Islamabad: Chairman Senate and Founding Chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers' Conference (ISC), Senator Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, while addressing Senators on Saturday, underscored the importance of the forthcoming ISC on 'Peace, Security, and Development,' scheduled to be held in Islamabad on November 11-12, 2025.
He termed the event a 'momentous occasion in Pakistan's parliamentary history,' marking a milestone in promoting dialogue, peace, and cooperation through parliamentary diplomacy.
The Chairman announced that the conference will host ten Speakers of Parliaments, fifteen Deputy Speakers, thirty-seven Members of Parliaments, and representatives from multilateral organizations-totaling 174 international delegates. He also revealed that two former Presidents will participate, reflecting Pakistan's rising diplomatic stature and leadership in global parliamentary engagement.
'Hosting such a distinguished assembly is not merely an achievement for the Senate; it is a significant national cause that elevates our standing on the global stage,' Chairman Gilani stated.
Emphasizing national unity, he said the ISC represents Pakistan's collective vision for peace, security, and inclusive development. He called upon Senators to serve as active hosts and ambassadors of the nation's values and aspirations.
'As we welcome our esteemed guests from both the Global South and the Global North, we are not just participants in a conference; we are representatives of our nation's resolve to foster dialogue, understanding, and cooperation across borders,' he remarked.
Chairman Gilani expressed gratitude to President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Senator Ishaq Dar for their support in organizing the event. He particularly appreciated Senator Ishaq Dar for chairing the curtain-raiser session and noted the strong coordination among the country's leadership.
He also commended the contributions of key ministries and departments, including the Ministries of Interior, Foreign Affairs, Information and Broadcasting, and the Capital Development Authority (CDA), for their dedicated efforts.
'Their dedicated efforts reflect a remarkable spirit of national unity and solidarity for this cause,' he observed.
Urging Senators to take ownership of the initiative, he called for collective participation to ensure the conference's success.
'This initiative belongs to all of us. It is not solely the responsibility of the Senate Secretariat, but a collective endeavor that calls for the participation and ownership of every parliamentarian,' he emphasized.
Concluding his remarks, Chairman Gilani expressed confidence that the ISC would serve as a beacon of hope and collaboration, enhancing Pakistan's role as a global advocate for peace and development.
'Together, we can make this event a defining moment in strengthening Pakistan's role as a champion of peace, dialogue, and development,' he concluded.