Misbah Khar is Ambassador at Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) | Advisor to Chairman Senate of Pakistan
Parliamentarians are increasingly Sensitized to tap the Opportunities there to Enhance Trade & Economic Cooperation
The Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference (ISC) Contributes to Strengthening the Democracy
ISC Pakistan guided the Speakers of the member countries to Address the Issues of Pece and Climate Action
The Parliaments can play a role in promoting Peaceful Resolutions of Conflicts through Dialogue
Policy & Decision Makers should Facilitate the Youth in Visas for Jobs Abroad , for Digital Startups
More Provinces decision depends on balancing regional aspirations with national unity & development needs.
Performance of Women on Reserve Seats in the Parliament is Mixed, Some are Good, Others Need Mentorship
Political Parties should integrate Women into Main Politics by Giving 5% Tickets Quota in General Elections
Property inheritance Rights and Economic Independence are must for Women Empowerment
Interview : Tazeen Akhtar + Shahzad Shafi | Camera : Raja Ghulam Farid
Young, energetic, highly qualified, well composed and beautiful, Ms Misbah Khar is the is Ambassador at Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) and Advisor to the Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani. She hails from the renown political family of Pakistan. She is recognized for her role in parliamentary diplomacy, international relations, and has contributed articles to publications such as The Washington Times.
She frequently meets with foreign diplomats to strengthen bilateral ties, including recent high-level discussions with the ambassadors of the UAE, Turkey, Qatar, and Jordan.
As the ISC Ambassador, she played a central role in organizing and representing Pakistan at the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference held in Islamabad in late 2025.
Misbah is a vocal advocate for increasing women’s participation in the workforce and national policymaking, often highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to promoting women in leadership roles.
She represents the Senate at various national events, such as the Sindh Sustainable School Meals initiative, and promotes cultural diplomacy through art and photography exhibitions.
We interviewed her for our readers on the topics she work upon and discussed various matters relating to democracy, parliament, women and youth empowerment with her.
Q 1 – You have contributed a lot in your role at the positions mentioned above. Would you like to share your family background ?
Misbah Khar : My family background is rooted in a mix of traditional values and public service. Growing up, I was inspired by my family’s involvement in community affairs, which shaped my interest in advisory and diplomatic roles.
Q 2 – ” Khar ” family is very well known in the politics of our country. Earlier it was all about the men of the family. In recent political history, First Ms Hina Rabbani Khar and then you have made a difference. This is a soft side of your family as well as of the politics of Pakistan and that with significant performance. How do you and your family see this phenomenon?
Misbah Khar :The Khar family’s political evolution from a feudal legacy to modern participation reflects broader changes in Pakistan’s politics. I see this shift as an opportunity for newer generations to blend traditional influence with progressive policies, ensuring the family’s legacy adapts to contemporary democratic needs while contributing positively to national development.
Q 3 – You have been working in a political forum since Aug 2025. Do you have any plans to do active politics in the future?
Misbah Khar : Since joining the political forum in Aug 2025, my focus is on policy advisory and institutional collaboration. I plan to remain engaged in strategic political discussions and capacity‑building initiatives rather than seeking electoral office, aiming to influence governance through expertise and dialogue.
Q 4 – How is your experience of working at the highest democratic forum of Pakistan with seasoned politicians?
Misbah Khar : Working with seasoned politicians at Pakistan’s highest democratic forum has been a learning experience in legislative craftsmanship and political nuance. It has taught me the importance of balancing experience with innovative ideas to strengthen parliamentary processes.
Q 5 – How do you grade the performance of women parliamentarians at reserve seats in both houses of the Parliament?
Misbah Khar : I grade the performance of women parliamentarians on reserve seats as mixed—some excel in legislative contributions, while others face challenges due to limited direct electoral experience. Enhancing their capacity through mentorship and substantive policy involvement can improve their effectiveness in both houses.
Q 6 – Political parties are bound to issue 5 % tickets to women in general elections. But mostly the parties do not consider women as potential candidates. What is your opinion in this regard?
Misbah Khar : The 5% ticket allocation for women is a step toward inclusion, but many parties treat it as a formality. My opinion is that parties should integrate women into mainstream candidate selection, providing genuine opportunities and campaign support to reflect true representation.
Q 7 – Women parliamentarians on reserve seats, mostly are not taken seriously by the constituency winning male parliamentarians. Is this true?
Misbah Khar : Women parliamentarians on reserved seats are valued members of the legislative body, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s development. Their expertise and dedication earn them respect from colleagues and constituents alike.
Q 8 – What steps do you suggest to be taken to enhance women empowerment in a true sense?
Misbah Khar : To enhance women empowerment, steps include: increasing direct electoral participation, providing leadership training, ensuring equitable resource allocation, promoting policy influence, and creating mentorship programs that bridge experience gaps.
Q 9 – Financial dependence and getting no share from the property are two main problems of our women that do not let them live a confident life. What is your take and what do you suggest to do to improve the situation ?
Misbah Khar : Financial dependence and property exclusion hinder women’s confidence. My take is that legal reforms for property rights and economic independence, combined with financial literacy programs and supportive social policies, can empower women to lead more autonomous lives.
Q 10 – Pakistan hosted the first Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference ISC in Nov 2025. You played a central role to make it a success. What different ISC is to make when the Inter-Parliamentary Union IPU is already working for many decades?
Misbah Khar : The Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference (ISC) is a newer, focused platform that brings together parliamentary speakers from around the world to discuss specific issues and strengthen democratic dialogue. Unlike the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), which has been active for many decades and deals with a broad range of parliamentary affairs, the ISC is designed to be a more targeted event that emphasizes direct speaker‑level cooperation and policy exchange.
Q 11 – How was your experience hosting such a big international conference ?
Misbah Khar : Hosting a big international conference like the ISC is an intensive experience that involves meticulous planning, coordination with multiple delegations, logistics management, security arrangements, and media handling. It provides an opportunity to showcase the host country’s capabilities and to foster global diplomatic relations, but it also demands significant resources and organizational effort.
Q 12 – Do you think democracy is now strengthened in Pakistan? At ISC, with the first Chair (Honorable Yousuf Raza Gilani Sahib )in Pakistan, with 45 Parliaments of the world as members, our country has placed itself well in the democracies of the world.
Misbah Khar : The ISC can contribute to strengthening democracy in Pakistan by enhancing parliamentary collaboration with 45 other parliaments, sharing best practices in democratic governance, and raising Pakistan’s profile among global democracies. Participation in such forums helps the country learn from international experiences and improve its own democratic institutions.
Q 13 – The theme of the first conference, Peace, Stability, Security and Sustainable Development, also including Conflict Resolution, Climate Action, sounds encouraging but it is too much to do by the way. How do you see it ?
Misbah Khar : The themes of Peace, Security, Stability, and Sustainable Development (including Conflict Resolution and Climate Action) are broad guiding principles for parliamentary discussions. They influence legislation by encouraging lawmakers to draft policies that promote stability, environmental sustainability, and peaceful conflict management, thereby shaping the legislative agenda toward long‑term national and global goals.
Q 14 – This vast agenda of ISC will not affect basic responsibility of legislation ?
Misbah Khar : The ISC agenda does not replace the basic responsibility of legislation; instead, it informs and inspires legislative priorities. Parliaments still retain their fundamental duty to create, amend, and pass laws, but the conference can guide them to address issues like peacebuilding and climate action in their lawmaking processes.
Q 15 – Now when the world is becoming a world of “Might is Right” , what role do you see ISC can play in lessening the tensions in these conflicts ?
Misbah Khar : The Parliaments can play a role in promoting peaceful resolutions through diplomatic dialogue, passing supportive legislation, and advocating for international mediation and humanitarian assistance in these conflicts.
Q 16 – Did Pakistan invite India to join ISC ? If yes, what was their response ?
Misbah Khar : Pakistan was unable to extend an invitation to India owing to prevailing bilateral tensions.
Q 17 – There are friendship groups in the Senate and NA for some countries. But they are not as active as they are supposed to be. Finland wrapped up the embassy after opening it a few years ago. Sweden was about to close the embassy a few years ago. As you are working on Parliamentary diplomacy, do you agree that the friendship groups should be activated and their number should be raised?
Misbah Khar : Friendship groups (parliamentary friendship associations) between the Senate/NA and foreign parliaments are useful for fostering bilateral relations even when formal embassies face issues. Activating and expanding these groups can enhance diplomatic engagement and provide alternative channels for cooperation, and their numbers should be increased to cover more countries.
Q 18 – How much our parliamentarians are sensitized about great potential in Central Asia , ASEAN and North Africa? How do you see the prospects for Pakistan there?
Misbah Khar : Central Asia, ASEAN, and North Africa are promising regions for Pakistan to enhance trade and economic cooperation due to their geographic proximity and market potential. Pakistani parliamentarians are increasingly sensitized to these opportunities through seminars, delegation visits, and policy discussions, which focus on boosting economic projects and regional partnerships for Pakistan’s benefit.
Q 19 – You represent the youth of Pakistan as well. The government is providing opportunities for them but a large number intends to go abroad for jobs. Another large number developed their own digital businesses of IT services. Both groups face hurdles in their way. Many of them are not allowed to board the planes despite having valid visas. Regarding IT services, first there came a firewall issue, then a shark cut the internet cable in the sea and slow internet is a regular matter. Do you think the situation needs the attention of policy and decision makers?
Misbah Khar : The situation of youth wanting to go abroad for jobs or to start digital IT businesses, facing visa hurdles and internet infrastructure issues (firewall, slow connectivity), does need the attention of policy and decision makers. Improving internet infrastructure, simplifying visa processes for skilled professionals, and supporting IT entrepreneurship can help address these challenges and enable the youth to contribute to the economy effectively.
Q 20 – Senate represents the provinces mainly. Do you favor the formation of more provinces or not? Please share reasons for yes or no?
Misbah Khar : The formation of more provinces in Pakistan is a debated topic. Some argue it could lead to better representation, decentralization, and addressing regional grievances. Others cite concerns about administrative challenges, resource distribution, and potential fragmentation. The Senate’s role is to represent provincial interests; ultimately, the decision depends on balancing regional aspirations with national unity and development needs.
