‘We have been most impressed by Tynwald’s scrutiny and legislative processes,’ Provincial Assembly of Balochistan (PAB) Member Ms Bushra Rind has said.

Ms Rind was one of a 13-strong delegation from the Pakistani province who spent two days on a scoping visit to Tynwald with a view to returning later in the year for a series of capacity-building study visits.

Organised by the Clerk of Tynwald’s Office, the PAB scoping visit builds on a capacity-strengthening programme from 2016 to 2018 for parliamentarians from the Khyber Pakhtunkwa Assembly of Pakistan.

Ms Rind continued: ‘In two short days we have learned a lot. To observe the procedures and processes of Tynwald has been marvellous.  Already I can see there are elements of how Tynwald operates that we would wish to replicate.’

The delegates’ programme included an opportunity to observe sittings of Tynwald, prompting Ms Rind to comment: ‘I was struck by the formality of the proceedings; how disciplined Members were and how both big and the small issues were accorded the same degree of focus. Also, learning about Tynwald’s scrutiny processes was most enlightening.

‘What I had not expected, though, was how Tynwald’s historical and cultural background was so integral to its proceedings. I believe that sends out a good message and one from which we, as an assembly of only 50 years’ standing, could learn.’

Secretary to the PAB Mr Tahir Shah Kakar said: ‘The aim of the visit was to study Tynwald’s legislative procedures and standing committees’ functions to help to inform how we might develop our own processes. Visiting a tricameral parliament was a first for us but what has interested us most is how Tynwald’s legislative process is much stronger than our current system and how so much of the business of Tynwald is made publicly available on the website - it’s the best practice I’ve ever seen. We want our electorate to know more about how our assembly operates – at present there is little engagement – and Tynwald has shown us that it is possible to connect better with the people we serve.

‘The time we have spent at Tynwald has been a rich experience and we are hoping to return with more Members, perhaps in July and December.’

Ms Rind added: ‘I serve as Information Minister and will be making sure that people in our province get to know about the Isle of Man and Tynwald.’

With his observations translated by Mr Kakar, delegation head Mr Naseem Ahmad Shahwani said: ‘I have been interested to learn how Tynwald has documented and recorded all its proceedings and made them so easily accessible. Also, much of our legislation has remained unchanged for 50 years. We recognise that we need to amend our laws and can see how future study visits to Tynwald could help that process.

‘We have been impressed by the friendliness and warmth of welcome we have received and are grateful to Members and officers of Tynwald for giving so generously of their time and knowledge.’

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For more information contact:

Joann Corkish
Deputy Clerk of Tynwald
Legislative Buildings
Douglas
IM1 3PW
Tel: 01624 685500
j.corkish@tynwald.org.im