ISLAMABAD: National Assembly (NA) Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf on Wednesday said the parliament was a representative of people and could ensure prosperity and inclusive development in the country.

He was talking to reporters after inaugurating the three-day Diamond Jubilee celebrations of the 1st Constituent Assembly in the Parliament House. The first assembly held its first session on Aug 10, 1947.

Raja Pervaiz Ashraf said the parliament, being the representative of more than 22 million people of the country, always strived to fulfill the desires of the common citizens.

He said the parliament was the platform where people`s representatives had struggled to resolve the socio-economic challenges faced by the country.

While felicitating the nation on the Diamond Jubilee of the 1st Constituent Assembly, the NA speaker said: `This dayreminded us of the struggle of the subcontinent`s Muslims and their leaders for achieving the goal of independence,` adding that this day also marked the `Foundation Day` of theparliament.

Mr Ashraf said the parliament was cognisant of its responsibilities and exercising its parliamentary oversight of the executive, adding that both the treasury and opposition benches had a vital role to play in strengthening the parliament as it was the place where decisions were made based on the aspirations of the citizens.

Speaking on the occasion, NA Deputy Speaker Zahid Akram Durrani said the incumbent parliament was a true representative of people, which would strengthendemocracy and democratic norms in the country.

He said the coalition government was especially focusing on bringing positive changes in the lives of common man.

Later, the speaker inaugurated a three-day exhibition where photographs of aH leaders of the house and opposition as well as distinguished international leaders who addressed the parliament were displayed.

He also opened the three-day art and painting exhibition and applauded the diligence and skill ofartists.

While inaugurating the threeday book exhibition in the Parliament House`s library, Mr Ashraf examined the original copy of the 1973 Constitution signed by members of the parliament, including the then prime minister, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

He paid tributes to Mr Bhutto and those parliament members who framed the 1973 Constitution and said these celebrations would link the present generadon to the past and ultimately prove to be the beacon of light for their bright future.