News Desk
LAHORE, Pakistan — The First Joint Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Asia and CPA South-East Asia Regional Conference commenced on Friday with an inspiring inaugural address by Hon. Ahmed Nazim, Deputy Speaker of the People’s Majlis, underscoring the vital role of parliamentarians in safeguarding democratic values across the region.
Held from February 6 to 10 in Lahore, the conference has drawn parliamentary leaders and representatives from across Asia and South-East Asia, fostering dialogue on pressing global and regional challenges.
In his speech, Hon. Nazim called on lawmakers to champion transparency, accountability, and media freedom—principles he described as cornerstones of effective governance. “As custodians of democracy, it is our duty to uphold institutional integrity and ensure the free flow of information. This conference is an opportunity to exchange experiences and craft solutions that will not only fortify our nations but also advance regional cooperation,” he stated.
“As we embark on this conference, let us seize this opportunity to exchange experiences and explore solutions that strengthen our democratic institutions, uphold media freedom, and reinforce governance. The work we do here can drive meaningful change—not just within our own nations, but across the region,” Hon. Nazim stated.
Hon. Nazim highlighted the rise of populism, misinformation, terrorism and threats to democratic norms as urgent issues requiring collective action. He also pointed to broader challenges such as economic disparities, security threats, and the globalized nature of modern governance.
“We live in an interconnected world where political, economic, and social challenges transcend borders. Isolationist policies are no longer viable,” he remarked. “We must embrace dialogue, strengthen partnerships, and foster multilateral engagement to build a more resilient future.”
The conference’s opening ceremony featured prominent figures, including Maryam Nawaz, Chief Minister of Punjab Province; Hon. Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan; and Hon. Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan, Speaker of the Punjab Assembly. Parliamentary representatives from Zambia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and other member states also participated, underscoring a shared commitment to regional unity and collaboration.
In his address, Hon. Nazim expressed deep gratitude to the government and people of Lahore for their warm hospitality, describing the city’s generosity as instrumental in creating a memorable and productive event.
The conference will continue with high-level discussions and collaborative sessions designed to strengthen partnerships and develop actionable strategies to address shared challenges. Topics under consideration include enhancing governance, fostering economic equity, and countering the spread of misinformation.
The First Joint CPA Asia and CPA South-East Asia Regional Conference marks a significant step forward in fostering dialogue and cooperation among the region’s parliamentary bodies, promising to lay the groundwork for long-term solutions to common challenges.
