The Provincial Assembly of Sindh successfully hosted the 7th CPA Asia Regional Conference along with the 2nd Joint CPA Asia & South-East Asia Regional Conference 2026 in Karachi, marking a significant milestone in Pakistan’s parliamentary diplomacy. The high-level conference was organised under the auspices of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) and brought together over 150 Speakers, Deputy Speakers, parliamentarians, and senior parliamentary officials from Asia and South-East Asia.
The conference was held under the theme: “Parliaments of the Future: Redefining Democracy through Trust, Inclusion, Innovation and Peace.”
This theme reflected the collective aspiration of member legislatures to strengthen democratic institutions and respond effectively to emerging global and regional challenges.
The inaugural session was presided over by Syed Awais Qadir Shah, Speaker of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh, who warmly welcomed international and national delegates. In his opening address, he highlighted Sindh’s historic legacy of tolerance, pluralism and democratic values, stating that parliaments must act as custodians of peace, inclusion and public trust. He emphasised that CPA forums provide invaluable opportunities for dialogue, shared learning and collective action.
The Chief Guest, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, underlined the importance of parliamentary cooperation, youth inclusion and innovation in strengthening democratic systems. He stressed that parliaments must evolve to remain relevant and responsive to citizens’ expectations.
Dr Christopher Kalila, Chairperson of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, delivered the keynote address, highlighting that inclusive governance, transparency and ethical leadership are essential for the parliaments of the future. He reaffirmed CPA’s commitment to parliamentary capacity-building and democratic strengthening across member countries.
Conference Sessions and Deliberations
The conference featured a series of plenary and thematic sessions, enabling in-depth discussion on contemporary governance challenges.
This session focused on restoring public confidence in democratic institutions through transparency, accountability and respectful parliamentary conduct. Speakers emphasised reforms in parliamentary procedures and stronger engagement with citizens.
Parliamentary Education and Democratic Values
Delegates discussed civic education and public outreach as tools to embed democratic norms in society. Emphasis was placed on parliamentary education programmes to enhance citizens’ understanding of legislative processes.
The Fake News, Artificial Intelligence and Democracy
Session was chaired by Dr Sharmeela Farooqi (MNA) and featured contributions from parliamentarians including Sharjeel Inam Memon, Senior Minister, Government of Sindh, and international delegates such as Nazim Ahmed, Deputy Speaker of Maldives. Speakers warned that misinformation, deepfakes and misuse of AI pose serious threats to democratic discourse and called for balanced legislative frameworks to counter fake news while protecting freedom of expression.
Climate Change and Vulnerable Communities
Delegates examined the role of parliaments in climate legislation, disaster preparedness and environmental justice. It was stressed that climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable communities, requiring responsive and inclusive legislative action.
The Accountability and Responsible Governance
Session highlighted parliamentary oversight mechanisms, including Public Accounts Committees, as essential tools for transparency and good governance. Speakers called for ethical leadership and stronger accountability frameworks.
The gender, Technology and Trust Participants discussed the growing challenge of online harassment and digital violence against women parliamentarians. The session emphasised the need for legal protections, institutional support and safer digital spaces for women leaders.
Key National and International Speakers
Sharjeel Inam Memon, Senior Minister, Government of Sindh, highlighted governance challenges arising from technological change and declining public trust, urging modernisation of parliamentary institutions.
Mian Raza Rabbani, Former Chairman Senate of Pakistan, emphasised constitutional supremacy, reconciliation and dialogue as cornerstones of democratic stability.
Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, Speaker, Punjab Assembly, described parliaments as centres of dialogue, peace and conflict resolution.
Babar Saleem Swati, Speaker, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, appreciated Sindh Assembly’s role in promoting inter-provincial and regional parliamentary cooperation.
International delegates from Sri Lanka, Maldives, Malaysia, Bangladesh and other CPA member legislatures shared comparative parliamentary experiences and best practices.
Outcome
Strengthened regional parliamentary cooperation
Consensus on addressing fake news, AI challenges, climate change and gender-based online violence
Renewed focus on parliamentary education, public engagement and accountability. At the concluding plenary, delegates unanimously adopted the Karachi Declaration, reaffirming shared commitments to:
Strengthening Democratic Institutions through constitutionalism, accountability and rule of law
Inclusive Representation of women, youth, minorities and persons with disabilities
Responsible Innovation and ethical use of digital technologies
Peace and Regional Cooperation through parliamentary diplomacy
Climate Action and Sustainability via responsive legislative frameworks
The closing ceremony was addressed by Syed Awais Qadir Shah, who thanked CPA leadership, international delegates and organising teams for their contributions. He expressed confidence that the Karachi Declaration would guide practical legislative action and sustained cooperation among member parliaments.
CPA Asia leadership commended the Provincial Assembly of Sindh for its hospitality and organisational excellence. It was announced that the next CPA Asia Regional Conference would be hosted by Sri Lanka, ensuring continuity of dialogue and collaboration.
The CPA Asia Regional Conference 2026 in Karachi emerged as a landmark parliamentary event, reinforcing democratic values, inclusivity and innovation. Through meaningful dialogue and collective commitment, the conference strengthened the role of parliaments as pillars of democracy, peace and public trust across Asia and South-East Asia.