ARUSHA, Tanzania, Oct 8, 2026: Chairman Senate of Pakistan and head of the Pakistani Parliamentary Delegation to the 153rd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, held a one-on-one luncheon meeting with IPU President Dr Tulia Ackson on the sidelines of the assembly in Arusha, Tanzania.
During the meeting, Chairman Senate warmly congratulated Dr Ackson on the successful completion of her historic tenure as President of the IPU from 2023 to 2026. He lauded her dynamic leadership, vision and tireless efforts in making the IPU more inclusive, representative and effective as the world organisation of parliaments.
“Under your able and inspiring leadership, the IPU has become a stronger platform for peace, dialogue and parliamentary diplomacy. As the first African woman President of IPU, you are an inspiration for women parliamentarians around the world and particularly for the Global South,” Chairman Gilani said.
Chairman Gilani said he and Dr Ackson had worked together closely during her presidency and would continue to work jointly in future for the promotion of parliamentary cooperation and for strengthening the role of the IPU.
The Chairman Senate thanked President Ackson, the Government and the people of Tanzania for excellent arrangements and warm hospitality extended to all delegates in Arusha.
On the occasion, Chairman Senate extended a cordial invitation to Dr Ackson to visit Pakistan at a mutually convenient time as a guest of the Senate of Pakistan. Dr Ackson accepted the invitation and thanked Chairman Senate for the gesture.
Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani is leading a cross-party delegation of the Senate and the National Assembly of Pakistan to the 153rd IPU Assembly, being held from October 5 to 9, 2026, at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC), Tanzania.
The meeting was held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere.
