Press Releases 2008
USAID-Funded Websites Launched for Punjab and NWFP Assemblies
August 22, 2008
Lahore - USAID's Director of the Office of Democracy and Governance, Michael Hryshchyshyn, U.S. Consulate Lahore Principal Officer Bryan Hunt and leaders of the Punjab Assembly participated in the formal launch of the update website for the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab in Lahore today.
"In recent years, the NWFP and Punjab Assemblies have been at the forefront of increasing public access to legislators and the work they do on behalf of their constituents," said Michael Hryshchyshyn, Director of the Office of Democracy and Governance for USAID/Pakistan. "In keeping with that progress, the launch of these websites will provide a window to the activities of the Assemblies, enabling the people of NWFP and the Punjab to better understand the challenges and responsibilities of their provincial parliamentarians".
The websites, www.panwfp.gov.pk (NWFP) and www.pap.gov.pk (Punjab) provide a full display of information in English and Urdu on their Assemblies, including history, members, bills, acts, Assembly proceedings, and resolutions. They also highlight the functions of the Standing Committees and their activities through reports, news releases and clippings, and photographs. Additionally, there are e-mail portals allowing citizens to directly query the Assembly, encouraging more public input into its deliberations. The websites also offer virtual tours of the Assembly buildings.
"We believe that these websites will help increase public understanding of and interest in the political process, promoting transparent and participatory governance and fostering democracy in Pakistan," Mr. Hryshchyshyn added.
The construction of these websites is part of USAID'S $9.3 million Pakistan Legislative Strengthening Project (PLSP) that is partnering with Pakistan's national and provincial legislatures to strengthen parliamentary institutions and processes.
Since 2002, the U.S. Government has provided more than $2 billion to Pakistan to improve economic growth, education, health, and governance and to assist with earthquake reconstruction.