Islamabad: Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Tuesday emphasized that enhanced parliamentary cooperation, youth inclusion, innovation, and accountability are essential for a strong and sustainable democratic future.
Addressing distinguished parliamentarians and dignitaries from 13 Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) countries as Chief Guest at the inaugural ceremony of the 7th CPA Asia Regional Conference and the 2nd Joint CPA Asia and South-East Asia Regional Parliamentary Conference, hosted by the Sindh Assembly, the NA Speaker welcomed international delegates and termed their presence a reflection of shared democratic values.
Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said that the Chairman Senate, Speakers of the four Provincial Assemblies, and the Assemblies of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan regularly meet to strengthen democracy, promote inter-provincial harmony, and enhance parliamentary coordination. He highlighted the adoption of identical parliamentary rules across all legislative forums as a milestone for institutional harmony.
Lauding the Sindh Assembly for hosting what he termed a landmark conference, the NA Speaker recalled Sindh's historic contributions, including electing Asia's first woman Deputy Speaker, Jethi Bai Tulsidas, in 1946, and later producing Pakistan and Asia's first woman Prime Minister, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto.
Referring to the conference theme-Trust, Inclusion, Innovation, and Peace-he said these principles are foundational pillars of future democratic systems and closely aligned with Pakistan's national aspirations.
Highlighting Pakistan's demographic reality, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq noted that over 65 percent of the population comprises youth, yet only 2 to 3 percent are represented in legislatures, terming it a serious democratic deficit. He stressed the need to integrate youth voices through advisory councils, structured internships, leadership development, and inclusion in parliamentary committee systems.
The NA Speaker underscored that inclusiveness is the bedrock of sustainable democracy, stating that representation of women, minorities, marginalized communities, and persons with disabilities is a democratic obligation, not a privilege.
On innovation, he said technology, including AI-enabled legislative research, digital documentation, and e-parliament systems, can enhance transparency, efficiency, and public engagement, while open-data governance strengthens accountability.
He emphasized accountability as the cornerstone of democratic legitimacy, calling for empowered oversight committees and governments remaining answerable to the people. He also highlighted the importance of federalism and balanced power-sharing for unity and national stability.
On regional and global peace, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq reiterated Pakistan's unwavering support for the people of Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir and their right to self-determination under UN resolutions, and called for urgent global action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza based on justice and human rights.
Concluding, the NA Speaker said ethical leadership, transparency, and modernization are hallmarks of enduring democratic institutions, adding that public trust remains democracy's greatest asset. On a lighter note, he remarked that being a Speaker in Pakistan is a challenging role, as both government and opposition often remain dissatisfied simultaneously.