In Islamabad, the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister used a curtain-raiser ceremony for the upcoming Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference to call for strengthened multilateralism and parliamentary diplomacy to address interconnected global crises — including unresolved territorial disputes, unilateral actions that undermine the UN Charter, climate change, and structural flaws in the international financial system. He highlighted Pakistan’s growing role in international fora, including its election to the United Nations Security Council and leadership during its recent Council presidency, and urged parliamentary-executive cooperation to turn dialogue into practical outcomes ahead of the November conference.
Speaking at the event attended by Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, members of the diplomatic corps, the ISC Secretary General, and parliamentary leaders, the minister praised the founding Chairman of ISC for launching the forum. He said the joint presence of the Senate chairman and the National Assembly speaker signalled broad-based, bipartisan support for the initiative and reinforced its cross-institutional legitimacy.
The minister framed the conference as a timely platform for parliamentary leaders to engage in dialogue and build consensus amid multiple, linked global challenges. He listed long-standing disputes such as Kashmir and Palestine, growing tendencies toward unilateralism and disregard for the UN Charter, the immediate impacts of climate change and climate-induced disasters, and persistent inequities arising from deficiencies in the international financial architecture.
Arguing that multilateralism and international cooperation are essential responses to these challenges, he said parliamentary diplomacy through the ISC can promote dialogue, mutual respect, and engagement. He reiterated that Pakistan’s foreign policy is grounded in the UN Charter principles of sovereign equality, non-interference, the right to self-determination, and the peaceful settlement of disputes, and described the ISC as aligned with Pakistan’s commitment to multilateral trust-building.
The minister pointed to Pakistan’s election to the UN Security Council for the 2025–26 term and its recent role as a bridge-builder in the Council as evidence of the country’s growing international profile. He highlighted Resolution 2788, adopted unanimously under Pakistan’s Security Council presidency, which calls for strengthening mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes and urges greater use of negotiation, mediation, regional organizations, and the Secretary-General’s good offices.
On development and finance, he underscored the need to reform the international financial system to break the cycle of poverty and global inequity, arguing that such reform is essential for promoting development and financial fairness for developing countries. He also warned of the existential threat posed by climate change and stressed Pakistan’s advocacy for climate justice and collective action.
The minister described the devastating floods currently affecting Pakistan, which have displaced millions and inflicted heavy human and economic losses, as evidence of the disproportionate impact of climate change on countries that contribute minimally to global emissions. He said Pakistan will continue to push for climate diplomacy while simultaneously positioning itself as an investment-friendly destination to strengthen economic resilience.
Wearing the dual hats of executive leader and parliamentary head, the minister emphasized the importance of harmony between the executive and legislative branches for delivering meaningful progress. He said the ISC’s main conference in November will enlarge the conversation with more global voices and, he hoped, develop into strong partnerships and practical solutions for peace, security, and development.
He closed by thanking participants and expressing confidence in the Chairman Senate’s ability to host a successful Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference in November.
