New York, February 15, 2026: Chairman Senate of Pakistan Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani met with the President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Tulia Ackson, reaffirming Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to strengthening parliamentary democracy, multilateralism, and global cooperation through active engagement with the IPU.
At the outset, Chairman Gilani conveyed warm greetings and expressed appreciation for the IPU’s historic role as the global voice of parliaments and a guardian of parliamentary democracy. He underscored that Pakistan views the IPU as a vital platform for promoting dialogue, rule of law, inclusive governance, and constructive parliamentary engagement across regions.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s strong and longstanding partnership with the IPU, the Chairman highlighted the active participation of Pakistan’s Parliament in IPU Assemblies, Standing Committees, and General Debates. He recalled his participation in the 150th IPU Assembly held in Tashkent in April 2025, where Pakistan contributed to deliberations on peace and security, sustainable development, climate action, and multilateral cooperation.
Chairman Gilani also referred to the successful hosting of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) in Islamabad in November 2025, which concluded with the unanimous adoption of the Islamabad Communiqué. He noted that the conference reinforced the intrinsic link between peace, security, and sustainable development, reflecting Pakistan’s growing role in parliamentary diplomacy.
Discussing democratic governance, the Chairman emphasized the Senate of Pakistan’s role in inclusive legislation, minority protection, provincial representation, and strengthening oversight and accountability mechanisms. On the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), he recalled Pakistan’s unanimous parliamentary adoption of the 2030 Agenda in 2016 and expressed interest in enhanced cooperation with the IPU on SDG-aligned legislation, public finance oversight, and evidence-based lawmaking.
Highlighting climate change challenges, Chairman Gilani said Pakistan remains among the countries most vulnerable to climate impacts, recalling the devastating floods of 2022 and subsequent extreme weather events. He called for closer collaboration with the IPU to build parliamentary capacity on climate-responsive legislation, disaster risk reduction, and resilience.
On gender equality, the Chairman commended the IPU’s leadership in advancing women’s political empowerment and noted Pakistan’s constitutional provisions for reserved seats for women in Parliament, along with key legislative measures protecting women’s rights. He also highlighted the Benazir Income Support Programme as a flagship initiative contributing to poverty reduction and women’s economic empowerment.
Addressing human rights and global peace, Chairman Gilani appreciated the impartial work of the IPU Committee on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians and reiterated Pakistan’s support for dialogue and peaceful conflict resolution. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s principled position on the right to self-determination of the people of IIOJ&K in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions, and its unwavering support for the establishment of a viable and sovereign State of Palestine based on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds as its capital.
The IPU President appreciated Pakistan’s constructive role within the organization and welcomed continued cooperation to advance shared objectives of democratic governance, peace, and parliamentary solidarity.
Separately, Chairman Gilani also met with the Secretary General of the IPU, Martin Chungong, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to parliamentary diplomacy, multilateral cooperation, and enhanced institutional linkages between parliamentary secretariats. He acknowledged the IPU’s support in strengthening the capacity of parliamentary institutions, particularly in developing countries.
During the meeting, the Chairman emphasized the role of the Senate Secretariat in supporting inclusive legislation, minority protection, provincial representation, and effective oversight through research, committee servicing, and procedural guidance. He expressed interest in closer cooperation with the IPU Secretariat on SDG integration, climate governance tools, parliamentary modernization, digitalization, and AI-supported services.
Both meetings concluded with a shared commitment to deepening collaboration between Pakistan’s Parliament and the Inter-Parliamentary Union in pursuit of effective, transparent, and people-centred parliamentary institutions worldwide.
