Karachi Reclaims the Global Stage: Sindh Assembly Spearheads Bold New Blueprint for Future Democracies
Imran
Three-Day International Parliamentary Conference Hosted by the Sindh Assembly Concludes Successfully
Karachi
After a gap of fourteen years, the Provincial Assembly of Sindh once again earned the historic distinction of hosting a major International Parliamentary conference. The 7th CPA Asia Regional Conference and the 2nd Joint CPA Asia & South-East Asia Regional Conference were successfully held in Karachi under the title “Parliaments of the Future: Redefining Democracy through Trust, Inclusion, Innovation and Peace.”
The three-day conference brought together over 150 Speakers, Deputy Speakers, parliamentarians, and senior officials from four countries and seventeen legislative assemblies across Asia and South-East Asia. Through inaugural, plenary, and breakout sessions, participants engaged in in-depth discussions on strengthening democratic institutions, parliamentary harmony, public trust, transparency, inclusion, artificial intelligence, fake news, climate change, digital governance, parliamentary accountability, and regional peace.
In his welcome address at the inaugural session, Speaker Provincial Assembly of Sindh, Syed Awais Qadir Shah, highlighted Sindh’s rich historical, cultural, and democratic identity, emphasizing dialogue, tolerance, and parliamentary cooperation as essential foundations for peace and development. Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Senior Minister Sindh Governor, Sharjeel Inam Memon, and other distinguished speakers underscored trust, inclusion, innovation, and peace as the key pillars of future parliaments.
On the second day, parallel plenary and breakout sessions highlighted fake news, deepfakes, misinformation, and the irresponsible use of artificial intelligence as serious threats to democracy and public trust. Speakers stressed the need for effective legislation, responsible media practices, and enhanced public awareness to counter these challenges.
Sessions on climate change highlighted that environmental crises disproportionately affect vulnerable and marginalized communities, calling for robust legislation and coordinated regional strategies. Discussions on parliamentary accountability emphasized the critical role of budgets, audits, and Public Accounts Committees in strengthening democratic governance.
During a plenary session on digital safety, deep concern was expressed over online harassment and digital violence against women leaders, with strong calls for effective legislation to ensure a secure and inclusive digital environment.
The conference concluded with a closing ceremony held in the presence of Chief Minister Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah as Chief Guest, during which the “Karachi Declaration” was unanimously adopted.
In his concluding remarks, Speaker Syed Awais Qadir Shah stated that hosting international parliamentary delegations reflects the Sindh Assembly’s commitment to institutional trust, transparency, and while the discussions held during the conference were forward-looking and practical in nature.
CPA Secretary General Stephen Twigg praised the hospitality of the Sindh Assembly, describing the Karachi Declaration as a collective commitment to democracy, human rights, climate action, and regional cooperation.
Representatives from Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and Malaysia also termed the conference successful, meaningful, and memorable.
The Karachi Declaration places special emphasis on strengthening parliaments, restoring public trust, ensuring the inclusion of women, youth, and marginalized communities, promoting digital governance, responsible use of artificial intelligence, and advancing sustainable peace.
Chief Minister Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah said that the democracy cannot be strengthened without transparency, accountability, and inclusion, and congratulated the host team and all participating delegations on the successful conclusion of the conference.
In the evening, a cultural night and dinner were hosted in honour of local and international guests at Mohatta Palace, where traditional Sindhi caps and ajraks were presented as souvenirs to the guests.
