PA welcomes Asia's parliamentary leaders

From AI to environmental crises, sessions highlight innovation, transparency, citizen trust

KARACHI:

The Sindh Assembly recently hosted the 7th CPA Asia Regional Conference and the 2nd Joint CPA Asia-Southeast Asia Regional Conference under the theme, "Future Parliaments: Redefining Democracy through Trust, Inclusion, Innovation and Peace." The event brought together over 150 speakers, deputy speakers, parliamentarians, and senior officials from four countries and 17 state and provincial legislatures across Asia and Southeast Asia.

The opening and plenary sessions focused on strengthening democratic institutions, parliamentary reconciliation, restoration of public trust, transparency, inclusion, artificial intelligence, environmental challenges, and regional peace. Sindh Assembly Speaker Syed Owais Qadir Shah welcomed the delegates and highlighted Sindh's rich historical, cultural, and democratic identity. He expressed concern over global conflicts, climate change, poverty, extremism, and technological disruptions, calling dialogue, parliamentary cooperation, and democratic values essential for peace and development. He also highlighted Sindh's civilisational heritage, including Moenjo-daro, Makli, and Sufi traditions, along with its political legacy.

CPA Chairperson Dr Christopher Kalila emphasised inclusion, innovation, transparency, and ethical leadership as key pillars of future parliaments, stressing the importance of representing women, youth, minorities, and persons with disabilities. Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon noted the world faces political distrust, environmental crises, digital disruptions, and democratic weaknesses, praising the timely convening of the conference. National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said the gathering reflected a shared commitment to democratic values and global cooperation, underscoring women's political representation, technology use, accountability, and federalism.