45th Annual Forum of Parliamentarians for Global Action Concludes in Islamabad

Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) concludes its 45th Annual Forum in Islamabad, stressing justice and human rights, and commending Pakistan’s contributions to global peace and stability.

Parliamentarians Emphasize Justice and Human Rights; Praise Pakistan's Commitment to Global Stability

Date: October 29, 2024
Reporter: Imtiaz Ali Abbasi
Posted by: The largest English Digital News Network

Islamabad—The 45th Annual Forum of Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) and the 13th Consultative Assembly of Parliamentarians concluded its two-day event in Islamabad, hosted at the Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services (PIPS) by the National Assembly Secretariat.

Addressing the closing ceremony, PGA President Syed Naveed Qamar expressed gratitude to the delegates for their active participation and emphasized the importance of the discussions on justice and human rights presented during the forum. He voiced confidence that the outcomes of the conference would lead to long-term progress in promoting justice and human rights globally.

The two-day forum brought together parliamentarians from around the world to focus on efforts to prevent crimes against humanity and foster international peace and stability. Delegates recognized Pakistan’s continued contributions to these global efforts, with many expressing hope that the country will maintain its positive role in the future.

In the forum’s sessions, parliamentarians, experts, and representatives of international organizations engaged in discussions covering topics such as rule of law and human rights protection. Key speakers at the opening session included National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, PGA Secretary General Monica Adhem, President of PGA Pakistan Group Senator Sherry Rehman, and PGA President Syed Naveed Qamar. The initial panel session reviewed the universality of the Rome Statute and the expansion of the international criminal law framework, while the second session examined challenges in implementing reformative laws in a regional context.

Day two featured further panel discussions on issues including “Justice Against Gender-Based Crimes,” “Effective Cooperation Against Impunity,” and “Balancing Justice, Human Rights, and International Accountability.” Bilal Azhar Kiani, Convener of Pakistan’s Parliamentary Task Force on SDGs, emphasized that Pakistan supports an impartial and fair international justice framework, free from political influences. He also called for ad hoc tribunals, joint investigation teams (JITs), and information-sharing mechanisms to address international crimes.

Member of the National Assembly, Ms. Mehtab Akbar Rashdi, highlighted global attention on gender-based violence, urging international platforms like the UN, the Security Council, and PGA to address this issue. She stressed that adherence to human rights and access to justice are global responsibilities, necessitating financial support for effective implementation.

Legal and Justice Adviser Barrister Aqil Malik noted that varying religious and social laws across countries sometimes conflict with international legal frameworks, underscoring the need for enhanced international cooperation to resolve such issues. MNA Sher Ali Arbab highlighted the importance of promoting women’s education, rights, and socioeconomic welfare, stating that these efforts will empower women and positively impact society.

In her closing remarks, PGA Secretary General Monica Adhem thanked National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, PGA Pakistan President Syed Naveed Qamar, and Chairperson PGA Pakistan Senator Sherry Rehman for their consistent support against international crimes and genocide. She extended gratitude to the National Assembly Secretariat and PIPS for their outstanding arrangements, which ensured the successful execution of the forum.

For further details, visit www.wattsnews.online.

Keywords: Parliamentarians for Global Action, PGA, Pakistan, justice, human rights, international law, Islamabad, global stability, gender-based violence