An important meeting regarding the security arrangements for the 7th CPA Asia Regional Conference and the 2nd Joint CPA Conference 2026, being held at the Sindh Assembly, was jointly chaired by Speaker of the Sindh Assembly Awais Qadir Shah and the Sindh Home Minister Zia-Ul- Hassan Lanjar.
During the meeting, Speaker Syed Awais Qadir Shah briefed the participants on the complete program and schedule of the conference, including the participation of foreign speakers and delegations arriving from various national and international assemblies. He stated that this conference is being organized at the Southeast Asia regional level, which is a great international honor for Sindh and Pakistan. The Speaker of the Sindh Assembly expressed his commitment that Sindh will uphold its tradition of hospitality and ensure high-standard arrangements to warmly welcome foreign guests.
Addressing the meeting, the Sindh Home Minister Zia-Ul- Hassan Lanjar directed the IGP Sindh Javed Aalam Odho and the Addl. IGP Karachi to prepare a foolproof security plan in view of the conference and to ensure strict, effective, and coordinated security arrangements during the movement of foreign dignitaries. He made it clear that no negligence in security arrangements would be tolerated.
Lanjar further instructed that the Special Branch and all other police and intelligence agencies should remain fully active. He also directed the establishment of a central control room at the Sindh Assembly to enable real-time monitoring of security matters. It was also decided in the meeting that welcome desks would be closely monitored during the conference, while police commandos would remain fully alert and deployed along all designated routes to prevent any untoward incident.
The meeting was attended by the Secretary Home Sindh, Secretary Law Sindh, Inspector General of Police Sindh, Additional IGPs Karachi, Counter Terrorism Department (CTD), Police Operations, Special Branch, DIG Special Branch, Commandant Special Security Unit (SSU), and other senior police officers. The Secretary Sindh Assembly and other relevant officials were also present.
At the conclusion of the meeting, it was reaffirmed that the safety and convenience of the guests during the CPA Conference 2026 will be given top priority, and all institutions will perform their responsibilities through mutual coordination.
It is noteworthy that the Sindh Assembly, as the host of the 7th CPA Asia Regional Conference, is once again set to place Karachi in the global spotlight. The Sindh Assembly is fully prepared to host the 7th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Asia Regional Conference, which will be held in Karachi from February 3 to 7. Parliamentary delegations from various Asian and Southeast Asian countries will participate in this important conference.
Speaker Syed Awais Qadir Shah termed the conference a milestone in the parliamentary history of Pakistan, particularly Sindh. He stated, “This conference will prove to be highly significant for the promotion of democratic values, strengthening parliamentary traditions, and enhancing regional cooperation.” He added that the conference, being held under the theme “Future Parliament,” is an effective step toward strengthening democracy and aligning parliamentary systems with modern requirements.
Delegations from 14 parliaments of Asia and Southeast Asia will arrive in Karachi to attend the conference. The Sindh Assembly has completed all arrangements to host them. A total of 159 delegates will participate in the conference, including 47 international delegates, while the participation of 13 Speakers and Presiding Officers has been officially confirmed.
In his special message, Speaker Awais Qadir Shah said, “Redefining democracy through trust, inclusion, and innovation is the need of the hour.” He emphasized that the core objective of the conference is to promote peace, development, and parliamentary cooperation in the region, in order to find effective solutions to shared challenges.
He also welcomed the participation of non-voting parliaments, including Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, describing it as a clear symbol of federal unity and national harmony, which highlights the inclusive vision of Pakistan’s parliamentary system.