New York, February 13, 2026: Pakistan has urged respect for international law and meaningful progress toward the peaceful resolution of long-standing disputes in line with the UN Charter and relevant Security Council resolutions.
Delivering Pakistan’s national statement during the inaugural session of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Annual Hearing 2026 at UN Headquarters, Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani emphasized the need for democratic, transparent, and accountable decision-making to enhance the credibility of the United Nations. He noted that parliaments are indispensable partners in ensuring national ownership of international commitments.
“Reform is essential, but it must be ‘Reform for All, Privilege for None,’” Gilani stated.
Gilani is leading a six-member high-level parliamentary delegation from Pakistan to participate in the two-day hearing. The delegation includes Senators Saleem Mandviwala, Farooq H. Naek, Muhammad Abdul Qadir, Faisal Ali Subzwari, and Member of the National Assembly Amir Dogar.
Highlighting the enduring relevance of the United Nations as the cornerstone of multilateral cooperation, Gilani said its universal membership and Charter-based mandate remain central to promoting global peace and security.
He observed that overlapping crises—including climate change, violent conflicts, and widening social and economic inequalities—continue to challenge the UN’s effectiveness across its three interconnected pillars. According to him, these pressures disproportionately impact the Global South, undermining decades of development progress.
Gilani stressed that no single country can tackle these systemic challenges alone, adding that renewed trust in the United Nations must be anchored in stronger multilateral cooperation supported by adequate, predictable, and sustainable financing.
Reflecting on his stewardship of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference last year, he reaffirmed his commitment to fostering greater synergy between the UN, the IPU, and the conference to advance shared global goals.
Held under the theme “Parliaments and the United Nations: Better together, delivering for the people,” the 2026 IPU Annual Hearing focuses on promoting peace, sustainable development, democratic governance, and effective multilateralism, including contributions to the UN’s Pact for the Future and broader reform efforts.
