ISLAMABAD: Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has said that Parliament was cognizant of its responsibilities and would play its role in achievement of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

He said that a Parliamentary Committee has already been constituted to coordinate the achievement of Goals by the relevant stakeholders.

The Speaker was talking to Haoliang Xu, Assistant Secretary General of United Nation along with UN Resident Coordinator and Country Director UNDP in Parliament House, here on Wednesday.

The Speaker said that after the passage of 18th Amendment, subjects like health, education, environment, women development and social welfare etc have been devolved to the provinces.

He said that Federal government has extended maximum support to the provinces for implementation of the development of the devolved subjects.

He said that the relevant stakeholders were steadfast in development of the social sector and achievement of MDGs, thereof.

The Parliamentary panel would be coordinating with the federal and provincial stakeholders for achievement of MDGs as per international commitment.

The Speaker also appreciated the United Nations for its unwavering support to the government of Pakistan for its social sector development initiatives.

He said that UN may focus on development in the areas affected by the terrorist activities and natural calamities.

He also informed about the National Assembly's Strategic Plan through which the capacity of the Parliamentarians and parliamentary staff would be enhanced besides making the Parliament, paperless, Green and environment friendly.

Haoliang Xu, Assistant Secretary General of United Nation said that despite various constraints, the present government has effectively embarked on its social sector development plans.

He said that UN through its implementing departments has identified the sectors dire need for assistance.

He said that UN would focus on provision of healthcare facilities, education, sanitation, provision of clean drinking water and gender equality. He credited Speaker National Assembly for his initiatives for making Parliament, energy efficient and its conversion on solar energy.

(APP)