Senate Chairman Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani has said that parliaments of Asian countries can play an active role to promote regional cooperation through intra-regional trade and economic links. While addressing the parliament of Azerbaijan on the eve of its 100th anniversary, the senate chairman said that Asia would become the epicentre of trade and economic activities, however, a collective approach is needed to overcome the issues being faced by the people of Asian region. He said that it the responsibility of the Asian leadership to rise to the occasion and work together for socio-economic prosperity of the Asian region. The senate chairman underscored the need for enhanced parliamentary cooperation through increased exchanges to provide opportunities to the law makers of the two countries to share experiences. He said that Pakistan places bilateral relations with Azerbaijan and excellent cooperation has been witnessed between the two countries at regional and internal forums. He said that issues of Nagorno-Karabakh and Kashmir are of similar nature as innocent civilians are being subjected to brutalities and inhuman treatment. He said that Pakistan fully supports Azerbaijan on the Nagorno-Karabakh issue. Referring to the situation in Indian-Held Kashmir, chairman of senate said that Indian forces have unleashed a reign of terror in IHK. He said that the world must take notice of human rights violations being committed by the Indian forces in IHK. Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani also underpinned the significance of a liberal visa regime and connectivity for mutual benefit. He termed his visit highly important and hoped that it will contribute to add further impetus to the already fraternal ties. Sadiq Sanjrani congratulated his counterpart and members of the parliament on the 100th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s parliament. Sanjrani also extended inviting delegates from different countries for participation in Asian Parliamentary Assembly meeting to be held in Gwadar during the last week of October 2018. The senate chairman sought support of the participating countries for election of Pakistan‘s nominee to the position in Inter-Parliamentary Union Standing Committee on United Nations Affairs from Asia Pacific Group. The senate chairman was accompanied by Senators Sardar Muhammad Azam Khan Musakhel, Ayub Afridi and Nighat Mirza during the event. Published in Daily Times, September 23rd 2018.