CPA Asia ends with Karachi Charter

KARACHI:

The three-day 7th CPA Asia Regional Conference and the 2nd Joint CPA Asia and South-East Asia Regional Conference, hosted by the Sindh Assembly, concluded on Friday with the adoption of the Karachi Charter reaffirming commitments to democratic strengthening, inclusive governance, responsible innovation and sustainable peace.

The charter, presented by Sindh Assembly Speaker Syed Awais Qadir Shah, emphasised constitutional supremacy, parliamentary oversight, transparent governance, inclusion of women, youth, minorities and persons with disabilities, and the responsible use of technology while safeguarding freedom of expression.

Addressing the closing ceremony, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said public trust in democracy depends on transparency, accountability, inclusion and justice, adding that parliaments serve as the most direct link between citizens and the state.

CPA Secretary-General Stephen Twigg termed the conference themes vital for the Commonwealth and announced that CPA's new Strategic Plan, aimed at strengthening parliaments by 2030, would soon be launched.

Sri Lanka's Deputy Speaker Dr Rizvi Salih praised the Sindh Assembly and Speaker Awais Qadir Shah for successfully hosting the conference and announced that the next CPA conference would be held in Colombo.

Maldives Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim assured support for the upcoming Colombo conference, while Malaysia's Perak State Legislative Assembly Speaker Dato' Seri Mohammad Zahir Bin Abdul Khalid highlighted the role of parliaments in promoting inclusion, trust and peace.

The ceremony was also addressed by Punjab MPA Zulfiqar Ali Shah, Sindh Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi, and Balochistan MPA Farah Azeem Shah. A Sindh Cultural Bazaar showcasing traditional cuisine and handicrafts was also organised.