ISLAMABAD, Nov 12 (APP): Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Senator Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, on Wednesday called for transforming parliamentary dialogue into tangible action and institutionalized cooperation.
He delivered the closing address at the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) 2025, which concluded in Islamabad with the adoption of the Islamabad Communique.
Addressing Speakers, Deputy Speakers and delegates from over 40 countries, the Chairman said the conference had demonstrated that parliamentary diplomacy could transcend political divides, foster trust and promote inclusive development.
“We have proven that parliaments are not only legislative bodies, but also bridge-builders, peacemakers and guardians of democratic ideals,” he remarked.
Reflecting on the vision of the conference, he said the ISC was conceived to create a space where genuine dialogue and heartfelt parliamentary cooperation could flourish.
“This gathering has reaffirmed that while our borders may differ, our hopes for peace, our yearning for security, and our commitment to sustainable development remain universal,” he added.
The Chairman described the conference as a bold re-imagining of global cooperation beyond traditional diplomacy, noting that parliaments — being closest to the people — must play a central role in shaping inclusive and accountable governance.
Outlining a forward-looking agenda, Gilani proposed three practical mechanisms to carry forward the momentum of the conference:
Model Law Exchange – a shared set of adaptable clauses on priorities such as counter-terror financing, disaster governance, artificial intelligence and good governance;
Oversight Scorecards – annual transparency reports by parliaments on peace, security and development oversight; and
Mediation and Crisis Window – a network of parliament-nominated focal points to share de-escalation practices during crises and elections.
“These initiatives are voluntary, practical and sovereignty-respecting — but together they can turn this forum from good words into better outcomes,” he said.
Referring to the Islamabad Communique, the Chairman Senate described it as a visionary document reflecting the collective understanding that peace and development are not destinations but continuous commitments.
He said the Communique provides a framework for proactive parliamentary cooperation to promote peace, strengthen democracy, and advance inclusive and sustainable development.
He added that Pakistan has long believed peace and development are interlinked — a conviction rooted in its parliamentary tradition and the vision of its founding fathers, who saw Pakistan as a partner in peace and a bridge between regions and civilisations.
Expressing gratitude to the participating delegations, the ISC Secretariat and the media, the Chairman said the success of the conference marks not an end but a new beginning in the journey of global parliamentary collaboration.
“Let the Islamabad Communique be a beacon for our collective journey — a pledge that our parliaments will continue to promote dialogue over discord, inclusivity over division, and development over deprivation,” he said.