Senate Hosts Diplomats, Leaders to Unveil Global Peace Initiative Ahead of ISC 2025

Islamabad,(Nazrana Times:Ali ImranChattha)

Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to global peace and dialogue as the Senate Secretariat unveiled the curtain raiser for the upcoming Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC), scheduled for November in Islamabad.

The event was attended by 38 ambassadors, diplomats, parliamentary leaders, and senior officials, reflecting strong international support for Pakistan’s parliamentary diplomacy initiative.

In her welcome address, Misbah Khar, Advisor to the Chairman Senate and Ambassador ISC, said the conference aligns Pakistan’s foreign policy goals with parliamentary outreach. “The ISC is a platform to resolve conflicts through dialogue and promote peace at a time when humanity faces shared crises such as poverty and climate change,” she remarked.

Delivering the keynote speech, Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani recalled his vision of creating a global parliamentary platform dating back to his tenure as Prime Minister in 2008. He emphasized that parliaments, as custodians of legislation and public ownership, must play a central role in advancing peace, development, and cooperation.

Highlighting climate change as a defining global challenge, Gilani recounted his recent visit to flood-hit areas in Multan, stressing the urgency of cross-border solidarity. “Climate change respects no border. No single government can respond alone. Governments need parliaments, and parliaments need each other,” he said.

The Senate chief outlined Pakistan’s proactive efforts in legislative diplomacy, citing Pakistan–Africa Friendship Day and enhanced engagement with Central Asia and Europe. He said the Islamabad conference will focus on conflict prevention, food, water and energy security, climate action, sustainable development, and good governance.

Quoting John Donne’s words — “No man is an island” — Gilani described ISC as a “Continent of Parliaments”, where Speakers collectively contribute to global harmony.

Deputy Prime Minister Senator Ishaq Dar praised the initiative as “timely and purposeful,” noting that peace and security are essential for development. Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq underscored bipartisan parliamentary diplomacy, stressing collaboration against misinformation in the age of AI.

Secretary General Ek Nath Dhakal lauded Pakistan’s leadership for hosting the ISC, terming it a key forum to advance sustainable development and peace through legislative cooperation.

The curtain raiser has set the tone for what is expected to be a landmark parliamentary gathering in November, reinforcing Pakistan’s role as a champion of inclusive and forward-looking legislative diplomacy.