Future of Democracy in Focus at CPA Asia Conference
KARACHI: The Sindh Assembly hosted the 7th CPA Asia Regional Conference and the 2nd Joint CPA Asia and Southeast Asia Regional Conference under the theme “Future Parliaments: Redefining Democracy through Trust, Inclusion, Innovation and Peace.” The event brought together more than 150 Speakers, Deputy Speakers, parliamentarians and senior officials from parliaments of four countries and 17 state and provincial legislatures across Asia and Southeast Asia.
Opening and plenary sessions focused on strengthening democratic institutions, parliamentary reconciliation, restoration of public trust, transparency, inclusion, artificial intelligence, environmental challenges and regional peace. Sindh Assembly Speaker Syed Awais Qadir Shah welcomed delegates and highlighted Sindh’s historical, cultural and democratic identity. He expressed concern over global conflicts, climate change, poverty, extremism and technological disruptions, and termed dialogue, parliamentary cooperation and democratic values essential for peace and development. He described CPA as an effective regional parliamentary platform and noted Sindh’s civilizational heritage, including Mohenjo-daro and Makli, and its Sufi traditions and political legacy.
CPA Chairperson Dr Christopher Kalila called inclusion, innovation, transparency and ethical leadership key pillars of future parliaments, stressing representation of women, youth, minorities and persons with disabilities. Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the world faces political distrust, environmental crises, digital disruption and democratic weaknesses, and praised the timely holding of the conference. National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said the gathering reflected commitment to democratic values and global cooperation, underscoring women’s political representation, technology use, accountability and federalism.
A plenary session titled “Parliament’s Mediation Role in Peace and Democratic Trust” followed. Maldives Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim said peace depends on citizens’ trust in democratic institutions and that transparent, inclusive and accountable systems are vital for stability. Sri Lanka Deputy Speaker Dr Rizvie Salih shared his country’s experience of economic and democratic crisis and said dialogue, oversight and transparency helped restore public confidence. Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan emphasized parliamentary decorum, conflict resolution, and effective AI regulation.
Speakers from Malaysian state assemblies and the UK House of Lords highlighted impartial speakership, inter-party cooperation, live parliamentary transparency, technology-driven accountability and youth engagement. Senator Raza Rabbani termed the conference theme timely and cited Pakistan’s constitutional and parliamentary reforms as useful models for the region.
Separately, the Sindh Assembly hosted a high-level meeting of CPA Asia branch secretaries to finalize a draft concept for an Asia Parliamentary Exchange Program aimed at strengthening institutional learning and democratic capacity through short study visits. A CPA Asia Executive Committee meeting was also held. The conference activities will remain till February 7 with different sessions.
