Tashkent: Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani has underscored Pakistan’s steadfast dedication to global cooperation, social equity, and legislative action during his address at the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Tashkent.
Gillani highlighted the necessity of renewed global commitment towards social development and justice. He praised the Inter-Parliamentary Union as a crucial forum for advancing parliamentary diplomacy and global governance.
He pointed to Pakistan’s legislative reforms aimed at empowering marginalized communities, expanding healthcare and education access, and strengthening labor protections. Notably, he referred to successful initiatives like the Benazir Income Support Programme and universal healthcare policies.
Gillani urged cross-border parliamentary collaboration to promote fairness, redefine growth, and ensure inclusive development.
On the sidelines of the Assembly, Gillani met with Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Discussions centered around enhancing political and institutional ties through Bilateral Political Consultations, Joint Ministerial Commissions, and joint business forums.
Both parties agreed to deepen their strategic partnership, recognizing the significant increase in bilateral trade, which surpassed $105 million in 2023-24. They set a mutual goal to expand trade volume to $2 billion in the coming years.
Gillani and Mirziyoyev expressed strong support for strategic initiatives like the Trans-Afghan Railway Project and the International Multimodal Transport Corridor, aimed at enhancing regional integration and access to the Arabian Sea.
Gillani welcomed Uzbekistan’s involvement in these corridor projects, expressing Pakistan’s eagerness to proceed with feasibility and construction phases through joint efforts.
He emphasized the importance of strengthening inter-parliamentary cooperation and reconstituting active Parliamentary Friendship Groups, noting their role in reinforcing diplomatic trust and facilitating cooperation on regional and global platforms.