Amidst growing global concerns over eroding public trust in democratic institutions, international parliamentarians gathered at the Sindh Assembly to address the challenges of political polarisation, misinformation, and regional instability. The assembly is hosting the 7th CPA Asia Regional Conference, its first international parliamentary event in 14 years, bringing together over 150 delegates from Asia and South-East Asia.
According to official information today, the conference, themed ‘Parliaments of the Future: Redefining Democracy through Trust, Inclusion, Innovation, and Peace,’ features speakers and officials from four countries and 17 state assemblies. Discussions are centred on strengthening democratic bodies, transparency, the impact of artificial intelligence, and environmental challenges.
In his opening address, Sindh Assembly Speaker Syed Awais Qadir Shah identified ongoing global conflicts, climate change, poverty, and extremism as significant threats. He stated that parliamentary cooperation through platforms like the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) is essential for peace, referencing Sindh’s history as a centre for democratic values and home to figures like Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto.
CPA Chairperson, Hon. Dr. Christopher Kalila, asserted that inclusion, innovation, and ethical leadership are fundamental for future parliaments, calling for the meaningful representation of women, youth, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
Senior Minister of Sindh, Sharjeel Inam Memon, pointed to the contemporary challenges of environmental crises and digital disruption. He remarked that strong, inclusive, and modern parliaments are the foundation of resilient democracies, with regional cooperation being crucial for stability.
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq described the gathering as a testament to a shared commitment to democracy. He noted the Sindh Assembly”s historical role in Pakistan”s creation and its contribution to advancing women”s political representation.
During a plenary session on peace and democratic trust, Maldives’ Deputy Speaker Ahmed Nazim argued that sustainable peace depends on citizens’ trust in transparent and accountable institutions. He warned that a lack of public trust fosters social division and authoritarianism, citing his country”s 2008 democratic transition as an example of parliament”s central role.
Dr. Mohamed Rizvi Saleh, Deputy Speaker of the Sri Lankan Parliament, reflected on his country”s 2022 economic and democratic crisis. He explained how parliamentary dialogue, consensus, and oversight were instrumental in restoring public confidence, stressing that building democratic trust is a continuous effort.
Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, linked public trust directly to parliamentary conduct, cautioning that disorder and unserious behaviour in legislative bodies undermine democracy. He called for parliaments to be centres for dialogue and conflict resolution.
Delegates from Malaysia shared regional perspectives. Dato’ Seri Amar D’raja Dr. Haji Muhammad Amar bin Abdullah of Kelantan highlighted the importance of a speaker’s impartiality, while Dato’ Seri Haji Muhammad Sharkar bin Haji Shamsuddin of Pahang described parliaments as guardians of public confidence. Lau Weng San of Selangor cited his assembly’s live broadcasting of proceedings as a tool for transparency.
UK House of Lords member Paul Yaw Boateng identified geopolitical tensions and fiscal constraints as major global challenges, advocating for robust parliaments that use emerging technologies like AI and blockchain to improve governance and citizen participation.
Former Senate Chairman Mian Raza Rabbani observed that populism and political polarisation are testing democratic institutions globally. He cited Pakistan’s 18th Constitutional Amendment and the 7th NFC Award as regional examples of parliamentary reconciliation and transparency.
Prior to the main event, CPA Asia Regional Branch Secretaries met to finalise an Asia Parliamentary Exchange Programme. The initiative aims to enhance institutional capacity through short study visits focusing on executive oversight, constituency management, and legislative models.
The conference, hosted by the Sindh Assembly from 3-7 February 2026, continues with further sessions where delegations will share insights and best practices in parliamentary governance.