Islamabad: Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani actively advanced Pakistan’s parliamentary diplomacy on the sidelines of the 153rd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), engaging parliamentary leaders from across the world to strengthen international partnerships, articulate Pakistan’s perspective on key regional and global developments, and promote dialogue as a means of resolving conflicts and fostering lasting peace.
According to Press Information Department, Chairman Gilani engaged with leaders including the Speaker of the Parliament of Australia, the Speaker of the Parliament of Tanzania, members of the Iranian parliamentary delegation, and representatives from Cambodia, Uzbekistan, Uruguay, Bangladesh, among others. These meetings focused on bilateral relations, parliamentary cooperation, and matters of regional and international importance.
Chairman Gilani emphasized the significance of parliamentary diplomacy in complementing traditional diplomatic channels, highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to peace, dialogue, and constructive international engagement. He underscored the importance of sustained diplomatic efforts, mutual respect, and multilateral cooperation in preventing conflicts, addressing tensions, and advancing peaceful solutions to regional and global challenges.
Chairman Senate also stressed Pakistan’s peacemaking efforts and the need for the international community to pursue peaceful resolution of outstanding disputes in accordance with the United Nations Charter and relevant UN Security Council resolutions. He highlighted the importance of resolving the Palestine issue and the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with relevant United Nations resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
During his interactions, Chairman Gilani shared Pakistan’s parliamentary perspective and priorities, emphasizing that sustained engagement among nations and their elected representatives can help bridge differences, build trust, and foster a shared understanding of complex international issues. He highlighted the role of parliaments in promoting peace, strengthening democratic institutions, and creating avenues for cooperation in legislative affairs and institutional development.
As Founding Chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC), Chairman Gilani also interacted with ISC Secretary General Eknath Dhakal on the sidelines of the Assembly, reflecting his continued engagement with efforts to strengthen institutional linkages and cooperation among parliaments.
Chairman Senate hosted a luncheon in honor of the head of the Cambodian parliamentary delegation, providing an opportunity to further strengthen parliamentary engagement and explore avenues for closer cooperation.
Chairman Gilani’s engagements at the IPU Assembly reflect Pakistan’s commitment to proactive parliamentary diplomacy as an instrument for advancing national interests, strengthening international partnerships, and contributing to peace and stability. He emphasized that parliaments have an important role in promoting dialogue, encouraging peaceful resolution of disputes, and fostering a more cooperative international order.