Islamabad, February 27, 2025: Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, has emphasized the crucial role of parliaments in fostering people-centric and mutually beneficial ties between Pakistan and Hungary. He made these remarks during a meeting with Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly, László Kövér, in Budapest on Wednesday.
Upon his arrival at the Hungarian Parliament, Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq received a warm welcome from his Hungarian counterpart, alongside Béla Fazekas, Co-Chairman of the Hungary-Pakistan Friendship Group, and senior officials. Speaker László Kövér termed the visit historic, marking the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and Hungary.
During their discussions, Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq briefed his Hungarian counterpart on Pakistan’s key challenges, including Pakistan’s contributions to the global fight against terrorism, the economic impact of climate change, the influx of 4.6 million Afghan refugees, Pakistan’s parliamentary initiatives addressing the rights and welfare of women, children, and marginalized communities.
He stressed that the global parliamentary community must not remain passive while people suffer due to economic recession, ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Kashmir, Afghanistan, and Gaza, as well as emerging threats such as fake news and unregulated Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Highlighting AI as a new global challenge, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq cautioned that its misuse could fuel misinformation, discord, and social unrest. He urged lawmakers to work towards the ethical and responsible use of AI to ensure public welfare.
He also commended the Prime Minister of Hungary for maintaining a neutral stance on the Ukraine war, strengthening relations with China and Russia, and leading Hungary to become the only EU country to join the One Belt, One Road Initiative.
During the meeting, Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq handed over a letter from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, inviting him to visit Pakistan. Speaker László Kövér welcomed the invitation and expressed hope for more frequent high-level bilateral visits.
Speaker László Kövér also provided an overview of Hungary’s economic and political stability, attributing it to the “Hungary First” approach under Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s leadership since 2010. He noted Hungary’s successful policies, which have resulted in three consecutive electoral victories, and reaffirmed Hungary’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with Pakistan, citing Hungarian investments in Pakistan’s energy sector through MOL as a key example.
Both sides expressed satisfaction with the growing educational and cultural ties between Pakistan and Hungary. Hungary currently offers 500 fully funded scholarships annually to Pakistani students, with 1,500 students having benefited from the program in recent years.
Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq called for expanding the scholarship program and proposed that Pakistani students be given internship opportunities in Hungarian institutions. He expressed hope that these students would return to Pakistan as skilled professionals and goodwill ambassadors.
As part of the visit, Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, accompanied by the Pakistani parliamentary delegation, toured the Hungarian National Assembly Hall and other key sections of the Hungarian National Assembly. He also inscribed his remarks in the Guest Book of the Hungarian Parliament.
