After 14 years the Sindh Assembly once again welcomed the international parliamentary community by hosting the seventh CPA Asia regional meeting together with the second joint CPA Asia and South East Asia conference. The three day event brought together more than 150 speakers, deputy speakers, parliamentarians and senior officials from four countries and 17 provincial assemblies to deliberate on the future of parliaments.
Plenary and breakout sessions examined ways to reinforce democratic institutions, build parliamentary harmony, restore public trust and promote transparency and inclusion. Delegates addressed the impact of artificial intelligence, the spread of fake news and deepfakes, challenges to digital governance and the need for stronger parliamentary accountability as essential to democratic resilience.
In his opening remarks Sindh Assembly Speaker Syed Owais Qadir Shah welcomed guests and highlighted Sindh’s historical, cultural and democratic identity, stressing that dialogue, tolerance and parliamentary cooperation are vital for peace and development. National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon and other speakers underlined confidence, inclusion, innovation and peace as cornerstones for future parliaments.
Sessions on misinformation warned that irresponsible use of AI, deepfakes and false information pose grave threats to democracy and public trust, and urged comprehensive legislation, responsible media conduct and public awareness campaigns. Climate related discussions emphasized that the environmental crisis disproportionately affects vulnerable communities and called for robust laws and coordinated regional strategies to protect those most at risk.
Parliamentary accountability was highlighted through the roles of budget, audit and public accounts committees in strengthening democratic oversight. Delegates also raised concerns about online harassment of women leaders and digital violence, pressing for effective legislation to ensure a safer digital environment for political participation.
The conference concluded with an event attended by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah where the gathering unanimously approved the Karachi Declaration. Speaker Syed Owais Qadir Shah said hosting global parliamentary representatives reflected institutional confidence, transparency and openness, while CPA Secretary General Stephen Twigg praised the Sindh Assembly’s hosting as exemplary and described the Karachi Declaration as a shared commitment to democracy, human rights, climate action and regional cooperation.
Delegates from Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Malaysia described the conference as successful and memorable. Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah reiterated that transparency, accountability and inclusion are indispensable for a strong democracy and congratulated the host team and all participating delegations. A farewell dinner at Mohatta Palace honoured local and foreign guests, where Sindhi topis and ajrak were presented as gifts to visitors.
