The Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister used a curtain-raiser event for the upcoming Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference to outline Pakistan’s priorities for the meeting: strengthening parliamentary diplomacy, defending multilateralism, addressing protracted conflicts, pushing for reform of the international financial system, and accelerating climate action and economic resilience at home. He highlighted Pakistan’s recent role on the global stage, warned of rising unilateralism and climate risk, and urged collaboration between executive and legislative branches to convert dialogue into concrete outcomes.
Speaking at the ceremony, the minister thanked the founders and hosts of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference and noted the significance of both the Chairman of the Senate and the Speaker of the National Assembly attending. He said their joint presence signals broad, cross-institutional and bipartisan support for the initiative and sends a clear message to international partners.
The minister described the ISC as a timely platform for parliamentary leaders to exchange ideas and build consensus on shared challenges. He argued that parliamentary diplomacy can reinforce multilateralism by promoting dialogue, mutual respect and engagement across regions, and that such efforts are consistent with Pakistan’s foreign policy principles, including respect for the UN Charter, sovereign equality, non-interference, self-determination and peaceful dispute resolution.
Outlining the global context, he warned of multiple interlinked crises that threaten peace, security and development. He singled out long-standing unresolved disputes such as those over Kashmir and Palestine, and expressed concern about a growing tendency toward unilateral action that undermines the UN Charter. He also drew attention to the mounting impacts of climate change and structural deficiencies in the international financial system that exacerbate global inequality and poverty.
On the diplomatic front, the minister highlighted Pakistan’s election to the United Nations Security Council for the 2025–26 term and described Pakistan’s recent role as a bridge-builder in the Council. He noted that under Pakistan’s presidency the Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2788, which encourages greater use of negotiations, mediation, regional organizations and the Secretary-General’s good offices for peaceful dispute settlement.
Turning to development and climate issues, he called for reform of the international financial architecture to break the vicious cycle of poverty and rising global inequity and to promote development and financial equity. He also emphasized Pakistan’s vulnerability to climate change, pointing to recent devastating floods that have displaced millions and caused major human and economic losses. He noted that Pakistan contributes less than 1 percent of global emissions yet remains among the countries hardest hit by climate impacts.
The minister said Pakistan will continue to lead on climate diplomacy and advocate for climate justice, aiming to be a voice for vulnerable populations and a driver of collective climate action. At the same time, he stressed the importance of economic resilience, saying Pakistan is actively positioning itself as an investment-friendly destination to support sustainable development.
Drawing on his dual roles in government and parliament, he underscored the importance of harmony between the executive and legislative branches, arguing that collaboration between them is essential to translate discussion into meaningful progress. He expressed hope that the November conference will broaden participation, forge strong partnerships and produce practical outcomes that advance peace, security and development.
He closed by thanking the ceremony’s participants and wishing success to the hosts as they prepare for the full Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference in November.
