ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT ): Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan Sardar Ayaz Sadiq extended a warm welcome to H.E. Abdul Raheem Abdulla, Speaker of the People’s Majlis of the Maldives, and his parliamentary delegation at the National Assembly of Pakistan .
During the visit, a key meeting was held between the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights (PCCR) and the Maldives parliamentary delegation, chaired by Federal Parliamentary Secretary for Information and Broadcasting Barrister Danyal Chaudhry.
Speaking at the outset, Barrister Danyal explained the origin of the Caucus, recalling that a young child once posed a question to a parliamentarian that if the voting age is 18 and Parliament represents only those aged 18 and above, how would effective legislation be ensured for children below that age. That question, he said, laid the foundation for the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights, enabling children’s issues to be raised effectively at the parliamentary level.
The two sides agreed to deepen cooperation in parliamentary diplomacy, trade, tourism, education, youth development, agriculture, health, IT, and other areas.
Barrister Danyal said parliamentary exchanges play a vital role in strengthening institutional linkages, building goodwill, and opening new avenues for bilateral cooperation. He described Pakistan-Maldives relations as rooted in mutual respect, shared values, and strong people-to-people ties. He called for expanding collaboration in trade, education, tourism, health, climate change, youth development, and defence.
The Parliamentary Secretary noted that sharing expertise and information in public welfare sectors particularly child rights, education, and youth development would greatly benefit both nations.
The Maldives delegation appreciated Pakistan’s support and reiterated its commitment to strengthening bilateral ties. It identified tourism and fisheries as priority areas and expressed interest in cooperation on renewable energy, agriculture, education, vocational training, and scholarships.
Members of the Pakistan-Maldives Parliamentary Friendship Group, Dr. Shaista Khan, Syeda Nausheen Iftikhar, Muhammad Usman Badini, Dr. Shazia Sohaib Aslam Soomro, Sabeen Ghouri, and Amjad Ali Khan underscored the need to expand cooperation in trade, youth development, agriculture, IT and digital collaboration, and health.
