ISLAMABAD, Feb 04 (APP): National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Wednesday stressed the need for greater parliamentary cooperation, youth inclusion, and innovation as essential pillars of a democratic future.
He made these remarks while addressing parliamentarians and dignitaries from 13 Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) countries as Chief Guest at the inaugural session of the 7th CPA Asia Regional Conference and the 2nd Joint CPA Asia & South-East Asia Regional Parliamentary Conference, hosted by the Sindh Assembly.
The conference is being attended by Speakers, parliamentarians, ministers, members of provincial and legislative assemblies of Pakistan, and senior CPA officials. Extending a warm welcome to the international delegates, the Speaker termed their participation a reflection of shared democratic values.
Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq stated that he, Chairman Senate and the Speakers of the four Provincial Assemblies, along with the Assemblies of Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, meet regularly to work in close cooperation aimed at strengthening democracy, promoting inter-provincial harmony, and enhancing parliamentary coordination. He highlighted that despite having different parliamentary rules in the past, Pakistan’s Parliament, provincial assemblies, and legislative bodies jointly consulted and guided one another, resulting in the adoption of identical rules across all legislative forums, a significant milestone for parliamentary harmony.
Whike Expressing his honour at addressing his fellow Speakers from Pakistan on the platform of the CPA Asia Regional Conference, NA Speaker emphasized that the promotion of democracy, dignity, and the rule of law is only possible through sustained cooperation.
Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq lauded the Sindh Assembly for hosting what he described as a landmark and historic conference, noting that Sindh has long been a land of culture, ideas, and innovation. He recalled that the Sindh Assembly elected Asia’s first woman Deputy Speaker, Ms. Jethi Bai Tulsidas, in 1946, and later gave Pakistan and Asia their first woman Prime Minister, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.
Highlighting the theme of the Conference, “Trust, Inclusion, Innovation, and Peace,” Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said that these principles are not mere concepts but foundational pillars of future democratic systems and closely reflect Pakistan’s national aspirations.
NA Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq drew attention to the country’s demographic reality, stating that over 65 percent of Pakistan’s population comprises youth, yet only 2 to 3 percent are represented in legislatures, terming it a profound democratic deficit. He stressed the collective responsibility of parliamentarians to bridge this gap by integrating youth voices through Youth Advisory Councils, structured internship programmes, leadership nurturing, and youth representation within parliamentary committee systems.
Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq underlined that inclusiveness is the bedrock of sustainable democracy. He asserted that the representation of women, minorities, marginalized communities, and persons with disabilities is not a privilege but an indispensable democratic duty. He noted that diverse parliaments produce stronger legislation and governance rooted in justice, equality, and dignity.
Speaking on innovation, NA Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said that technology is an indispensable ally of modern governance. AI-enabled legislative research, digital documentation, and e-parliament systems can significantly enhance transparency, efficiency, and public engagement. He added that open-data governance and digital citizen platforms bring parliaments closer to the people and strengthen democratic accountability.
Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq emphasized that accountability is the cornerstone of democratic legitimacy. Effective oversight committees, equipped with research capacity, accurate data, and institutional independence, are essential to uphold high standards of governance, while governments must remain answerable to the people.
Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq highlighted that federalism and balanced power-sharing between the federation and provinces are crucial for unity, equitable development, and national stability. Cooperative governance and inter-parliamentary coordination, he said, are vital tools for promoting national harmony.
On regional and global peace, Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq stressed that parliaments play a crucial role in championing humanitarian principles, protecting political rights, and advocating peaceful conflict resolution. He reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK) and their right to self-determination, as enshrined in UN Security Council resolutions. He also called for urgent global action to address the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza, based on justice, dignity, and human rights.
Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq concluded by stating that ethical leadership, integrity in public office, transparency, and modernization are the hallmarks of enduring democratic institutions. Transparent law-making and active citizen engagement strengthen public trust and reinforce democratic legitimacy. He remarked that as parliaments look to the future, they must become more representative, innovative, and accountable, as public trust remains democracy’s greatest asset.
In a lighter note, Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq observed that the most difficult responsibility in Pakistan is that of a Speaker, who faces criticism from the government benches for giving more time to the opposition, while the opposition simultaneously claims insufficient time on the floor of the House.