Islamabad: November 11, 2025 – “Peace, security and development are inseparable pillars of progress,” Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani emphasized while delivering his address at the inaugural session of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference. “Without peace and security, no nation can build; and without development, peace remains fragile” he remarked.
The landmark Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference in formally started in Islamabad today, which brought together parliamentary leaders from across the world under the theme “Peace, Security and Development.”
Welcoming the delegates on behalf of the Parliament and the people of Pakistan, the Chairman Senate said he was privileged to host this historic gathering in the nation’s capital. He expressed profound gratitude to the Prime Minister of Pakistan for gracing the event as Chief Guest, terming his presence a reflection of Pakistan’s commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and multilateralism.
Chairman Gilani described the conference as a defining moment in the evolution of parliamentary diplomacy, uniting parliaments from both the Global North and the Global South under one roof to deliberate on shared challenges and collective solutions.
Highlighting the contemporary global context, he noted that the world today faces unprecedented instability driven by wars, economic shocks, climate change, and rapid technological disruptions. “Peace is unravelling before us — from Gaza to Sudan to Occupied Kashmir,” he said, adding that in such testing times, parliaments must serve as guiding lights, promoting understanding and cooperation across divides.
He underscored the need for a broader and inclusive understanding of security that encompasses economic and climate resilience, environmental sustainability, food and water security, and digital integrity. Citing Pakistan’s negligible contribution to global emissions yet disproportionate vulnerability to climate change, he termed it “a moral and practical imperative” for parliaments to act collectively before the cost becomes unbearable.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s enduring commitment to global peace and security under the leadership of President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, the Chairman recalled Pakistan’s role as a frontline state in the fight against terrorism and its significant participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions.
He noted that despite provocations on Pakistan’s eastern and north-western borders, the country had demonstrated maturity and restraint. “We have consistently extended the hand of dialogue, for peace is a two-way street that requires reciprocity,” he said.
Chairman Gilani said that decades of parliamentary experience had strengthened his belief that sustainable progress and security are interdependent, and that this understanding had inspired him to convene the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference to promote shared dialogue on pressing global issues.
He emphasized that parliaments are not bystanders in the pursuit of peace and prosperity but “drivers of trust, builders of consensus, and voices of the people when the world grows uncertain.”
Calling for practical outcomes from the conference, he urged delegates to move beyond promises and share bold, implementable solutions that reflect the diverse experiences of participating nations.
Concluding his address, Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani quoted Pakistan’s first woman Prime Minister, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto: “Leadership is about the strength of one’s convictions, the ability to endure the punches, and the energy to promote an idea.” He said, “Let this gathering be remembered for the conviction it inspires, the partnerships it forges, and the clarity of purpose it establishes. The world is watching — let us lead with unity, vision, and courage.”
The Chairman Senate extended his best wishes to all delegates for a productive conference and a pleasant stay in Islamabad.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called upon the world to stand united in promoting peace, advancing sustainable development and strengthening collective security.
Addressing the Inter-parliamentary Speakers’ Conference in Islamabad on Tuesday, he expressed the confidence that the nations can collectively build a world anchored in lasting peace and shared prosperity.
Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan has always advocated for peace through dialogue and diplomacy. We firmly believe that peace and security forms the foundation of sustainable national and regional development.
He noted that the true value of peace is most profoundly understood when we are confronted with the conflicts that continue to plague our world. He mentioned that Pakistan, too, has faced this turbulence both directly and indirectly. However, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to maintaining peace and tranquility.
Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan unfortunately faced unprovoked aggression from the eastern front in the month of May. He said our highly professional armed forces displayed remarkable preparedness and performed outstandingly on the battlefield.
He said their swift and decisive military action on land and in the air not only thwarted the enemy’s designs but also demonstrated to the aggressor and the entire world Pakistan’s iron resolve and determination to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity at all costs. Having won the war, he however emphasized that we need to win peace through sincere and honest efforts.
Shehbaz Sharif said a peaceful Afghanistan holds the key to regional connectivity, growth, progress and prosperity. He said Pakistan believes in a peaceful neighborhood and has been striving hard for this purpose. He however regretted that militant groups continue to imperil peace not only within Afghanistan but also beyond its borders. Referring to the attacks on Pakistan’s border posts last month, he said our response was firm and decisive, teaching an unforgettable lesson who attacked Pakistan.
He urged Afghanistan to understand that lasting peace can only be realized by reining in TTP and other terrorist groups operating on the Afghan territory.
The Prime Minister also highlighted the reforms undertaken by government to promote inclusive growth, institutional strengthening and the empowerment of youth and women.
Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan has actively engaged with international financial institutions and development partners to foster fiscal reforms, climate resilience and investment facilitation. Our efforts are guided by the conviction that no nation can prosperous in isolation and that our destinies are linked with each other very closely. He said Pakistan believes in global interaction and multilateralism.
The Prime Minister emphasized Parliaments have a unique and indispensable role to play to bring about improvement in the lives of the people.
