ISLAMABAD: The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association of United Kingdom and Senate Secretariat have agreed to further boost mutual cooperation and linkages by exploring new vistas of collaboration for improving parliamentary performance, strengthen democratic traditions and advance parliamentary democracy. This was agreed in a meeting between Senate Secretary Amjed Pervez Malik and Jon Davies, chief executive of Commonwealth Parliamentary Association UK Branch (CPA UK) at the Parliament House on Monday. Speaking on the occasion, Amjed Pervez Malik said, “Democracy was facing multiple challenges and required parliaments to be more responsive and vibrant. It is only through constructive engagement with the stakeholders that challenges can be addressed more efficiently.” The Senate, he said, had introduced landmark reforms to enhance its outreach to people, especially youth. He also proposed that the CPA should constitute a forum of secretary generals of the Commonwealth on the pattern of Association of Secretary General of the Inter-parliamentary Union which is playing a vibrant role. Both sides identified some key areas of mutual cooperation. The CPA UK chief executive appreciated the proposal of long-term engagement as it would add to the vibrancy of the institutions and further institutionalise linkage between the Senate and the CPA. He hoped that his visit would prove fruitful and pave the way for more cooperation. Published in Daily Times, January 23rd 2018.