Delegates from across the region gathered on the sidelines of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Istanbul for a focused meeting of the Asia Pacific Group to discuss peace, regional cooperation and international security. Parliamentary diplomacy took centre stage as representatives exchanged views on emerging geopolitical challenges and ways to strengthen mutual understanding among member countries.
The national delegation from Pakistan included Azam Nazeer Tarar, Farhan Chishti, MNA, Asad Alam Niazi, MNA, Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti, Senator Muhammad Talha Mahmood, Syed Shamoon Hashmi and Naqash Zafar. Delegates underlined Pakistan’s commitment to democratic values, multilateral cooperation and sustained efforts to promote regional stability within the Asia Pacific Group framework.
Members emphasised collaborative approaches to address security concerns and highlighted parliamentary mechanisms for conflict prevention and confidence building. The Asia Pacific Group meeting concluded with a renewed resolve to enhance coordination among member parliaments and to play a proactive role within the IPU to advance shared priorities.
Delegates also noted that, reflecting ongoing austerity measures, members of parliament attending the IPU Assembly are covering their own expenses, a step seen as supporting prudent use of public resources while maintaining active international engagement. This practical approach was presented as compatible with the group’s broader aim of efficient, results-oriented parliamentary diplomacy.
The Asia Pacific Group has endorsed Senator Amir Waliuddin Chishti for membership of the IPU Committee on Health. Delegates said the endorsement recognises Senator Chishti’s dedication to public health issues and that his participation on the IPU Health Committee is expected to strengthen international cooperation on health policy and parliamentary oversight in the region.
