The United States on Wednesday welcomed the election of a woman parliamentarian to the office of speaker in Pakistan's National Assembly as the parliamentary process in Islamabad moved forward to elect new leadership.
The State Department, commenting on election of speaker and deputy speaker in the lower chamber of the parliament emerging from February 18 polls, also said the US looks forward to working with the Pakistani leaders on issues of common interest.
The election of a woman parliamentarian, Dr Fehmida Mirza, to the office of speaker reflects vibrancy and openness in the Pakistani society, a State Department spokesman said. Her election also signifies that women in Pakistan can play an important role in democratic development as well as resolution of other issues being faced by the country, the spokesman added.