Austrian envoy visits KP Assembly

PESHAWAR: Ambassador of Austria to Pakistan, Andrea Wicke, visited the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly on Wednesday.

A handout said Deputy Speaker Suraiya Bibi, received her. Members of the Provincial Assembly Jalal Khan, Taj Tarand, Dawood Shah, Mian Sharafat and Mehboob Sher were also present during the meeting.

Discussions were held on strengthening democratic institutions, increasing women’s participation in parliamentary affairs, gender-based budgeting, and gender equity. The deputy speaker briefed the ambassador about the role of the Women’s Caucus in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly and shared efforts being made to highlight women’s issues, ensure gender-responsive legislation, and promote inclusive governance through institutional reforms.

MPA Jalal Khan stated: “Austria’s strong democratic institutions serve as a model for emerging legislatures. We are keen to establish capacity-building partnerships with Austria to promote best parliamentary practices within the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly.”