Speaker National Assembly (NA), Sardar Ayaz Sadiq on Thursday said that Commonwealth Parliaments need to play an effective and proactive role in strengthening democracy and upholding international law.
“Democratic institutions must remain transparent, accountable, inclusive and effective to maintain public trust and withstand emerging challenges,” he expressed these views while addressing the General Debate of the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) in Cape Town on the theme “New Leadership Opportunities for Commonwealth Parliamentary Action to Strengthen Democracy and International Law.”
NA Speaker paid tribute to the democratic journey of South Africa, observing that the conference coincides with three significant democratic milestones: the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto Uprising, the 30th anniversary of the adoption of South Africa’s Constitution in 1996, and the International Day of Democracy, observed on September 15.
He said these milestones remind the Commonwealth parliamentary family that democracy is built through sacrifice, strengthened through constitutional institutions and sustained through meaningful participation of citizens, particularly young people.
Ayaz Sadiq also paid tribute to the Parliament and people of South Africa for their remarkable democratic journey and expressed appreciation for hosting the Commonwealth parliamentary family at such a significant moment in the country’s history.
He said that the Commonwealth is a unique family of nations united not by geography but by shared values. The Commonwealth Charter provides a collective framework based on democracy, constitutional governance, the rule of law, human rights, sustainable development, peace and international cooperation.
Ayaz Sadiq said that, under the Commonwealth’s new strategic direction, parliamentary leadership must become more active in promoting democracy, strengthening institutions, advancing sustainable development, empowering youth, harnessing technology and fostering peace. Democracy is not limited to the conduct of elections; it also requires institutions to remain transparent, accountable, inclusive and effective in the face of political divisions, conflicts, economic shocks and technological challenges.
Referring to international law, Ayaz Sadiq said that, in the prevailing global environment, adherence to the United Nations Charter, respect for the sovereignty of states, peaceful settlement of disputes and protection of civilians must remain fundamental and non-negotiable principles.
The NA Speaker said Pakistan has consistently supported dialogue, diplomacy and peaceful engagement as the preferred means of resolving disputes. Pakistan has also supported efforts aimed at regional de-escalation and encouraged constructive dialogue to reduce tensions in the Middle East.
“Diplomacy rather than confrontation provides a sustainable pathway towards regional stability and strengthens the international rules-based order,” the Speaker said. He added that Pakistan would continue working with all partners to promote peaceful engagement among regional and international stakeholders in the interests of global peace, economic stability and respect for international law.
Ayaz Sadiq recalled that during the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference, the CPA Balochistan Branch had proposed a dedicated mechanism for promoting peace. He said the initiative was subsequently considered by the CPA and contributed to progress towards the re-establishment of the CPA Committee on Human Rights and Peace, describing it as an important step towards strengthening parliamentary efforts for peace and human rights across the Commonwealth.
The Speaker said that Pakistan, as one of the founding members of the Commonwealth and an active member of the CPA, remained firmly committed to strengthening democratic institutions, promoting parliamentary cooperation, protecting fundamental rights and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. He said Pakistan’s Parliament continues to pursue reforms aimed at improving legislation, transparency and public participation, while actively contributing to international parliamentary dialogue.
Sadiq emphasized that armed conflicts, the climate crisis, food insecurity, cyber threats and challenges to democratic institutions cannot be addressed by countries acting alone. These challenges require stronger multilateral cooperation, greater trust among states and more effective parliamentary engagement.
Ayaz said the Commonwealth’s diverse membership, united by shared values and a common commitment to democracy and development, provides a unique opportunity for countries to learn from one another’s experiences.
NA Speaker said that by strengthening democratic institutions, upholding international law and expanding parliamentary diplomacy, the Commonwealth can enhance its ability to respond effectively to contemporary global challenges.
