The British High Commissioner in Pakistan Mark Lyall Grant called on Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Dr Sher Afgan Khan Niazi on Tuesday and discussed matters of mutual interest, particularly with reference to the working of parliament and legislation process.
Dr Afgan Niazi apprised the High Commissioner of the legislation made so for as well as role of the Standing Committees in the upper House Senate and National Assembly.
The Minister said present Government under the able and bold leadership of President General Pervez Musharraf was taking all possible steps to strengthen the democratic institutions in the country.
He said under the constitutional amendments women had been given due representation in the Parliament and Provincial Assemblies, age for voting reduced from 21 to 18 years to give maximum representation to the people in the assemblies.
"The Blasphemy Law and Hadood Ordinance have also been amended to administer proper justice to the concerned", he said.
An autonomous institution of Election Commission had been established on permanent basis to promote the democratic process, he said.
The High Commissioner appreciated the efforts of Pakistan Government to strengthen democratic process and parliamentary values and promote norms through parliament in the country.