Lahore, February 7, 2025: The Punjab Assembly made history on Friday by hosting the first Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Conference for Asia and Southeast Asia. The landmark event has brought together over 100 parliamentary representatives from 20 assemblies, including Sri Lanka, Maldives, the UK, Zambia, Malaysia, and Pakistan.
The conference features 13 speakers, 4 deputy speakers, and one chairman, all set to engage in discussions on parliamentary democracy, transparent legislation, and accountability.
During the Branch Secretariat meeting, Punjab Assembly Secretary Aamir Habib and CPA Regional Secretary Mrs. Kashani Anusha finalized the agenda. The conference will include a Regional Executive Committee meeting, chaired by Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan and Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne. After approval from the committee, discussions on regional priorities will take place.
As part of the event, a special documentary on the Punjab Assembly will be screened, followed by remarks from Dr. Christopher Khalila, Chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee, and Malaysian Parliament Senator Pella Petting Goh.
The conference will also feature Ahmed Nazim, Deputy Speaker of the People’s Majlis of Maldives, and Dr. Jagath Vikramaratne, Speaker of the Sri Lankan Parliament.
On the first day, Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, will serve as the chief guest. In the afternoon session, discussions will center around the legislative process for empowering underrepresented groups, including women, youth, and minorities.
Speakers for this session include Nusrat Ghani, Deputy Speaker of the UK House of Commons, Pakistani Senator Anusha Rehman and other key parliamentary members from across the region
To conclude the day, delegates will be introduced to Lahore’s rich culture, followed by a special dinner at Hazuri Bagh, hosted by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan.
