The three-day 7th CPA Asia Regional Conference and the 2nd Joint CPA Asia & South-East Asia Regional Conference hosted by Sindh Assembly concluded with Karachi Charter, here on Friday.
The Charter reaffirms commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, restoring public trust, promoting inclusive parliaments, responsible innovation, and sustainable peace.
It emphasizes the essential role of parliaments, constitutional supremacy, and executive accountability in strengthening democratic systems. It supports robust parliamentary oversight mechanisms, particularly Public Accounts Committees, transparent governance, and responsible use of public resources.
It also calls for meaningful inclusion of women, youth, persons with disabilities, religious minorities, and marginalized groups through reforms in parliamentary rules, public awareness, democratic education and capacity-building initiatives.
The Karachi Charter was presented by the Speaker of the Sindh Assembly, Syed Awais Qadir Shah, at the conclusion of the Conference, which acknowledged the growing impact of technology and artificial intelligence. It stresses digital governance, open parliament initiatives, countering misinformation, hate speech, and digital harassment, while safeguarding freedom of expression. It highlights the parliamentary role in peacebuilding, social cohesion, climate action, and protection of climate-vulnerable regions, along with strengthening regional parliamentary cooperation and diplomacy.
While addressing as a Chief Guest at the closing ceremony, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah emphasised that democratic trust is built on transparency, inclusion, innovation, and justice and described parliaments as the most direct bridge between the people and the state, stressing that transparency, accountability, and consistent performance are essential for strengthening public confidence.
He welcomed parliamentary delegations from across Asia and South-East Asia and congratulated Speaker Sindh Assembly Syed Awais Qadir Shah for successfully hosting the conference with dignity and warmth.
He said the presence of both treasury and opposition leadership reflected the maturity of democratic institutions and respect for parliamentary traditions.
Referring to the conference theme, “Parliaments of the Future: Redefining Democracy through Trust, Inclusion, Innovation and Peace,” the Chief Minister said trust is not built through speeches alone but through institutions that deliver services fairly, ensure justice without delay, and provide equal opportunities to all citizens.
He described parliaments as the most direct bridge between the people and the state, stressing that transparency, accountability, and consistent performance are essential to strengthening public confidence. He highlighted the importance of genuine inclusion, noting that women, youth, minorities, and persons with disabilities must be meaningfully represented and empowered for democracy to thrive.
The Chief Minister said innovation in governance extends beyond technology to include improved procedures, effective public consultation, stronger oversight, and transparent data sharing. He also acknowledged the challenges posed by misinformation and digital harms, calling for responsible and modern legislative responses.
Addressing regional challenges, Syed Murad Ali Shah said peace is achieved not merely through the absence of conflict but through justice, tolerance, and hope – especially in a region facing economic pressures, climate risks, and social tensions.
Shah reaffirmed the Government of Sindh’s commitment to parliamentary democracy and regional parliamentary cooperation, appreciating the role of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) leadership, including Secretary-General Stephen Twigg, in promoting collaboration among legislatures.
The Chief Minister urged delegates to treat the Karachi Charter, adopted at the conference, as a living commitment to be translated into parliamentary reforms and practices in their respective jurisdictions.
Concluding his address, he thanked all participating delegations, organisers, parliamentary officials, volunteers, and guests for experiencing Sindh’s culture through the Cultural Bazaar at the Assembly Lawn and the Cultural Night at Mohatta Palace. He wished the delegates safe travels and continued cooperation in strengthening democratic institutions across the region.
Addressing the ceremony, Speaker of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh Syed Awais Qadir Shah said that hosting Parliamentary delegates within the historic Sindh Assembly for the first time was a historic milestone, reflecting institutional confidence, transparency, and openness. He noted that while previous CPA Asia conference in Karachi was limited to hotel, this time the Assembly building itself was opened to the Parliamentary Conference.
He highlighted that Assembly secretariat officers, staff, and members worked tirelessly day and night and, despite limited resources, successfully transformed both the old and new Assembly buildings into fully functional conference venues. He described the journey as challenging, a matter of great pride.
The Speaker said that the presence and active participation of delegates as the true success of the conference, stating that their engagement, consultations, and recommendations made the gathering meaningful and impactful. According to the Speaker, serious and forward-looking discussions were held on the themes of trust, inclusion, innovation, and peace.
Key challenges discussed included parliamentary accountability, responsible innovation, inclusion of youth, women, and marginalized communities, and the role of parliaments in peace and democratic stability.