Pakistan Hosts 45th Annual Forum of Parliamentarians for Global Action: Strengthening Global Justice and Rule of Law
Finding Solutions to Pressing Problems Confronting World is a Collective Responsibility, says NA Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq
Directorate General of Media
Press Release
Islamabad, 28th October 2024–The 45th Annual Forum of Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA) and the 13th Consultative Assembly of Parliamentarians on the International Criminal Court and Rule of Law opened today in Islamabad, gathering over 46 parliamentarians from around the world and 14 delegates participating online.
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The Conference chaired by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, emphasized the vital role of parliamentarians beyond legislation. "Our responsibilities extend to addressing the pressing issues facing our constituents—access to clean drinking water, and sanitation," he stated. He urged participants to raise their voices against violence and bloodshed, referencing the ongoing crisis in Gaza and unresolved issues in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir.
NA Speaker, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said that the responsibility of Parliamentarians was not restricted to mere legislation but rather to ensure rights and betterment of their constituents facing myriads of challenges.
He informed that every parliamentarian in Pakistan had around one million constituents in their constituentices that were facing huge and tremendous issues of access to clean drinking water, sanitation, stunting and many more.
The main goal of the forum was to work out mechanisms to follow up the PGA members' commitments at their native parliaments to ensure concerted efforts to bring relief for humanity in distress, he added.
Humanitarian issues were piling, whereas wars and violence were exacerbating human miseries, however all wars were only resolved on table, he added."It's our collective responsibility and of all member delegates to fully utilize this forum to devise effective strategies," he added. "It's our job to improve the lives of our constituents. It's our responsibility to raise our voices against violence and bloodshed like one taking place in Gaza to stop it. Moreover, the unresolved issue of Kashmir where forced disappearances and mass graves are serious issues amid blatant violations of UN resolutions," the NA Speaker said.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq also highlighted the country and region's increasing vulnerability to climate change that resulted into unprecedented devastation post 2022 floods despite being one of the least contributors to global warming and climate change.
Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has expressed deep concern regarding the alarming situation in Palestine, highlighting the targeting of innocent civilians. He strongly condemned the ongoing Israeli brutality and aggression against Palestinian citizens. He also noted that India’s illegal occupation of Jammu and Kashmir represents a blatant violation of international law, with over 100,000 Kashmiris martyred in the past 77 years, showcasing severe human rights violations. He also added, "There is a pressing need to raise voices against these atrocities and to enhance international efforts for resolving all challenges."
Senator Sherry Rehman, Chairperson PGA Pakistan, welcomed delegates, underscoring the necessity of joint efforts to promote world peace and uphold the rule of law. "The promotion of global justice is a collective responsibility, and parliamentarians must adopt a common plan to end conflicts," she asserted. She also highlighted Pakistan's leadership in supporting human rights and climate action, calling for a robust follow-up on commitments made at the upcoming COP-29.
MNA Syed Naveed Qamar echoed these sentiments, advocating for a stronger presence of Pakistan on the global stage and encouraging parliamentarians to collaborate on humanitarian issues. "It is time to mobilize our efforts across Asia and Europe to tackle climate change and human rights challenges," he emphasized.
PGA Secretary General Monica Adame commended the National Assembly for their warm hospitality and highlighted the importance of PGA's role as a cross-border network advocating for human rights, democracy, and climate justice. "Our collective efforts must focus on ensuring that our constituents' rights are upheld and that we engage in meaningful bilateral dialogue to address violence and human rights violations," she said.
The forum serves as a crucial platform for exchanging best practices, tackling global challenges, and mobilizing legislative action to promote a more just and peaceful society.
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Directorate General of Media
Press Release
Russia's Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matvienko calls on National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq
Pakistan and Russia Explore New Horizons in Bilateral Relations and Parliamentary Cooperation
Islamabad, October 28, 2024: The Honorable Speaker of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, H.E. Ms. Valentina Matvienko, met with the Honorable Speaker of Pakistan’s National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, today. Speaker Sadiq warmly welcomed Ms. Matvienko and her high-level parliamentary delegation. The meeting centered on strengthening bilateral relations, with a particular focus on advancing parliamentary cooperation for mutual benefit.
Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq reaffirmed Pakistan's longstanding, broad-based relationship with Russia, highlighting its foundation on principles of mutual respect and trust. He emphasized that Pakistan’s ties with Russia are a vital component of its foreign policy.
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H.E. Ms. Madam Valentina Matvienko expressed gratitude for the warm welcome extended to her and congratulated Speaker Sadiq on his re-election. She noted that Russia values Pakistan as a significant player on the international stage and commended the country’s efforts toward global peace. Additionally, she reaffirmed Russia’s support for Pakistan’s BRICS membership bid and emphasized the importance of collective efforts to foster peace and prosperity on both regional and global fronts.
In response, Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq expressed his gratitude to Ms. Matvienko for her remarks and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to continued collaboration with Russia across areas of shared interest.
Underscoring the importance of parliamentary collaboration, Speaker Sadiq noted that parliamentary diplomacy has historically played a key role in reinforcing bilateral relations. He advocated for continuous engagement between the two parliaments, facilitated through parliamentary friendship groups and high-level exchanges, as a means of promoting mutual learning and shared experiences.
Reflecting on past initiatives to strengthen parliamentary ties, Speaker Sadiq recalled the organization of the inaugural Six-Country Speakers’ Conference in Pakistan, attended by counterparts from Afghanistan, Iran, China, Turkiye, and Russia. This conference proved instrumental in addressing common issues of regional interest. He also mentioned his tenure as Convener of the Pakistan-Russia Parliamentary Friendship Group during the 15th National Assembly of Pakistan.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmed commitment from both sides to strengthen cooperation across all areas of mutual interest, aiming to benefit both countries and promote regional well-being.
