Pakistan’s parliament receives Green Mace Award in South Africa — Dawn
In Cape Town, South Africa, Pakistan’s National Assembly received the inaugural Green Mace Award for environmental initiatives. National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq accepted the award on behalf of the parliament during the main programme of the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference.
Statement on democracy
As Dawn reports, Sadiq addressed the conference on the topic of new opportunities for Commonwealth parliamentary action to strengthen democracy and international law.
According to a statement by the media wing of Pakistan’s National Assembly, he said that the parliaments of Commonwealth countries must play an active role in strengthening democracy and upholding international law. In his words, democratic institutions must be transparent, accountable, inclusive and effective, particularly amid political differences, conflicts, economic shocks and technological challenges.
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Sadiq also said that democracy is not limited to holding elections. In his view, it is strengthened through constitutional institutions and meaningful citizen participation, especially by young people.
Award for environmental initiatives
The National Assembly received the Green Mace Award for environmental initiatives. In particular, the statement noted that Pakistan’s parliament is the first parliament in the world to operate entirely on solar energy and is also moving toward a paperless parliamentary system.
Separately, the speaker said that adherence to the UN Charter, respect for state sovereignty, the peaceful settlement of disputes and the protection of civilians must remain fundamental principles. He also referred to the Commonwealth Charter, which covers democracy, constitutional governance, the rule of law, human rights, sustainable development, peace and international cooperation.
