representative of all the parliamentary parties gave their
proposals regarding business in the House. It was decided that debate on President’s
Address will commence from Monday 13th April, 2009. It was also decided that during
the debate on the presidential address, maximum time will be given to all Parliamentary
Leaders and Members to express their views. The Session will continue till 24 th April,
2009. The meeting also discussed the tentative schedule of NA Session for the 2nd
Parliamentary year.

The meeting was attended by Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah, Minister for Labour and
Manpower, Syed Naveed Qamar, Minister for Privatization, Mr. Qamar Zaman Kaira,
Minister for Information & Broadcasting / KANA , Raja Pervez Ashraf, Minister for
Water & Power, Dr. Zaheeruddin Babar Awan, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs,
MNAs. Sheikh Aftab Ahmed, Mrs. Tehmina Daultana , Dr. Fazal Chaudhry, Mian Riaz
Hussain Pirzada and Dr. Abdul Qadir Khanzada.

NA SPEAKER CALLS FOR MAKING HEALTHCARE ESTABLISHMENTS;

SAFE

Islamabad April 7, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has stressed
for integration of prompt healthcare services in the disaster management strategy in order
to provide prompt medical care to the disaster stricken people. She said that it was
imperative to make the hospital safe heavens for disaster stricken people instead of
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

becoming disaster zones themselves. She said this in her message on the World Health
Day, being observed today.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that this day serves us an opportunity as a wakeup call for
nations to be fully prepared for the emergencies. She said that when disaster strikes, well-
prepared and functioning medical services are a necessary in order to provide medical
care to effectees. She said that disasters and natural calamities can take a terrible toll on
human life and too can outbreak infectious disease. In case of any eventuality hospitals,
clinics and other health facilities must react swiftly and efficiently. In case of their un-
preparedness, these facilities instead of being safe havens could become disaster zones
themselves.

The Speaker National Assembly called upon the national and international Health Care
Organizations, civil society organizations and individuals to join hands and collectively
make health establishments in the country safe in wake of the law and order satiation in
the country. She commended the role of United Nations, world Health Organization,
national and international health partners for facilitating the government in organizing
relief and rehabilitation work during the devastating Earthquake of 2005, 2008, and other
human catastrophes.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that the government was well cognizant of the fact and was
giving due priority to the healthcare sector in the country. She said that government was
intending to allocated substantial funds in the budget for the year 2009-2010 for
providing hospitals with necessary equipments, medicines and paramedical staff to meet
the special needs of the vulnerable population in the country especially the rural.

NA SPEAKER AND DEPUTY SPEAKER CONDEMN THE INCIDENT OF

FLOGGING A YOUNG GIRL IN SWAT

Islamabad: April 4, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza Speaker National Assembly has strongly
condemned the incident of flogging of young girl in public by Taliban in Swat.

The Speaker said that the flogging of a young girl in public without any trail was un-
islamic, inhuman and contrary to any civilized norm in the World. The Speaker said that
Islamic injunctions of punishment for a crime can be exercised and implemented only
after the fulfillment of certain prerequisite and adopting proper procedure. She said that
punishing a person without trail was not permissible in any religion and society of the
world.

The Madam Speaker said that Islam has granted an unprecedented highly respectable
place to women and it was the responsibility of every Muslim to support and ensure
respect and security for women, enshrined in Quran and Sunnah.

The Speaker said that ulamas and religious scholars have great responsibility in this
regard. She urged them to come forward and play their role in curbing extremism and
enlightening people about the true values of Islam.
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

The Deputy Speaker National Assembly, Faisal Karim Kundi also condemned the
incident of flogging in Swat and termed it a crime against humanity He said that such
type of cruelty was never permissible in Islam and other religions. He urged the people
to discourage such elements in the society who are causing defamation to Islam.

DR. FEHMIDA MIRZA CALLS FOR FORGING UNITY TO FACE THE

CHALLENGES BEING FACED BY THE COUNTRY

Islamabad April 3, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has said that
Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was a visionary and dauntless leader who will live forever
in the hearts and minds of the people of Pakistan. Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto struggled
for a modern, democratic and developed Pakistan free from exploitation and
obscurantism where people will shall prevail. She said this in her message on the 30th
Death Anniversary of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto being observed tomorrow.

Dr. Fehimda Mirza said that Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was beacon of light for the
downtrodden and disadvantaged people and his political objective was based on the
common mans right to rule through a fair representative system and their economic
empowerment. She said that Shaheed Bhutto was an icon of principles and opted for
martyrdom rather than leaning down in front of the dictatorial forces.

Madam Speaker said that the framing of the unanimous Federal, Democratic and
representative Constitution of 1973, initiation the Nuclear program, holding of the OIC
summit of 1974 at Lahore, the construction of Karakoram Highway, Steel Mills, Port
Qasim, Heavy Mechanical Complex, and land reforms are the silent monuments to
Shaheed Bhutto memory. She said that Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto undoubtedly laid the
foundation of strong support structures for the economy of the country.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza called upon the Nation to forge unity and shun political differences in
order to strengthen the democracy and to face the diverse challenges presently being
faced by the country. She said that by following the footsteps of the Quaid-e-Awam, we
would be able to rise as a progressive and a responsible nation in the comity of Nations.
She prayed to Allah Almighty to rest the soul of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto in eternal
peace.

NA SPEAKER AND DEPUTY SPEAKER CONDOLE THE DEATH OF DR.

ZAWWAR ZAIDI, CHAIRMAN QUAID-E-AZAM ACADEMY AND QUAID
SCHOLAR

Islamabad April 1, 2009 : Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy
Speaker have condoled the death of Dr. Zawwar Hussain Zaidi, Chairman Quaid-e-Azam
Academy and a distinguished Scholar who died in Lahore yesterday.

In their separate condolence messages to Dr. Zawwar’s wife, the Speaker and Deputy
Speaker said that they were grieved over the demise of Dr. Zawwar Hussain. They
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant the courage
to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity

Paying rich tributes to Dr. Zawwar Hussain, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker said that
Dr. Sahib’s death was a great loss for the nation and the vacuum created by his death
would not be easy to fill. They said that Dr. Zawwar Hussian was an authority on
historical archives, documentation and his outstanding work was the collection of Jinnah
Papers. They said that his services for the nation will be remembered in the annals of
history.

PAK-AFGHAN PARLIAMENTARIANS NEED TO PLAY ACTIVE ROLE FOR

PEACE AND STABILITY IN THE REGION

Islamabad; March 31, 2009: Speaker National Assembly, Dr. Fehmida Mirza has said
that people of Pakistan and Afghanistan were closely linked in the bond of religion,
culture and history and they shared their pleasures and sorrows like brothers. She
expressed these views while talking to a Delegation of Afghan Women Parliamentarians
who are in Pakistan to attend Pak-Afghan Parliamentarians, Experts and Editors
Conference on the invitation of SAFMA and that called on her in the Parliament House,
today.

The Madam Speaker said that the region had witnessed turmoil for a long time and major
victims of this turmoil had always been women and children. The Madam Speaker said
that terrorism and extremism were the common enemies of both the countries and we
need joint efforts to get rid of this menace. She said that women needed to play greater
role in the peace Jirgas and strengthening ties between the parliaments, governments and
people of two countries. The Speaker underlined the need for greater exchange of the
parliamentarians of the two countries for strengthening ties between Pakistan and
Afghanistan.

The Afhgan delegation appreciated the formation of women parliamentarian caucus in

Pakistan and pledged to form such a caucus in Afghanistan too and further extension of
the process to the whole region for the purpose of peace. The delegation offered Fatiha
for the soul of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Shaheed and said that Mohtarma Benazir
Bhuttoo Shaheed scarified her life for democracy in Pakistan. The Afghan Women
Parliamentarians said that being an elected women speaker was a matter of great honour
and pride for the women of Islamic world. The delegation invited the Madam Speaker on
behalf of the Speaker of the Afghan Parliament to visit Afghanistan.

MEETING OF THE HEADS/REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PARLIAMENTARY

PARTIES IN THE SENATE AND NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Islamabad; March 28, 2009: A meeting of the Heads / Representatives of the

Parliamentary Parties in the Senate and National Assembly was held today in the
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

Parliament House. Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza presided over the
meeting.

The meeting discussed the matters pertaining to the presidential address to the joint
session and debate on the presidential address in the forthcoming session.

It was decided that the next session of the NA will commence from 9th April, 2009 that
will continue till April 24, 2009. The debate on presidential address will start in the next
session and will continue during the whole session.

The meeting was attended by Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah, Minister for Labour and
Manpower, Dr. Babar Awan, Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Syed Naveed Qamar,
Minister for Privatization, Justice (R) Abdul Razzaq A Taheem, Minister for Local
Government and Rural Development, Maulana Noor-ul-Haq Qadri, Minister for Zakat
and Ushar, Senators Ishaq Dar, Mr. Abdul Ghafoor Haidri, Haji Muhammad Adeel,
MNAs Mr. Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao, Khwaja Asif, Syed Haider Abbas Rizvi and Mr.
Riaz Pirzada.

NA SPEAKER AND DEPUTY SPEAKER CONDEMN THE JAMRUD BOMB

BLAST

Islamabad; March 27, 2009. Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi,
Deputy Speaker National Assembly have strongly condemned bomb blast in Jamrud
Khyber Agency, causing loss of precious lives. In their separate messages, the Speaker
and Deputy Speaker termed the Jamrod bomb blast a barbaric and inhuman act of
terrorism. They said that a few misguided people were trying to disrupt peace in the
country but they will not succeed in their nefarious design. They said that the criminals
were playing with the lives of innocent people without realizing that they could not save
themselves from wrath of Allah. They expressed the hope that the law enforcing
agencies will apprehend the elements involved in this act of terrorism and brought them
to justice.

The Speaker and Deputy Speaker prayed to Almighty Allah to rest the souls of the
victims in eternal peace and grant the bereaved families the courage to bear the
irreparable loss. They also sympathized with the injured and their families and prayed for
their speedy recovery.

NA SPEAKER AND DEPUTY SPEAKER CONDOLE THE DEATH OF

RENOWNED ENGLISH COLUMNIST NA BHATTI

Islamabad March 26, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi,
Deputy Speaker have condoled the death of N.A. Bhatti, renowned English columnist
and elder brother of Shaheed Major Aziz Bhatti.
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

In their separate condolence messages to the bereaved family, the Speaker and Deputy
Speaker said that they were grieved over the demise of Mr. Bhatti. They prayed to
Almighty Allah to rest the departed soul in eternal peace and grant the courage to the
bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss with equanimity

Paying rich tributes to Mr. Bhatti, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker said that he was a
seasoned journalist who highlighted various social and national issues in his write-ups
and his services would be always remembered in annals of history.

NA SPEAKER AND DEPUTY SPEAKER CONDEMN BOMB BLAST IN TANK,

NWFP

Islamabad March 26, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi,
Deputy Speaker National Assembly have strongly condemned bomb blast in Tank,
NWFP, which caused loss of precious lives and injured several. In a message, the
Speaker and Deputy Speaker said that it is a barbaric act of terrorism, which reflected
inhumane and callous nature of the perpetrators. They said that a few misguided people
were trying to disrupt peace in the country but they will not succeed in their nefarious
design. They said that the criminals were playing with the lives of innocent people.

Praying for the deceased, the Madam Speaker and Deputy Speaker said that may Allah
rest the souls of the victims in eternal peace and grant the bereaved families the courage
to bear the loss. They also sympathized with the injured and their families and prayed for
their speedy recovery.

MESSAGE FROM DR. FEHMIDA MIRZA, SPEAKER NA ON THE OCCASION

OF PAKISTAN DAY (23rd MARCH 2009)

Islamabad; March 22, 2009: The Speaker National Assembly, Dr. Fehmida Mirza has
said that Pakistan was created to establish a social order free from exploitation,
discrimination and injustice with the active support of the masses of Pakistan and it was
the responsibility of every citizen to contribute individually and collectively to
accomplish this sacred mission. She said this in her message to the Nation on the
occasion of 23rd March, 2009.

The Speaker said that on this day in 1940, the Muslims of South Asia under the
leadership of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah declared their collective resolve in
Lahore for the establishment of an independent and sovereign state comprising the
Muslim majority areas as their sole and common demand. She said that the Pakistan
Resolution gave impetus to Pakistan movement and resulted in creation of Pakistan on
14th August, 1947.

She said that while celebrating the 69th anniversary of 23rd March, 1940 resolution we
must ask ourselves as whether we have truly achieved the objectives and added that it
was imperative that as a nation we renew our resolve to inculcate in ourselves the spirit
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

of unity, harmony, brotherhood, equality and democratic values, which is the true lesson
of Pakistan resolution.

Following is the text of the Speaker’s Message

I greet the nation on the auspicious occasion of Pakistan Day today. Sixty Nine years
ago, on this day, Muslims of the South Asia, under the leadership of Quaid-e-Azam
Muhammad Ali Jinnah in Lahore on March 23, 1940 resolved to work for an independent
Muslim state. The Lahore Resolution, which later on came to be known as Pakistan
Resolution, imparted new vigour and impetus to the movement for independence and
gave the Muslims a new sense of purpose and direction.

For centuries, Non-Muslims lived peacefully and enjoyed complete religious freedom
under Muslim rulers. However the government which came into power under the
Government of India Act 1935, gave a rude shock to the Muslims forcing them to
conclude that their rights would not be protected within a united India and they were thus
left with no choice except to demand independence not only from the yoke of
colonialism but also from Hindu domination.

Quaid-e-Azam embodied Islamic principles of tolerance and humanism which enabled

him to rally around, not only Muslim public opinion of all shades but also support from
other minorities, to demand and create a separate Muslim homeland. It is a tribute to his
leadership and honesty of purpose that within a short period of seven years he secured
Pakistan against heavy odds and through peaceful means. The present democratic
government can take genuine pride for restoring the Quaid’s vision of Pakistan as a
democratic, tolerant and peace loving nation.

This year Pakistan Day has a special significance for us. Democracy in Pakistan has been
restored and people have been empowered. Our economy is on way to recovery,
governance improving, structural imbalances are being addressed and Pakistan’s global
standing is on the rise. The general elections of 18th Feb, 2008 last year have brought
into power a kind of leadership that has brought greater strength and glory to Pakistan.

May Allah bless our efforts to make Pakistan a progressive, tolerant and prosperous
Muslim State (Ameen).

N.A FINANCE COMMITTEE DECIDES CONTINUE

Islamabad March 13, 2009: Meeting of the Finance Committee of the National Assembly
was held under the chairpersonship of Madam Speaker Dr. Fehmida Mirza, in the
Parliament House, today. The Committee approved minutes of the previous meeting of
the finance committee. The committee also approved the figures of the revised budget of
the National Assembly for the year 2007-08 and budget estimate for 2009-10. The
committee was of the view that the country was facing difficult economic challenges
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

which can only be met when all organs of the state and sections of the society make
sacrifices through economy and frugality in the expenditure.

The Speaker in her brief said that NA Secretariat through austerity measures saved Rs 38
crore during the year 2007-08 budget. She said that the current budget (2008-09) was
freezed at level of previous year’s budget and the NA expenditure has remained strictly
within that limits. She said keeping in view the economic hardships in the country, it was
necessary to keep the expenditures within limits.

The Madam Speaker said that working at the secretariat and services to the
parliamentarian were being improved through merit based recruitment and promotions
and better training and capacity building of the secretariat staff. The Committee
appreciated practicing of the austerity measures in the NA Secretariat and recommended
to continue the same in future too.

The meeting was attended by Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National Assembly,
MNAs, Fouzia Wahab, Mr. Azeem Daultana, Mrs. Asma Arbab Alamgir, Ms. Nafisa
Shah, Ch. Saud Majeed, Sardar Shahjehan Yousaf, Mrs. Farkhanda Amjad, Mrs. Bushra
Rehman, Secretary Ministry of Finance and Secretary and Additional Secretary of the
NA.

NA SPEAKER HOLDS MEHFIL-E-MILAD AT PARLIAMENT HOUSE

Islamabad March 12,2009: To pay tributes to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon
Him) a Mehfil-e-Milad was held today at Parliament House
Islamabad.

Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza was the Chief Guest on the occasion.
Large number of women Parliamentarians and dignitaries attended the Mehfil-e-Milad.
Speakers at the Mehfil-e-Milad paid rich tributes to the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon
Him) and urged the Muslim Ummah to follow the teaching of the Quran and Sunnah.
They said that the Prophets’ words and factions were the best models for believers.
Speakers said that the best solution to all the problems was to follow the Sunnah of the
Holy Prophet (Peace be upon Him) which provided guidance in a very sphere of life.
Highlighting the importance of the commemoration or holding of the Mehfil-e-Milad,
Speakers said that such Mehfals provide inspiration for all mankind to lead a peaceful
and successful life.

“The Prophet is an emblem of tranquility, modesty, justice, peace, love and brother
hood. It was the strength of Prophets character and preaching through self example and
charms of personality that moulded the hearts and minds of the people and compelled
over the enemies to embrace Islam through peace. He articulated a comprehensive code
of conduct for interpersonal relations and formulating a healthy society through his
personal conduct” Speakers added
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

Speaking on the occasion, the Madam Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fehmida Mirza
said that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) was the torch bearer and
blessing for the entire universe. She said that the Ummah should seek salvage from all
the difficulties by following and practicing the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad
(Peace be upon Him). She said that the Prophet revolutionized the world in shortest time
and changed every aspects of peoples life through his personal example and deeds. She
stressed upon Ummah to follow the path of the Prophet (Peace be upon Him) to live in
peacefully. She said today the Muslim Humah was confronting the problems of the
sectarianism and parochialism and added that the best solution to all the problems lies in
following the Sunah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him), which
provides guidance in every sphere of life. Mrs. Fauzia Gillani, wife of the Prime
Minister was also present on the occasion.

SPEAKER AND DEPUTY SPEAKER NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FELICITATE

FAROOQ H NAIK AND JAN MUHAMMAD JAMALI ON THEIR ELECTION
AS CHAIRMAN AND DEPUTY CHAIRMAN SENATE

Islamabad; March 12, 2009: Speaker National Assembly Dr. Fehmida and Deputy
Speaker National Assembly Faisal Karim Kundi have extended congratulations to Farooq
H Naik and Jan Muhammad Jamali on their unopposed election as Chairman and Deputy
Chairman, Senate, respectively.

In their separate messages to Farooq H. Naik and Jan Muhammad Jamali, the Speaker
and the Deputy Speaker said that their election as the custodians of Upper House was an
evidence of trust and confidence of the senators and people, reposed in them. They
expressed hope that the newly elected Chairman and Deputy Chairman will prove
precious asset for the senate and will play pragmatic and active role in strengthening of
democratic norms and institutions in the country.

MEHFIL-E-MILAD TO BE HELD AT PARLIAMENT HOUSE ON 12TH

MARCH 2009.

Islamabad March 11,2009: To pay homage to Prophet (Peace be upon Him) a Mehfil-e-
Milad will be held at the Parliament House Islamabad tomorrow on 12th March, 2009 at
4.30 p.m. The Mehfil-e-Milad is being hosted by the Madam Speaker National
Assembly.

Women Parliamentarians and wives of prominent personalities have been invited to

attend the Mehfil-e-Milad.

Mehfil-e-Milad will be telecast live for which necessary arrangements have been made
and media has been invited.
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

NA SPEAKER CALLS FOR ACTIVE ROLE OF WOMEN IN NATIONAL

DEVELOPMENT

Islamabad March 8, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker National Assembly has said that
womenfolk comprise more than 50% of the total population of the country and their
participation is imperative for the national development and prosperity. Dr. Fehmida
Mirza said this in her message on the International Women’s Day being
commemorated throughout the World, today.

Madam Speaker said that women representation in public affairs was central to the
functioning and strengthening of democracy and struggle against oppression. She said
that it was the vision of Shaheed Mohatrama Benazir Bhutto to empower women so that
they could better contribute in the national development. In realization of the vision of
Shaheed Mohtarma, women have been sufficiently represented in the present Parliament
and opportunities are being provided to them for their enhanced role in national
development.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza said that women were also subject to violence, economic exploitation
and lack of basic healthcare facilities and education. She said that present government is
committed to bring changes in the relevant laws to provide safe working environment for
women. She said that miscreant involved in violence and oppression against women
would be dealt with sternly so that deterrence is created against such acts. She said that
on this day we should resolve to protect women from discrimination and violence.

She said that present government was committed to provide basic healthcare facilities
and education to women and has allocated substantial funds for the purpose. She also
said that women need to be economically empowered; therefore, women enterpeneurers
are being encouraged to play active role in economic activity.

Madam Speaker said that the establishment of Women Parliamentary Caucus in the
National Assembly was a significant achievement which has been formed with the
objectives of protecting women rights and empowering them politically and
economically. She said that Women Caucus would leave no stone unturned in mobilizing
the collective power of women to make Pakistan, the region and the world more tolerant,
harmonious and secure.

2-N.A STANDING COMMITTEES ELECT THEIR CHAIRMEN NA SPEAKER

AND DEPUTY SPEAKER CONGRATULATE NEWLY ELECTED CHAIRMEN

Islamabad March 6, 2009: Meetings of the National Assembly Standing Committees on

Communications and Minorities were held in Parliament House, today for election of
their Chairmen.

Mr. Saeed Ahmad Zafar and Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani were unanimously elected
Chairmen of Standing Committees on Communications and Minorities, respectively.
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

Secretary National Assembly Mr. Karamat Hussian Niazi conducted the elections of the
Standing Committees.

The Chairmen after their unanimous election thanked their fellow parliamentarians in
reposing confidence in them by electing them as Chairmen. They assured them that with
concerted efforts; they would make the Committees useful, effective and purposeful. All
the members of the Committees congratulated the newly elected Chairmen and assured
their cooperation for the smooth functioning of the Standing Committees.

The meetings were attended by Syed Khursheed Ahmad Shah, Minister for Labour and
Manpower/Chief Whip and Members of the respective Standing Committees.

Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy Speaker National
Assembly congratulated Mr. Saeed Ahmad Zafar and Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani on
their election as Chairmen to the National Assembly Standing Committees and assured
them of their full cooperation in conducting the meetings of the Standing Committee.

NA SPEAKER AND DEPUTY SPEAKER EXTEND FELICITATIONS TO THE

NEWLY ELECTED SENATORS

Islamabad March 4, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi, Deputy
Speaker National Assembly have extended warm felicitations to the newly elected
Senators from Islamabad, FATA, NWFP and Balochistan.

In their separate felicitation messages to the Senators-elect, they said that their election to
the Upper House of the Parliament was a substantiation of trust and confidence reposed
in them by the leadership of their respective parties and the Members of the National and
Provincial Assemblies. They expressed their optimism that they would uphold the
democratic norms and work for strengthening of democracy in the country besides
articulating issues of vital importance pertaining to their respective provinces at federal
level.

NA SPEAKER AND DEPUTY SPEAKER CONDEMN ATTACK ON SRI

LANKAN CRICKET TEAM

Islamabad: March 3, 2009: Dr. Fehmida Mirza, Speaker and Faisal Karim Kundi,
Deputy Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan have strongly condemned the incident of
firing on Sri Lankan Cricket Team at Lahore today. They have expressed grief and
sorrow over the killing of police personnels and injuring the members of Sri Lankan
team.

In their statements the Speaker and Deputy Speaker termed it cowardly and dastardly
terrorist act. They said that the elements involved in such activities were the enemies of
humanity and earned bad name for Islam and the country.
Dr. Fahmida Mirza

They prayed Almighty Allah to rest the souls of victims in eternal peace and sympathized
with bereaved families. They also prayed for early recovery of injured players of Sir
Lankan Cricket Team