CPA Adopts Karachi Charter, Urges Inclusive Parliaments
KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said democratic trust depends on transparency, inclusion, innovation and justice, as the Karachi Charter was unanimously adopted at the closing of the 7th CPA Asia Regional Conference and the 2nd Joint CPA Asia–Southeast Asia Regional Conference 2026 hosted by the Sindh Assembly.
Addressing the closing ceremony, the Chief Minister described parliaments as the strongest bridge between citizens and the state, stressing that accountability, openness and consistent performance are essential to build public confidence. He said trust is earned through fair service delivery, timely justice and equal opportunity, not speeches alone. He congratulated Speaker Sindh Assembly Syed Awais Qadir Shah and the organising team for successfully hosting the conference and welcomed delegations from across Asia and Southeast Asia, noting that the presence of both treasury and opposition members reflected democratic maturity.
He urged delegates to treat the Karachi Charter as a practical road map for reforms and reaffirmed Sindh government’s commitment to parliamentary democracy and regional cooperation. He also highlighted the need for meaningful representation of women, youth, minorities and persons with disabilities, and called for responsible legislative responses to digital misinformation and emerging technological challenges. The ceremony concluded with a cultural showcase at the Assembly lawns.
Speaker Awais Qadir Shah termed the conference historic, noting that for the first time an international parliamentary gathering was held inside the Sindh Assembly building rather than a hotel venue. He said Assembly officers and staff transformed the premises into a full-scale conference facility despite limited resources. He said delegates held forward-looking discussions on trust, inclusion, innovation and peace.
CPA Secretary-General Stephen Twigg praised the arrangements and hospitality, calling the gathering a significant regional step. He announced that the next CPA Asia conference will be held in Sri Lanka and said a new CPA Strategic Plan will soon be launched to strengthen parliaments through 2030, with priorities including gender equality, youth participation, disability inclusion, technology and climate action.
The Karachi Charter adopted at the conference reaffirms commitment to democratic norms, constitutional supremacy and parliamentary oversight, with stronger committee systems — especially Public Accounts Committees — to ensure executive accountability and transparent use of public resources. It calls for cross-party cooperation and greater citizen engagement.
The Charter also stresses inclusive representation of underrepresented groups, ethical and transparent use of digital technology and AI, action against misinformation and online abuse while protecting free expression, and legislative measures for peace-building, climate resilience and social cohesion. It further promotes parliamentary diplomacy, knowledge-sharing and regional cooperation among CPA member legislatures.
