By Khawaja Hamza

Islamabad, A high-level delegation of senior officers from the Bangladesh Civil Service visited the headquarters of National Database and Registration Authority and later called on the Hon’ble Chief Justice of the Federal Constitutional Court of Pakistan as part of their ongoing study tour of Pakistan under the thematic component “Policy Innovation” of the Pakistan–Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor.

The 12-member delegation was headed by Ms. Salma Siddiqua Mahtab and accompanied by Director General of the Civil Services Academy, Mr. Farhan Aziz Khawaja, along with distinguished faculty members. The delegation is currently participating in an Executive Leadership Development Training Programme aimed at enhancing institutional understanding of governance, constitutional administration, and public service leadership through attachments with various governmental institutions and high-level engagements across Pakistan.

During their visit to NADRA Headquarters, Chairman NADRA warmly welcomed the delegation and briefed the visiting officers on Pakistan’s national identity and registration system, its regulatory framework, and the technologies underpinning the institution’s operations. The delegation showed keen interest in NADRA’s digital infrastructure and citizen service delivery mechanisms across Pakistan, including services being provided to overseas Pakistanis.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman said that Pakistan and Bangladesh, owing to their shared aspirations, can learn from each other’s experiences and best practices. The delegation appreciated NADRA’s institutional strengths and expressed interest in continued engagement and cooperation in areas of digital governance and public service delivery.

Later, the Bangladeshi delegation visited the Federal Constitutional Court of Pakistan and held a detailed meeting with Hon’ble Chief Justice Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan. The meeting was also attended by Honourable Judges Justice Aamer Farooq, Justice Ali Baqar Najafi, Justice Arshad Hussain Shah, and the Registrar of the Court.

At the outset of the meeting, members of the Bangladeshi delegation expressed gratitude to the Chief Justice and the Honourable Judges for providing them an opportunity for an in-depth interaction on constitutional adjudication and judicial reforms in Pakistan. The delegation appreciated the establishment of the Federal Constitutional Court of Pakistan and acknowledged the importance of specialised constitutional forums in strengthening democratic institutions and protecting citizens’ rights.

During the interaction, meaningful discussions were held on constitutional evolution, institutional development, judicial independence, and the role of constitutional courts in ensuring rule of law and good governance. The discussions also reflected upon the longstanding historical relations, shared cultural heritage, and close people-to-people ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Both sides emphasized that Pakistan and Bangladesh are brother countries and highlighted the importance of continued engagement, mutual respect, and institutional cooperation in strengthening democratic governance and administrative excellence.

A documentary highlighting the achievements and institutional progress of the Federal Constitutional Court during the past six months was also screened during the session. The documentary showcased the Court’s commitment towards establishing new judicial traditions and strengthening constitutional governance through the historic institution.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Justice Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan observed that the principal objective behind the establishment of the Federal Constitutional Court was to ensure swift and effective constitutional justice through expedited disposal of cases while safeguarding constitutional supremacy and the fundamental rights of the people. He stated that the Court continues to work with dedication, institutional expertise, and judicial commitment to reduce backlog and provide timely constitutional remedies.

Welcoming the delegation, the Chief Justice emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, institutional learning, and exchange of governance experiences between brotherly countries. He noted that such engagements contribute positively towards strengthening public institutions and promoting mutual understanding in the areas of constitutional governance and public administration.

Director General Civil Services Academy, Mr. Farhan Aziz Khawaja, thanked the Chief Justice and the Honourable Judges for hosting the delegation and sharing comprehensive insights into the functioning of the Federal Constitutional Court of Pakistan. He appreciated the Court’s commitment towards constitutionalism, institutional efficiency, and delivery of justice.

The meeting concluded with a cordial exchange of views and best wishes for continued cooperation and professional engagement between institutions dedicated to governance, leadership development, and constitutional rule in Pakistan and Bangladesh.