LAHORE: Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker of the National Assembly, emphasized the pressing issues faced by women, minorities, and the younger generation in the region during his special address at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) South-East Asia Regions Joint Conference.

Speaking at the event, Sadiq underscored the need for collective efforts to address these challenges. He also pointed out that there is much to learn from Sri Lanka’s public health system, which could serve as a model for improving regional healthcare infrastructure.  

"The problems of the region can only be resolved through unity and shared learning," Sadiq stated, calling for greater collaboration among nations to tackle common issues.  

The event was attended by over 100 representatives from 20 legislatures, including delegations from Sri Lanka, the Maldives, the United Kingdom, Zambia, Malaysia, and Pakistan. The distinguished guests included 13 Speakers, 4 Deputy Speakers, and 1 Chairman. Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq draced the session as a chief guest., while CPA Chairperson Dr. Christopher Kalila praised the initiative as a much-needed step for regional parliamentary engagement.

Punjab Assembly Secretary Aamir Habib and CPA Regional Secretary Ms. Kashani Anusha led the Branch Secretariat meeting, finalized the agenda focused on parliamentary democracy, transparent legislation, and accountability.

Earlier, in an informal discussion with the reporters Ayaz Sadiq said government has once again extended an offer for dialogue with Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI). National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, during an informal conversation with journalists at the Punjab Assembly, stated that the government has never closed its doors to negotiations.

In unequivocal terms, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said, "We have not even dissolved the committee formed for talks with PTI. If PTI secures internal approval, they can come to us, and we are ready." He further added that communication with PTI has not been severed and that they remain in contact with the government.

Speaking about PTI's founder, the National Assembly Speaker described him as a strong-willed individual who believes in resolving issues through dialogue. He emphasized that the government has always been open to negotiations and will continue to maintain this stance in the future.

Ayaz Sadiq said Pakistan and Malaysia have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations, emphasizing the importance of economic collaboration and public diplomacy. The two nations, known for their longstanding friendship, are focusing on enhancing regional peace and development through stronger parliamentary and economic ties.

Sadiq said Pakistan’s first female Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz has unveiled a series of transformative initiatives aimed at uplifting various segments of society. The government has introduced fully-funded scholarships for higher education, launched targeted projects to support farmers, rolled out residential schemes for the homeless, and implemented special programs for persons with disabilities. These efforts underscore the province’s commitment to inclusive development and social welfare.    

Meanwhile, other provinces in Pakistan have also demonstrated remarkable progress through innovative programs. Sindh has been recognized for its exceptional housing schemes, particularly for healthcare improvements and rehabilitation of victims affected by the 2022 floods. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa through the Ehsaas Program, the province has implemented impactful social welfare measures, focusing on poverty alleviation and community support.  

-Balochistan is creating employment opportunities by leveraging IT-based service delivery, promoting affordable solar panels, and modernizing the mining industry to boost economic growth.  

Speaker of the Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan emphasized the significance of the conference in fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among participants .

In his welcoming address the Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan acknowledged the presence of former Speakers and senior parliamentarians and said that the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s role in strengthening democracy, good governance, and sustainable development is very important. He highlighted the importance of the role of local governments in addressing the problems of the common man .

Malik Muhammad Ahmad khan emphasized the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on governance and the economy. He called for balanced policies to harness AI’s potential while mitigating its challenges. He also emphasized on addressing legislative gaps to resolve the issues of women, children, persons with disabilities, and minorities He further stressed the need for inclusive policies to achieve the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.Climate change was identified as the most pressing challenge of the era, requiring immediate and coordinated action. Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan expressed confidence that the Lahore Charter, to be adopted at the conclusion of the conference, would serve as a roadmap for regional progress, peace, and prosperity. He also commended Punjab Assembly Secretary-General Aamir Habib Chaudhry and his team for successfully arrangements of the conference.

The Speaker highlighted Pakistan’s commitment to fight against fake news and emphasized the importance of information integrity in governance. Malik Muhammad Ahmad khan said that hosting the first-ever joint regional CPA Conference in Lahore was a proud moment, reinforcing the country’s dedication to democratic dialogue. He reiterated that elected representatives must play a proactive role in addressing public concerns .

Discussing AI’s transformative impact, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan cautioned against ignoring its rapid advancements, which are reshaping governance, media, and employment. While AI offers increased efficiency, it also poses risks such as misinformation, cyber conflicts, and job displacement. He called for parliamentary oversight to regulate AI-driven challenges effectively. Addressing gender equality, he stressed the urgency of eliminating legislative disparities, he noted that despite progress, significant gaps remain in ensuring equal rights and representation for marginalized groups. He called for comprehensive reforms to build an equitable society. On climate change, he warned of its severe consequences on governance, economies, and natural resources, urging immediate action.

The CPA South-East Asia Regions Joint Conference has established itself as a vital platform for regional parliamentary collaboration. The event is expected to conclude with the adoption of the Lahore Charter, reinforcing commitments to sustainable governance, democracy, and collective regional progress.

Prominent heads of delegations included Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne from Sri Lanka, Dr. Christopher Kalila from Zambia, Senator Pele Peter Tinggom from Malaysia, and Ahmed Nazim from the Maldives also addressed the conference ..

On this occasion, the Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Dr. Christopher Kalila, while addressing the First Asia and Southeast Asia Regional Conference, stated that it is a positive development to hold a joint conference in the Asia and Southeast Asia region after a long time. He thanked the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, and all the organizers for successfully hosting the conference. He further mentioned that the long-standing issue of CPA’s legal status is now nearing resolution. The CPA Status Bill passed its third reading in the House of Commons on December 18, 2024, and has also received royal assent. The role of the CPA International Executive Committee and Secretary-General Stephen Twigg in this progress is commendable. The future of the CPA is bright, and this conference will create more opportunities for cooperation among members.

On this occasion, CPA Secretary-General Mr. Mataya, while addressing the conference, said that this is a new opportunity to formulate a strategy by making legislation in a new direction. He emphasized the importance of strengthening and stabilizing the parliament.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons, UK, Nusrat Ghani, stated that constructive criticism in parliamentary democracy can help improve the democratic system. She highlighted the need to make the platforms of CPA and IPA more effective.

During the conference, the Speaker of Selangor, Malaysia, Lau Weng San, stated that the Punjab Assembly’s initiative to host this parliamentary conference is commendable. He said that this event would help us understand and improve each other's parliamentary systems.

While addressing the gathering, the Speaker of the Sindh Assembly, Syed Owais Qadir Shah, emphasized the need to work on class divisions and the rights of minorities. He stated that through this conference, we must promote regional and global relations. He also praised Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan for organizing Asia’s first CPA conference in Punjab.

The conference was also addressed by Malaysian Parliament Senator Pelay Peter Tinggom, Deputy Speaker of the People’s Majlis of the Maldives Ahmed Nazim, Speaker of the Sri Lankan Parliament Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne, Senator Anusha Rahman, Zakia Shah Nawaz, Ahmed Iqbal, and others.