The US government has launched a $ 14 million project to strengthen national and provincial legislative governance in Pakistan over a period of three years.
In a meeting with Senate Chairman Mohammedmian Soomro here on Monday, US Ambassador Nancy Powell said media and strengthening of civil society are the other components of the project.
Explaining the salient features of the programme, Nancy Powell said six civil society groups, who have formed a consortium, have been awarded contract on competitive basis to run the programme.
The US is keen to strengthen the democratic system in Pakistan, she said. Under the project, orientation programme will be run for the legislators both at the federal and provincial level so that their input in the parliament could be made meaningful and objective, the US envoy observed.
The leaders of the constituent groups of the consortium will, after consulting the respective legislative system, prepare training models for the programme.
The intended programme will also cover strengthening of the parliamentary system and train the staff for providing support to the legislators.
The Chairman thanked the US government for funding this programme and appreciated the role of the US ambassador for taking keen interest.
He assured all possible help and assistance in running the programme aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and democracy in Pakistan.