Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani declared that peace, security, and development are fundamentally interconnected and essential for any nation's advancement. He made these remarks during his opening address at the inaugural session of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers' Conference, which officially commenced in Islamabad on Tuesday.
The landmark conference, themed 'Peace, Security and Development,' assembled parliamentary leaders from across the globe. Chairman Gilani welcomed the international delegates on behalf of Pakistan's Parliament and its people, expressing his honor at hosting such a significant event in the nation's capital.
A Defining Moment for Global Dialogue
Gilani described the gathering as a pivotal event in the history of parliamentary diplomacy, uniting representatives from both the Global North and the Global South. He emphasized that the forum was designed to deliberate on shared global challenges and forge collective solutions.
He extended profound gratitude to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for attending as the chief guest, stating that his presence underscored Pakistan's firm commitment to international dialogue, cooperation, and multilateralism.
Addressing Unprecedented Global Instability
In his speech, the Senate Chairman painted a stark picture of the current international landscape. He noted that the world is grappling with unprecedented instability, fueled by wars, economic shocks, climate change, and rapid technological disruptions.
"Peace is unravelling before us — from Gaza to Sudan to Occupied Kashmir," Gilani stated. He argued that in such testing times, parliaments must rise as beacons of guidance, fostering understanding and cooperation across deep divides.
He called for a broader and more inclusive concept of security that goes beyond traditional definitions. This new understanding must encompass:
- Economic and climate resilience
- Environmental sustainability
- Food and water security
- Digital integrity
Highlighting a critical injustice, Gilani pointed out that while Pakistan contributes negligibly to global emissions, it faces disproportionate vulnerability to climate change. He labeled this situation "a moral and practical imperative" for parliaments worldwide to take collective action before the consequences become unmanageable.
Pakistan's Role and a Call for Action
Reaffirming Pakistan's steadfast commitment to global peace and security under the leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Gilani recalled the nation's role as a frontline state against terrorism and its significant contributions to UN peacekeeping missions.
He also addressed regional tensions, noting that despite provocations on Pakistan's eastern and north-western borders, the country has consistently shown maturity and restraint. "We have consistently extended the hand of dialogue, but peace is a two-way street that requires reciprocity," he asserted.
Drawing from his decades of parliamentary experience, Gilani stressed his firm belief in the interdependence of sustainable progress and security. This conviction inspired him to convene this conference to promote a shared dialogue on the world's most pressing issues.
He urged delegates to move beyond mere promises and instead share bold, implementable solutions that reflect the diverse experiences of their nations. He emphasized that parliaments are not passive observers but are, in fact, "drivers of trust, builders of consensus, and voices of the people when the world grows uncertain."
Concluding his address on an inspirational note, Senate Chairman Gilani quoted Pakistan's first woman Prime Minister, Benazir Bhutto: "Leadership is about the strength of one’s convictions, the ability to endure the punches, and the energy to promote an idea."
He expressed his hope that the conference would be remembered for the conviction it inspires, the partnerships it forges, and the clarity of purpose it establishes. "The world is watching — let us lead with unity, vision and courage," he concluded, before extending his best wishes to all delegates for a productive and pleasant stay in Islamabad.
