Staff Report
ISLAMABAD: The Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan addressed the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) in Istanbul.
He expressed his sincere gratitude to the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye for its warm hospitality. Speaking on the theme “Nurturing hope, securing peace and ensuring justice for future generations,” the Speaker described it as a critical test of the collective role of parliamentarians in the contemporary global order.
He noted that the international system, established through the collective will of humanity over eight decades ago, is currently facing a critical point of inflection amid unresolved conflicts, prolonged disputes, and emerging global crises.
He said that ongoing wars across various regions continue to cause immense human suffering, displacement, and erosion of trust in the global peace architecture.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment, the Speaker stated that Pakistan firmly believes in parliamentary diplomacy as an essential instrument for building trust, fostering cooperation, and promoting conflict prevention and resolution.
He stressed that adherence to the core principles of the United Nations Charter—including the non-use of force, self-determination, sovereign equality, territorial integrity, non-interference, and peaceful settlement of disputes—remains indispensable for global peace and security. He further emphasized that durable peace cannot be achieved through power projection but only through dialogue, mutual respect, and inclusive diplomacy.
He highlighted that while the UN Charter provides comprehensive mechanisms for peaceful dispute resolution, these tools remain underutilized or selectively applied.
Referring to regional issues, he stated that the continued suppression and denial of the right to self-determination of the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) remains a key source of instability in South Asia.
He reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir is an internationally recognized disputed territory, whose final status is to be determined in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.
He called for the reversal of unilateral measures taken since 5 August 2019 and expressed concern over what he termed India’s aggressive rhetoric and posturing.
NA Speaker further termed India’s decision to hold the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance as irresponsible and a violation of international law and established inter-state norms, warning that the weaponization of water poses a serious threat to regional stability. He added that Pakistan reserves all rights to safeguard its due share of water under the Treaty.
On the situation in Palestine, Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said that the Palestinian people continue to face occupation, dispossession, systemic violence, and denial of their right to self-determination.
He stated that over the past two years, more than 71,000 Palestinians—mostly women and children—have been martyred, particularly in Gaza, while violence has also escalated in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
The Speaker noted that despite these grave realities, international diplomatic efforts have created pathways toward peace, including outcomes of the UN High-Level Conference in July and the endorsement of the New York Declaration by the UN General Assembly.
He also referenced efforts by the United States, led by President Trump and supported by several Arab and Islamic countries including Pakistan, toward advancing a Gaza Peace Plan.
He emphasized Pakistan’s position that a time-bound political process based on UN resolutions must lead to an independent Palestinian state on pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
On regional peace efforts, the Speaker stated that Pakistan is committed to ending ongoing conflicts through diplomatic engagement. He expressed gratitude to the Islamic Republic of Iran and the United States for responding positively to the call of the Prime Minister of Pakistan Mian Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar and Chief of Defence forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir for an immediate ceasefire and for participating in the Islamabad talks held on 11–12 April.
He described the talks as a historic breakthrough facilitated by Pakistan, noting that both sides engaged in constructive dialogue in a positive atmosphere. He urged continued commitment to the ceasefire and sustained dialogue for regional peace and prosperity.
Turning to the evolving security dynamics in Afghanistan, the Speaker expressed concern over the deteriorating security situation, stating that Afghanistan continues to serve as a sanctuary for terrorist groups, posing a serious threat to regional and global security.
He reiterated Pakistan’s consistent priority for dialogue and emphasized that terrorism emanating from Afghan territory endangers neighbouring countries. He added that Pakistan will take all necessary defensive measures to protect its citizens, territory, and sovereignty.
Highlighting climate change, the Speaker described it as one of the most pressing global challenges, noting Pakistan’s vulnerability as one of the most climate-affected countries. He outlined national initiatives including the Recharge Pakistan Project for ecosystem-based flood management, the National Carbon Market Policy, and climate-sensitive budgeting, aimed at building resilience and transitioning toward a green economy.
Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, underscoring the shared responsibility of the global parliamentary community, reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to working with all IPU member parliaments to transform commitments into concrete actions that promote hope, secure peace, and ensure justice for future generations.
