Sardar Hussain MPA has hailed Tynwald ‘the mother of parliamentary democracy’.

Mr Hussain was among the latest delegation from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly (KPA) attending a study visit to Tynwald as part of a capacity-building programme launched in September 2016 and sponsored by the British Council.

He continued: ‘Having observed a sitting of the House of Keys – where I was pleased to see prayers begin the session -  and attended a number of briefings, it is clear that Tynwald is succeeding in combining tradition with modernity. It has been interesting to witness how well members engage in debate, how focused proceedings are and the generous opportunities afforded for asking questions. The visit has given us insight into different parliamentary processes, some elements of which I would hope we might incorporate in our Assembly.

‘More generally we have been impressed by the friendliness of the people, how the Isle of Man is so welcoming to many different nationalities and by the beauty of the scenery.’

Speaking through an interpreter, the head of the delegation, Ikram Ullah Khan, agriculture, livestock and cooperation department minister, said: ‘The population of our province is growing so we need a parliament that can keep pace. To do this our members, many of whom are newly elected, need to be equipped with the skills to manage that growth. We have learned much from our visit and have been particularly impressed by how Tynwald members are clearly working collaboratively for the benefit of the people they serve. I would say that is real democracy - for the people, by the people.’

By the end of 2017 it is anticipated that all 124 KPA members will have travelled to the Island in groups of approximately 10 to participate in parliamentary training and exposure programmes arranged by the Clerk of Tynwald’s office.

Photo - The Speaker of the House of Keys Juan Watterson SHK is pictured with delegates from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly.