**Pakistani Senate Chairman Gilani Addresses Global Parliamentary Conference, Calls for Justice and Multilateral Cooperation**
Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani, has underscored the importance of multilateral cooperation, justice, and parliamentary diplomacy in addressing mounting global challenges, as he addressed the 6th World Conference of Speakers of Parliament in Geneva. He called on the international community to tackle conflicts, economic instability, climate change, social inequality, and human rights violations through strengthened institutional collaboration.
During his speech at the influential gathering, Chairman Gilani emphasized that the world is currently witnessing a rise in conflicts, growing economic uncertainty, and widespread disregard for international laws and humanitarian principles. He expressed concern over a growing trust deficit between the people and institutions, warning that a breakdown in faith can undermine prospects for peace and progress.
Gilani drew particular attention to the ongoing crises in Palestine and Indian-administered Jammu & Kashmir, condemning the persistent violations of human rights in these regions. He highlighted that the people of Kashmir have been engaged in a decades-long struggle for the right to self-determination and called for renewed global focus on their plight.
Addressing the evolving role of legislative bodies, the Senate Chairman asserted that national and regional parliaments now have a crucial and decisive role to play in navigating these complex global issues. He cited Pakistan’s Parliament as an example, noting its commitment to peace, development, and robust representation of women, youth, and marginalized communities. As a model initiative aimed at addressing poverty, he referenced the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), a comprehensive social safety net launched during his tenure as Prime Minister to support vulnerable populations.
Highlighting the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, Chairman Gilani – also the founding chair of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference – described inter-parliamentary engagement as essential for overcoming shared challenges. In this spirit, he announced that Pakistan will host the upcoming Speakers’ Conference in Islamabad, extending formal invitations to parliamentary leaders to participate.
Concluding his address, Gilani expressed optimism that the Geneva conference would play a meaningful role in advancing justice, peace, and equity worldwide. He also commended Malaysia’s role in promoting peace between Cambodia and Thailand and extended his appreciation to the organizers for the successful conduct of the event.
