Islamabad (TNS) The two-day Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference in Islamabad is a symbol of Pakistan’s growing role in promoting peace, security and sustainable development
The Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference is being attended by speakers, deputy speakers and parliamentary delegations from more than 40 countries of the world. This important diplomatic gathering is being described as a symbol of Pakistan’s growing role in promoting global peace, security and sustainable development. The opening session began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthem.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani and representatives of various international organizations were present on the occasion. The theme of this year’s conference is “Peace, Security and Development”, which reflects the growing global consensus that sustainable development and global stability are interconnected. Addressing the ‘Inter-Parliamentary Conference 2025’ in Islamabad, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said that parliamentary speakers should be given the opportunity to discuss the topic of peace, security and development. Bringing them on one platform is a matter of pride for Pakistan, peace and stability are the basis of sustainable development. Extremist groups pose a threat to Afghanistan and the world beyond. The Afghan Taliban are ready to cooperate if they take action against groups like the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Sustainable peace depends on Kabul controlling terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan also faced anti-peace activities this year. Unfortunately, we were attacked from the eastern front, but our armed forces responded to it in a professional manner and thwarted the enemy’s intentions by showing unforgettable performance on the battlefield. We want peace in the region with sincere efforts. The Prime Minister said that Pakistan has always demonstrated determination in stability and defense of the homeland, showing the world that Pakistan will pay any price for its integrity and right to defense. The ongoing conflicts around the world have highlighted the importance of peace, and a peaceful Afghanistan is indispensable for the development of the region. He said that unfortunately, terrorist groups are also the cause of unrest in Pakistan along with Afghanistan. We are ready for all kinds of cooperation if the Afghan Taliban take action against groups like the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Those who spread terrorism from Afghanistan have been taught a lesson in Pakistan, Pakistan will continue to take all necessary steps to protect its citizens. The Prime Minister, while welcoming the mediation efforts of Turkey and Qatar, said that the efforts of friendly countries are commendable, which we value, peace and stability are the key to the development of a society. It is our responsibility to use our resources to turn the dreams and expectations of the people into reality, I am sure that the wise discussions at the conference will further strengthen our collective journey. At the end of the inaugural session, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif presented commemorative shields to ISC Secretary General E. K. Nath Dhakal and ISC Ambassador Misbah Khar.
Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Secretary General Martin Chung-gong expressed his best wishes for the conference in a video message from Geneva. He said that peace, security and development are interrelated, and we must continue our joint efforts for global prosperity and justice. IPU Ambassador Misbah Khar welcomed the guests and said that the participation of parliamentary leaders from all over the world is a sign that dialogue is being prioritized over disagreement. This conference is a symbol of unity and harmony and a manifestation of the vision of the Chairman Senate who brought together more than 40 parliamentary leaders on one platform. When there is no peace, development also stops. IPU Secretary General E. K. Nath Dhakal said in his address that it is an honor for us to host the distinguished guests in Islamabad. As a multilateral intergovernmental organization, the ISC promotes cooperation on global issues such as environmental challenges and peace. He urged the participants to make joint efforts to advance the agenda of peace, security and development.Chairman Senate and Founding Chairman Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani said that parliament is not just a watchdog of peace and development in the world but also a builder of trust, a promoter of consensus and a voice of the people. Pakistan is committed to promoting peace, security and development at the global level. This commitment of Pakistan is not limited to mere statements but its practical proof is Pakistan’s leading role in the global war against terrorism and its important participation in UN peacekeeping missions. The participation of the Prime Minister of Pakistan as a special guest is not only a sign of respect for the institution of parliament but also a clear reflection of Pakistan’s commitment to promoting dialogue, cooperation and multilateral relations. The Chairman Senate said that today, parliamentary leaders from the northern and southern parts of the world are gathered under one roof, which is the foundation of a new era of parliamentary solidarity. This historic gathering is a symbol of solidarity, determination and cooperation of parliamentary leaders from all over the world. He said that the theme of the conference, Peace, Security and Development, is a message that transcends borders and ideologies and provides guidance for all humanity. The current era is characterized by uncertainty, conflicts, climate change, economic shocks and rapid technological change.
The Chairman Senate said that peace is crumbling before us, as we have seen in the form of atrocities and barbarities in Gaza, Sudan and occupied Kashmir. He stressed that at such times, parliament must play a guiding role. Parliament must become a light connecting the fragmented system of the world. We must think, commit and act together. Dialogue should be our bridge and cooperation should be our path.
The Chairman Senate said that peace, security and development are incomplete without each other. Development is not possible without peace and security and peace cannot be sustainable without development. Today, the meaning of security is not limited to the defense of borders but also includes elements such as environmental stability, food and water security, digital security and economic self-sufficiency.
Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said that Pakistan, which contributes less than one percent to global carbon emissions, is facing the worst impacts of climate change. It is a bitter truth that climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present, unjust reality.
The Chairman Senate said that under the leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Pakistan is committed to promoting peace, security and development at the global level. This commitment of Pakistan is not limited to mere statements but its practical proof is Pakistan’s leading role in the global war on terrorism and its important participation in UN peacekeeping missions. Despite the recent aggressive actions on the eastern and northwestern borders, Pakistan has shown patience, responsibility and restraint. We have made every effort to reduce tensions and have also offered a comprehensive dialogue, but peace is always a two-way street for which all parties will have to adopt a reciprocal approach.
Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said that decades of parliamentary experience have convinced him that sustainable development cannot be achieved in isolation. Development is a mutual and integrated process. This realization became the main impetus for organizing this global conference. Intercontinental parliamentary cooperation between the North and the South is the need of the hour to advance common interests and development goals. The Chairman Senate said that let us go beyond promises, find solutions that are bold, practical and based on collective wisdom. The Chairman Senate said that parliament is not just a spectator of peace and development in the world but also an architect of trust, a promoter of consensus and the voice of the people. He echoed the words of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and said that leadership is actually the name of the strength of one’s conviction, perseverance in the face of difficulties and the energy to promote an ideology. Those who achieve peace never give up in the face of prejudice, intolerance and stagnation.
The Chairman Senate said that let us make this gathering a memorable one, as a commitment that will open a new chapter of hope, unity and leadership in the world. The Chairman Senate expressed his best wishes to all the delegates for a pleasant stay in Islamabad and a successful conference. Ambassador of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference (ISC) Misbah Khar has said that it is a matter of pride and honor for me to host this esteemed gathering of lawmakers from all over the world in Islamabad. He extended a warm welcome to the distinguished parliamentary delegations participating in the inaugural Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference hosted by the Senate of Pakistan in Islamabad. He said that this gathering reflects the belief that constructive dialogue, not conflict, sets the path to peace. He said that the presence of speakers and delegations from different continents is a sign that the world is united in its determination to jointly face global challenges through dialogue, cooperation and partnership.ISC Ambassador Misbah Khar said that the concept of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference was conceived this year under the leadership of the Honorable Senator Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, Chairman Senate, when speakers from more than 45 parliaments around the world came together to lay the foundation for its establishment. He said that it was the belief that parliaments, which are the true voice of the people, play a guiding role in creating a safe and prosperous world. He paid tribute to the leadership and diplomatic vision of Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, saying that as a former Prime Minister and Speaker, his experience gives him a deep understanding of the fact that democracy and diplomacy reinforce each other. Thanks to his vision, the ISC has transformed from an idea into a reality, playing the role of a bridge connecting nations and peoples through dialogue and trust.
Referring to the theme of the conference, Misbah Khar said that these three are not separate but interdependent pillars that are the foundation of global stability. She said that the ISC’s guiding principles of interdependence, shared prosperity, and shared values are actionable commitments that demonstrate the role parliaments can play in shaping a just global order. The ISC ambassador said that Pakistan is a peace-loving, dialogue-oriented, and forward-looking country committed to inclusion, cooperation, and building bridges between civilizations. Misbah Khar said that the “Islamabad Declaration” will provide a practical roadmap that will strengthen parliamentary cooperation to promote justice, transparent governance, and shared development.
She said that “Global challenges, be they conflicts, economic instability, climate change, or inequality, are indeed great, but they also provide opportunities for partnership and collective resilience.” She said that “Pakistan’s own experience of sacrifices against terrorism, courage in the face of natural disasters, and the struggle to achieve inclusive development remind us that nations are stronger when they learn from each other’s experiences and support each other.
ISC Ambassador Misbah Khar said that this conference is not just an event but the beginning of a shared journey, moving towards a more just, secure and sustainable world. She expressed hope that the consultation in Islamabad would “prove to be a milestone in strengthening global parliamentary diplomacy” and appealed to participants to make the ISC “a lasting bridge between continents, built on dialogue, justice and mutual development.” The ISC Ambassador said that let us all resolve that the work that begins here will be a beacon of light towards a world that is not defined by fear or division but by hope, solidarity and collective responsibility
