Islamabad: Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has called for Commonwealth Parliaments to assume a more proactive role in fortifying democracy and upholding international law. He stressed the importance of transparent, accountable, and inclusive democratic institutions to maintain public trust and address emerging global challenges, as articulated during his address at the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town.

According to National Assembly of Pakistan, Speaker Sadiq paid homage to South Africa’s democratic milestones, noting their significance during the conference. He highlighted that democracy is built through sacrifice, strengthened through constitutional institutions, and sustained through citizen participation, particularly among youth. The Speaker praised South Africa’s democratic journey and acknowledged the Commonwealth as a unique family of nations united by shared values.

In his address, Speaker Sadiq emphasized the need for active parliamentary leadership under the Commonwealth’s strategic direction. He advocated for promoting democracy, strengthening institutions, advancing sustainable development, empowering youth, and fostering peace. He underscored that democracy extends beyond elections, requiring institutions to be resilient against political, economic, and technological challenges.

The Speaker addressed the importance of international law, advocating for adherence to the United Nations Charter and the peaceful settlement of disputes. He highlighted Pakistan’s consistent support for dialogue, diplomacy, and peaceful engagement, particularly in regional de-escalation efforts.

Speaker Sadiq recalled the CPA Balochistan Branch’s proposal for promoting peace, which contributed to the re-establishment of the CPA Committee on Human Rights and Peace. He reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, protecting fundamental rights, and advancing Sustainable Development Goals.

Emphasizing multilateral cooperation, Speaker Sadiq noted that challenges such as armed conflicts, climate crisis, and cyber threats require collective efforts. He concluded that the Commonwealth’s shared values provide an opportunity for member countries to learn from each other and enhance their ability to address global challenges through strengthened democratic institutions and expanded parliamentary diplomacy.