Islamabad: Parliaments are essential forums for dialogue and democratic values, said Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq during the curtain-raiser ceremony of the upcoming Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference. Addressing the event, Sadiq underscored the importance of parliaments as reflections of citizens’ aspirations and highlighted Pakistan’s active role in global parliamentary diplomacy.

The conference, set for November, will be hosted by Pakistan’s Senate under Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani. Sadiq praised Gilani for promoting parliamentary diplomacy and noted Pakistan’s bicameral system’s commitment to strengthening democratic governance.

Sadiq emphasized Pakistan’s engagement in international forums like the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States. He cited the Six-Nation Speakers’ Conference as a milestone in regional cooperation, focusing on terrorism and connectivity.

He discussed the role of technology, particularly Artificial Intelligence, in legislative work, while cautioning against misinformation’s impact on public trust. He called for a coordinated policy approach to tackle such issues.

Sadiq highlighted the role of parliamentary leaders in conflict resolution and stressed the importance of addressing public grievances for regional peace. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to dialogue and international law concerning Palestine and Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

The Speaker concluded by emphasizing the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference as a crucial platform for global peace and cooperation, and extended his wishes for its success.