Islamabad, August 23, 2020 (PPI-OT): Chairman Senate Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani has said that as the mankind is facing various challenges on socio-economic, peace, human development front, the international forums standout as silver lining. He expressed these views at a ceremony held at Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services on the occasion of launch of publication on the 130th anniversary. He also welcomed the President IPU Gabriela Cuevas Barron and said that the visit of the President of IPU is taking place at a very high time. He extended felicitations to the IPU on bringing out such an impressive publication which explains it journey and tells the readers about efforts made for strengthening peace, democracy, human rights, gender equality and parliamentary cooperation over the past 130 years for sustainable development of the planet.
He also appreciated the incumbent president Gabriela Barron for continuing legacy of IPU and encouraging global parliamentary cooperation and dialogue among nations. Chairman Senate said that peace and development are inter linked, conflicts like Indian Illegal Occupation of Jammu and Kashmir and human rights violations are a constant reminder to double our efforts for lasting peace, security and betterment of humanity.
He said that Covid-19 pandemic has affected the whole world, slowing down the global economic growth. “To address this global adversity, IPU’s role will be crucial in forging cooperation and joint mechanisms at both inter-governmental and inter-parliamentary levels”, Chairman Senate remarked while addressing the participants. He said that Inequalities ranks high on IPU’s agendas which is growing among nations, however, it can be ended through affirmative action. He further stated that global peace and development can be attained and special attention is given to countries as well as vulnerable groups within the poor and destitute, women and children. He emphasized that present global challenges call for joint and sustained efforts and the IPU is well- positioned to act as a bridge in translating international initiatives and commitment into realities by taking action through its 179 member parliaments.
President of IPU Gabriela Cuevas Barron said that parliament reflects the will and aspirations of the people and it is parliament which takes measures to translate international agreement according to national and local realities. She expressed her delight to visit Pakistan. She said that Parliament has a crucial role in protecting and prompting human rights and democratic values in societies. The world, she said, is passing through hard times and the pandemic has created global health crisis besides adding to socio-economic hardships.
She observed that our issues are shared and we all need to make joint efforts to overcome them. “The pandemic has not sought permission from one country to pass on to another and such problems need no passport”, she said while emphasizing the need for increased collaboration between parliaments and government. She said that multilateral cooperation is the need of the hour and it the only option to address our common issues through a collective approach.
Executive Director PIPS Muhammad Anwar said that IPU has been playing significant role over the period of past 130 years in promoting peace, democracy and parliamentary diplomacy. He said that IPU strictly adheres to its democratic values. He informed that PIPs envisions consolidating its efforts with counterpart institutions particularly IPU and a meaningful linkage between IPU and PIPS would help promote best parliamentary practices in the Parliament of Pakistan. He said that the pandemic has unfolded the importance of international cooperation and coordination in various areas including that for dealing with such global calamities. The IPU President arrived today on her 5-day visit. She was received by Senator Mirza Muhammad Afridi and MNA Sher Ali Arbab at Islamabad International Airport.
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H.No.7, Cat-II, G-8/2,
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