Parliamentarians from across Asia and Southeast Asia will gather in Karachi to tackle growing challenges like artificial intelligence, fake news, and the online harassment of women lawmakers. The Sindh Assembly is hosting this major international meeting for the first time in 14 years.
The 7th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Asia Region Conference, a joint event with the Southeast Asia Region, will be held from February 3 to 7, 2026, at the Sindh Assembly.
Under the theme “Future Parliament: Redefining Democracy through Trust, Inclusivity, Innovation, and Peace,” the gathering will see participation from over 150 delegates from 17 different legislative bodies.
Participants will include speakers, deputy speakers, and various experts from both regions.
A significant portion of the forum will be dedicated to discussing misinformation, deepfakes, and other digital challenges facing modern democracies. A special discussion will also be held on the issue of online harassment of women parliamentarians.
The agenda also includes a special session on climate change and environmental legislation, which will be moderated by Senator Sherry Rehman. During this segment, experts and speakers will reflect on the role of parliament in the context of natural disasters like the 2022 floods.
Key plenary sessions will also be held, focusing on the need to enhance peace, democratic trust, and parliamentary education. Speakers from various provincial assemblies are expected to participate in these discussions.
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq will be the chief guest at the inaugural session. Speaker of the Sindh Assembly, Syed Owais Qadir Shah, will deliver the welcome address, followed by an inaugural speech from CPA Chairperson Dr. Christopher Kalila, MP. Sindh’s Senior Minister, Sharjeel Inam Memon, will also address the opening ceremony.
Former Senate Chairman Raza Rabbani will also address a plenary session during the five-day event.
The closing ceremony will be addressed by CPA Secretary-General Stephen Twigg, while Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah will be the chief guest.
The conference is expected to be a significant milestone in promoting regional cooperation and parliamentary diplomacy, culminating in the adoption of a document to be known as the “Karachi Charter.”