THOSE nations can never face ruin that steadfastly adhere to the rope of Allah and remain united, avoiding divisions among themselves. This divine guidance found its most eloquent reflection recently in a remarkable and dignified building nestled in the serene hills of Margalla—the National Assembly of Pakistan. Within its grand chambers, a historic gathering unfolded under the guidance of the Speaker National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. Demonstrating his unwavering commitment to family, parliamentary and moral traditions, he united political leaders across the nation to forge a shared vision for Pakistan’s future.
For three days, from December 18 to December 20, speakers from Pakistan’s National and Provincial Assemblies, the Legislative Assemblies of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) set aside their political differences to deliberate on a collective roadmap. This unprecedented gathering was characterized by an atmosphere of mutual respect and an unyielding resolve to uphold democratic values. The discussions spanned a wide array of critical topics, including democracy, tolerance, human rights and adherence to the Constitution of Pakistan. These meaningful exchanges culminated in the adoption of the Islamabad Declaration, a landmark document encapsulating their shared commitment and vision.
The Islamabad Declaration reflects an unwavering resolve to uphold the Constitution of Pakistan as the supreme law of the land. It emphasizes the importance of ensuring its effective implementation across all tiers of governance. The declaration outlines a commitment to accountability and transparency in legislative work, recognizing these as essential pillars for rebuilding public trust in democratic institutions. The participants reaffirmed their dedication to safeguarding parliamentary supremacy and addressing the pressing needs of the people through meaningful, issue-based interventions. Central to the declaration is a renewed commitment to the principles of parliamentary democracy. It reiterates the time-honoured dictum: “The Treasury may have its way, but the Opposition must have its say,” emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue and mutual respect within legislative processes. By fostering a culture of civility, the declaration aims to counteract the divisive impact of populism, fake news and social media slander, which have increasingly infiltrated political discourse and undermined the values of decency and respect.
The Islamabad Declaration also recognizes the pressing challenges of climate change, socio-economic inequality and the evolving technological needs of the nation. It calls for comprehensive legislative and policy measures to address these issues, with a particular focus on sustainable development. The participants underscored the need for federal and provincial legislatures to collaborate effectively, promoting national cohesion and fostering solutions to shared challenges.
Parliamentary diplomacy emerged as a recurring theme throughout the discussions. The declaration highlights the critical role of diplomacy in advancing regional and international cooperation. It underscores the importance of fostering peace and connectivity as prerequisites for sustainable development. Additionally, it calls for the peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolutions and demands an end to atrocities in Gaza, urging the international community to uphold justice and provide humanitarian assistance to the oppressed.
One of the most significant aspects of the declaration is its forward-looking vision for institutional reform. It advocates for the modernization of parliamentary operations through the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, to enhance efficiency, accessibility and transparency. Recognizing the importance of financial accountability, the declaration proposes the establishment of the Association of Public Accounts Committees to strengthen oversight mechanisms across all legislatures.
The declaration also emphasizes the empowerment of youth and women, recognizing them as vital agents of change. It addresses pressing child-related issues, including polio, malnutrition, child labour and child beggary and calls for coordinated legislative and policy initiatives to address these challenges. The participants resolved to foster collaboration between parliamentary forums dedicated to women, children, youth and sustainable development goals, creating synergies to achieve shared objectives. A unique feature of the Islamabad Declaration is its emphasis on inter-legislature knowledge-sharing. The participants highlighted the need for capacity-building initiatives and resource-sharing to strengthen institutional performance across all legislatures. They pledged to adopt evidence-based legislative practices and conduct social audits of laws to ensure their effectiveness and relevance in addressing emerging challenges. The declaration also recognizes the vital role of academia, media, civil society and think tanks in shaping legislative processes. By engaging with these stakeholders, the legislatures aim to create a more inclusive and participatory governance framework. The transformation of the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services into a centre of excellence for legislative research and capacity-building is a key step in this direction. This initiative seeks to equip legislators with the knowledge and tools needed to address complex policy issues effectively.
The conference concluded with a spirit of unity and mutual respect, as participants resolved to uphold democratic values and constitutional principles. The Azad Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly graciously offered to host the next Speakers’ Conference in 2025, underscoring the continuity of this collaborative effort. The Islamabad Declaration, adopted on December 20, 2024, stands as a testament to the collective resolve of Pakistan’s legislative leaders to foster cooperation, innovation and inclusivity.This landmark gathering serves as a powerful reminder that unity, dialogue and adherence to constitutional principles are the bedrock of a strong and progressive nation. By prioritizing the needs of the people and addressing critical challenges, the participants have set a precedent for future collaborations. Their efforts have not only reinforced the foundations of parliamentary democracy but have also sent a resounding message of hope and resilience to the people of Pakistan and the international community.
The Islamabad Declaration is more than just a document; it is a beacon of hope and a roadmap for progress. It embodies the shared aspirations of a nation striving to overcome its challenges and build a brighter future. Through their unity and determination, the custodians of Pakistan’s legislatures have demonstrated that when political differences are set aside and collective wisdom prevails, the possibilities for growth and development are boundless. This spirit of collaboration and mutual respect will undoubtedly continue to guide Pakistan on its journey toward becoming a more inclusive, equitable and prosperous society.
—The writer is contributing columnist, based in Islamabad.
(ememiqbal68@gmail.com)
