ISLAMABAD:
The 18th Speakers’ Conference on Friday called for resolving common disputes and challenges through dialogue and highlighted the need to take effective measures to counter terrorism, combat fake news and address negative trends on social media.
The unanimous joint statement issued at the end of the two-day conference details 23 decisions aimed at promoting parliamentary values, ensuring transparency in legislation, addressing public grievances, defending the Constitution and addressing challenges such as climate change.
The conference was chaired by National Assembly Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and attended by Vice President Ghulam Mustafa Shah, Senate President Yousuf Raza Gilani as well as the Speakers of the four provincial assemblies, the Azad Kashmir Legislative Assembly and the United Kingdom Assembly.
At the conference it was decided that the scope of Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Services (PIPS) would be expanded to help AJK and GB. It was also decided that the 19th Speakers’ Conference would be held in Muzaffarabad, AJK, next year.
The conference statement said participants urged upholding the Constitution as the supreme law of the land, ensuring its effective implementation, resolving ambiguities through dialogue, and countering violations by state and non-state actors.
The statement highlighted the urgent need to restore public confidence in legislative processes through accountability and transparency, strengthen the connection between the executive and the public and address public problems by effectively using legislative oversight and the powers of the representatives.
The forum called for aligning provincial government regulations with constitutional principles to ensure executive accountability, parliamentary oversight of relevant ministries and respect for the mandate of the Constitution.
Concerns were raised about the increasing use of derogatory language, fake news and accusations on social media, which fueled division and hindered constructive dialogue. The statement called for fostering a culture of decency, civility and respect for different opinions.
The forum identified climate change, rapid technological advances, socioeconomic inequalities and evolving public needs as key challenges. The statement underlined the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in promoting regional and international peace and cooperation.
The forum committed to prioritizing climate change through legislative and policy actions; intensify efforts for comprehensive laws and policies to combat terrorism; and improve legislative performance and harmonize standards across legislative bodies.
The meeting resolved to adopt modern technologies, including artificial intelligence and digitalization, to improve parliamentary efficiency. Agreed to a proposal for the establishment of a national association of public accounts committees (PACs) to improve financial oversight and transparency.
He also highlighted collaboration with all sectors of society, including educational institutions, media, civil society and NGOs, to improve parliamentary performance and address key issues such as the SDGs, youth empowerment and human rights. of the child.
