Secretary General, Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference,

Excellencies,

Honourable Speakers and Deputy Speakers,

Distinguished Parliamentarians,

Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Assalam-o-Alaikum and a very warm welcome.

It is my pleasure to extend heartfelt greetings to all distinguished parliamentarians, delegates, and friends from across the world gathered here for this two-day Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference in Islamabad. Your presence reflects our shared conviction that dialogue and cooperation among nations remain the surest path to peace and progress.

This Conference, convened under the leadership of the Senate of Pakistan through the vision of its Chairman and ISC Founding Chairman Senator Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, marks another milestone in Pakistan’s sustained efforts to advance peace, security, and development through multilateralism. It is also a moment to celebrate parliamentary diplomacy as the voice of the people in global affairs.

As Deputy Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and Leader of the House in the Senate, I am reminded that our nation’s journey on the international stage has always been defined by resilience, dialogue, and partnership. This Conference provides a unique platform to translate these principles into tangible outcomes that not only advance Pakistan’s interests but also strengthen regional stability.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Diplomacy today extends beyond ministries and diplomatic missions. It increasingly draws strength from public awareness and growing parliamentary engagement, while remaining firmly grounded in our national and strategic interests.

Parliamentary diplomacy complements traditional diplomacy by bringing the perspectives of people’s representatives into international discourse. By engaging with peers across borders, parliamentarians share experiences, exchange ideas, and discuss the application of fundamental principles of governance, rights, and democracy. These interactions inform national foreign policies, strengthen interstate relations, and enrich global cooperation; ensuring that diplomacy reflects the aspirations, values, and interests of citizens worldwide.

Parliamentarians, who are closest to the people, play a critical role in translating international commitments into domestic action — simplifying regulations, enabling innovation, and ensuring that growth benefits all citizens. Through regional connectivity, trade facilitation, and investment partnerships, our economies can move towards growth and shared prosperity.

Excellencies,

We meet at a time of profound global transformation. Old certainties are fading; trust in multilateral institutions is under strain. Geopolitical rivalries, economic divides, climate crises, terrorism, and widening inequalities threaten the cooperative spirit that sustained peace for past many decades.

At such a moment, forums like this Conference carry exceptional significance. This reminds us that multilateralism must not only be preserved — it must be revitalized through openness, inclusion, and the active participation of people’s representatives. This is how we can rebuild trust in international cooperation based on dialogue, diplomacy, mutual respect, and shared responsibility.

This year’s theme, “Peace, Security, and Development,” highlights a simple but powerful truth: these goals go hand in hand. At both domestic and international levels, peace enables growth, development sustains peace, and security and cooperation fortify the foundations for progress. To achieve these objectives, we must ensure that institutions are accountable and inclusive, both nationally and internationally, so that the benefits of peace, security, and development reach all people.

Excellencies, Distinguished Guests,

Peace and security are not abstract ideals, they are essential conditions for human progress. The persistence of conflicts and unresolved disputes continue to cast long shadows over our shared aspirations. These challenges transcend borders, demanding collective resolve and coordinated action; No nation, no matter how strong or self-reliant, can confront these alone.

One of the major global challenges of our time is terrorism. Pakistan has been a bulwark against this menace that does not recognize any boundary, religion, gender, ethnicity or race. We categorically reject acts of terrorism in all forms and manifestations, whether these take place in Islamabad, or anywhere else in the world. Just yesterday, we witnessed two heinous acts of terrorism in Wana and Islamabad, resulting in loss of fifteen precious lives. We strongly condemn this heinous act of violence and extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved families. Let me be clear: these cowardly acts will never shake or weaken our national resolve. If anything, they reaffirm our conviction that dialogue, understanding, and partnership are the only sustainable paths to peace and security.

Pakistan’s foreign policy is firmly anchored in the principles of the Charter of the United Nations — sovereign equality, peaceful settlement of disputes, non-interference, and friendly relations among nations. These principles guide our engagement not only at the United Nations but also at other multilateral platforms including the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and here at the ISC.

From Pakistan’s perspective, dialogue has always been our preferred instrument for stability and progress. We have consistently advocated for regional cooperation, conflict prevention, and equitable development as the foundations of a peaceful world order.

Our decades-long commitment to multilateralism reflects Pakistan’s enduring belief that dialogue, not discord, must define humanity’s future. Parliamentary and executive diplomacy, working hand in hand, make this engagement credible, consistent, and people-centered.

Excellencies,

Pakistan is honoured to serve as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for the two years term 2025 and 2026. As President of the Security Council in July 2025, I convened an Open Debate on “Promoting International Peace and Security through Multilateralism and the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes.”

The Council also, after years, unanimously adopted a Pakistan-sponsored resolution on “Strengthening Mechanisms for the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes.” These initiatives reaffirmed the global consensus on dialogue, diplomacy, and respect for international law as the foundation of peace.

Pakistan’s experience uniquely positions it as a bridge between the Global South and Global North, and between regions and civilizations. We believe cooperation must replace competition, and equitable partnerships, not hierarchies, should define the future international order. Through both parliamentary and executive diplomacy, Pakistan will continue to advance this inclusive vision.

Distinguished Delegates,

As we deliberate here, let us reaffirm our faith in dialogue and cooperation. Let us demonstrate that parliaments and governments, working together, can rebuild trust in multilateralism and renew hope in collective action.

I thank all honourable delegates, speakers, and participants, especially our esteemed foreign guests and Pakistani parliamentarians, for their active engagement yesterday, and for reconvening with the same spirit today. Your valuable contributions make this Conference a true celebration of global parliamentary partnership and dialogue.

Pakistan stands ready to continue serving as a bridge-builder; uniting regions, amplifying the voices of the developing world, and promoting peace through justice and dialogue.

Ultimately, the purpose of diplomacy, whether in the chamber or the chancery, is to serve people. People-centered diplomacy ensures that peace dividends reach citizens, that development is inclusive, and that international cooperation is measured by human progress, not just political agreements. The Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference embodies that approach; diplomacy rooted in representation, anchored in accountability, and driven by empathy.

Together, let us shape a fairer, safer, and more prosperous world for all.

Finally, I wish our honorable foreign guests, an enjoyable and memorable stay in Islamabad and safe return to their great countries.

Thank you all.

Islamabad

November 12, 2025