ISLAMABAD: Speaker National Assembly Raja Pervaiz Ashraf has reaffirmed unwavering commitment to democracy and the principles of good governance to live up to the expectations of the nation. Addressing the inaugural session of Pakistan Governance Forum in Islamabad on Tuesday, he said the National Assembly as the backbone of our democracy plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the values that define our nation. He said we remain steadfast in our dedication to serving the people. He said by upholding democratic values and fostering the spirit of cooperation, we can build a strong and more inclusive society. Raja Pervaiz Ashraf said that for ideal governance, it is imperative the parliament is in the driving seat. It should be the parliament which determines the destiny of the people. The Speaker said we try to open the doors of this prestigious house for its people including children and women. This, he said, has boosted the trust and confidence of the people on the parliament. Raja Pervaiz Ashraf stressed for prioritizing capacity building programs for parliamentarians to strengthen parliamentary governance. He said equipping them with the latest knowledge and skills is vital for effective law making and oversight. He said such initiatives can enhance the understanding of diverse issues from economic policies to social welfare enabling them to make well informed decisions that serve the nation’s interests.