On May 12th 2007, CPBC hosted a luncheon in honour of the visiting parliamentarians from Pakistan at the Bayview Golf and Country Club, comprising of the following delegates.

Sardar Muhammad Yaqoob, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly

Rukhsana Zuberi, Senator

Abdul Raheem Khan Tareen, MPA, Provincial Assembly – Balochistan

Bakht Jehan Khan, Speaker of the Assembly, Provincial Assembly – NWFP

Muzzafar Hussain Shah, Speaker of the Assembly, Provincial Assembly – Sindh

Amir Khan, Deputy Secretary, National Assembly

Abdul Sami Khan, Deputy Secretary, Senate

Tahir Shah, Assistant Secretary, Legislation, Provincial Assembly – Balochistan

Kifayatullah Khan Afridi, Additional Secretary, Provincial Assembly – NWFP

Inayatullah Lak, Director, Research & Publications, Provincial Assembly – Punjab

Hadi Bux Buriro, Secretary of the Assembly, Provincial Assembly – Sindh

Syed Ashiq Hussain, Senior Additional Secretary, Legislative Assembly – AJK

Ilyas Bilour, Senator

In addition the above delegates were accompanied by:

Mr. Asif Aizaz, PLSP Legislative Oversight Advisor

Ms. Humaira Ashraf, Governance Specialist, Office of Democracy & Governance, USAID-Pakistan

Mr. David Ogle, DAI Consultant and former Clerk/Secretary of the Connecticut General Assembly

Ms. Sonja Vojnovic, Program Coordinator, Asia & Eastern Europe, Parliamentary Centre

Mr. Tim Feng, Program Officer, Asia, Parliamentary Centre
 
Other guests at the luncheon included the Consul General of Pakistan, Mr.Tassaduq Hussain, Mrs.Faiza Batta of IFC, Dr. Rafi Mustafa of IDRF, CPBC directors and other prominent members.

Andy Merchant welcomed the guests and brought to their attention many subjects and ideas including trade sectors which CPBC has already identified and where Canada can play a significant role. Discussions also took place on the recent visit to Pakistan by the Premier of Ontario which resulted in the signing ceremony of several trade agreements as well as the “MOU” between the Governments of Punjab and Ontario.
 
Mr. Muzzafar Hussain Shah, Speaker of the Assembly suggested signing a similar agreement between the government of Ontario and the province of Sindh, the economic engine of Pakistan, which could result in tremendous economic opportunities for both Canada and Pakistan.

Mr.Tassaduq Hussain, the Consul General in his address talked about his recent discussion with the Minister for SME, Mr.Harindar Takhar about the transfer of technology in Agriculture and Dairy Products from Canada which Pakistan needs badly.

Dr.Rafi Mustafa briefed about the role of IDRF in Pakistan especially the efforts of overseas Pakistanis during the earthquake disaster when they contributed millions of dollars towards the Relief Fund.  The overseas Pakistanis in Canada continue to play a vital role in improving the image of Pakistan as well as in the enhancement of the quality of life through their economic and professional contributions.

Mrs. Faiza Batta talked about IFC’s role in providing 125 Million Dollars toward the privatization of KESC. At present she is working on a joint venture project between a Canadian and a Pakistani company which can convert textile waste for generating electricity.

Mr. Jim Karygiannis, Member of Parliament presented the Deputy Speaker with a copy of the Canadian “Charter of Rights” in Urdu. The Deputy Speaker presented Andy Merchant with a shield on behalf of the National assembly of Pakistan.