Istanbul, April 18, 2026: Pakistan’s parliamentary diplomacy remained in full swing on the second day of the 152nd Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly, as a high-level delegation led by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq held a series of key bilateral engagements in Istanbul.
The delegation, which also includes Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar, met with several parliamentary leaders from across the world to discuss regional developments and enhance inter-parliamentary cooperation.
Among those who called on the Speaker were Valentina Matviyenko of Russia, Sahiba Gafarova of Azerbaijan, Narayan Prasad Dahal of Nepal, Tian Xuejun of China, Abdul Raheem Abdulla of Maldives, and Tanzila Norbaeva of Uzbekistan.
During the meetings, Russian and Chinese representatives appreciated Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts in promoting peace and facilitating dialogue, particularly its role in encouraging negotiations between Iran and the United States. The Chinese side reaffirmed its enduring partnership with Pakistan, describing the bilateral relationship as resilient and vital for global peace and stability.
Speaker Ayaz Sadiq thanked China for its continued support, describing Pakistan-China ties as an “iron brotherhood” that has remained strong through changing global dynamics.
In a separate interaction, the Maldivian Speaker highlighted the adverse economic impact of ongoing regional tensions, noting a sharp decline in tourism due to the Gulf crisis. Speaker Ayaz Sadiq assured Pakistan’s support and expressed optimism that stability in the Middle East would help restore normalcy.
Discussions with Azerbaijan focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation and mutual support at international forums. Speaker Gafarova also shared her candidature for the presidency of the IPU, with elections scheduled at the next assembly in Tanzania in October 2026. Speaker Ayaz Sadiq emphasized efforts to build consensus within the Muslim bloc for a joint candidate.
In his meeting with the Uzbek Senate Chairperson, both sides underscored deep-rooted historical, cultural, and linguistic ties between Pakistan and Uzbekistan. The Uzbek side extended an invitation to visit key cultural centers in Samarkand and Bukhara, which was reciprocated by the Pakistani Speaker.
The Pakistani delegation, comprising members from both houses of parliament, is attending the conference with a limited contingent in line with austerity measures, with participants bearing their own travel expenses.
The ongoing engagements highlight Pakistan’s proactive parliamentary outreach aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties and promoting regional and global cooperation.
