The SAARC region is facing plethora of uplift problems and only well-knitted governance can be instrumental in sharing the fruits of economic and technological development. Lok Sabha (India) Speaker said this while addressing the 6th Conference of the Association of SAARC Speakers and Parliamentarians.
Speaking on "Meaningful Participatory Democracy in South Asia- Parliamentarian's Affirmative Actions," she made it clear that the "cornerstone of any successful democracy lies in being able to address the challenges and issues that concern its people." Devolving constitutional power to the grass roots level and involving the people living in remote or under developed areas in decision making could remove their deprivations. Our lawmakers can play a vital role in socio-economic development of under privileged class, she added.
"Today, we have more than three million elected representatives out of which one-third are women. Our panchayati raj institutions have also served as the primary units for implementation of many flagships developmental programs of the government," she maintained. She also appreciated the engagement between Pakistan and India, which reflects the desire of both sides to come closer.
Addressing the conference, Speaker National Assembly Dr Fehmida Mirza said that parliamentarians, as the representatives of the people, were the ideal agents of change. The regular and more frequent meetings of the forum can help focusing the issues of urgent importance affecting the daily lives of the people. The association could imbue new life in Saarc. "I am pleased to note that since our last meeting in New Delhi in 2011, all our member Parliaments have shown determination to benefit from the Association," she added.
She said the charter of SAARC was guiding the governments to seek for a peaceful, progressive and democratic South Asia by "promoting the welfare of the peoples in mutual trust, understanding and appreciation of one another's problems". She said the Women Parliamentarians have agreed on setting up a permanent "Women's Committee of SAARC Association of Speakers and Parliamentarians." She urged the secretary general to take up the matter at the earliest.
Deputy Speaker Faisal Karim Kundi said that the SAARC parliamentarians have the requisite powers and means to express the will of the people through law making and oversight and advocacy functions therefore they can contribute effectively to guaranteeing the people's rights and liberties, securing civil peace and ensuring harmonious development. "Parliament is a central institution through which the will of the people is expressed and which will only be expressed when the legislatures and legislators take initiatives to reach out to them and maintain the close bond between the people and their representatives," he added.
Maulana Abdul Ghafoor Haideri from JUI-F recalled several military interventions and said they have severely damaged democracy in the country. However, whenever democracy was restored, the parliament has done legislation while keeping in view aspirations and demands of the masses, he adds. Meanwhile, NA speaker announced that the 7th South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (Saarc) Speakers and Parliamentarians Conference would be held in Male, Maldives.