ISLAMABAD – Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Thursday addressed the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva, where he emphasised the importance of parliamentary cooperation in tackling today’s global challenges. Speaking at the international forum, Gilani said the world is currently facing expanding conflicts, economic instability, climate change, inequality, and human rights violations. He underscored the need for collective action and multilateral engagement to build a more peaceful and just future.
He pointed out the growing public mistrust in institutions and the increasing violations of international laws and humanitarian norms. Drawing global attention to regions in crisis, he highlighted the ongoing human rights abuses in Palestine and the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), where he said the people have been struggling for their right to self-determination for the past 75 years. Gilani stressed that in today’s complex global environment, the role of national and regional parliaments is more vital than ever. He said Pakistan’s Parliament has always championed peace, development, and inter-parliamentary cooperation. He also added that the Senate of Pakistan ensures representation of women, youth, and marginalised communities. Referring to the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), launched during his tenure as Prime Minister, Gilani described it as a successful model for social welfare, aimed at reducing poverty and supporting vulnerable groups. He reaffirmed his commitment to parliamentary diplomacy and highlighted the importance of inter-parliamentary dialogue in addressing shared challenges. As the founding chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference, he said such platforms are key to promoting understanding and cooperation.
Announcing that Pakistan will host the next Speakers’ Conference in Islamabad on November 11–12 this year, Gilani formally invited parliamentary leaders from around the world to attend.
He expressed hope that the Geneva conference would contribute meaningfully to the promotion of peace, justice, and equity.
He also praised Malaysia’s efforts in supporting peace between Cambodia and Thailand and thanked the organisers for successfully hosting the event.