The concluding session of the 54th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) General Assembly observed one minute silence to pay homage to the late Benazir Bhutto who sacrificed her life for upholding the cause of democracy, world peace and justice.
The recommendation for observance of silence was made by the unanimous resolution adopted by the Asian Group meeting presided over by Speaker National Assembly of Pakistan, Dr Fehmida Mirza on the second day of CPA moot in Kuala Lumpur, says a press release issued here Saturday.
The Malaysian candidate, Mohd Shafi Updal was elected as chairman of CPA's Executive Committee for the term of three years in an election held in the concluding session of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) General Assembly by securing 150 votes against his closer rival Lord Paul of United Kingdom who secured 102 votes.
Dr Fehmida Mirza congratulated new chairmen-elect and expressed her hopes that under his dynamic and creative leadership, the CPA would perform in the best interest of the member countries and would truly represent the aspirations of the people of CPA member countries by upholding democratic traditions and steering the CPA in a such way that it is fully geared up to resolve the issues faced by many member countries such as lack of democracy, incident of poverty and non observance of rule of law.
The General Assembly also approved the candidature of Kiramatullah Khan, Speaker NWFP, as regional representative from Asia would replace Saleh Bhootani Speaker Balochistan Assembly, whose term was also expired on the same day.
The concluding session of CPA General Assembly also reviewed and approved the budgetary estimates and projections for the year 2008-2010 and endorsed the financial management report and Income and Expenditure statement of the CPA secretariat.
The Speaker also visited the Islamic Art Museum of Malaysia, wherein, models of Islamic architecture, monuments and calligraphic work contributed by various Islamic countries have been displayed. Dr Fehmida Mirza expressed her desire that models of monuments and Islamic architecture from Pakistan should also be placed in the Museum to represent Pakistan's rich and unique heritage.
During her visit to Islamic Centre, she was surrounded by Pakistani Expatriates who expressed their full confidence on her leadership as a custodian of the lower house of the parliament. She said that Pakistani expatriates living in Malaysia are the true ambassador of Pakistan in their own rights and they should work hard for development and prosperity of Malaysia.