KARACHI: The Seventh CPA Asia Regional Conference and the Second Joint CPA Asia and South-East Asia Regional Conference, hosted by the Sindh Assembly, concluded on Friday with the unanimous adoption of the Karachi Declaration, reaffirming commitments to democratic strengthening, inclusive parliaments, responsible innovation and sustainable peace across the Commonwealth.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, the chief guest at the closing ceremony, said it was an honour to participate in the conference, which he said was successfully held with dignity, discipline and Sindh’s traditional hospitality. Welcoming international delegates, he congratulated Sindh Assembly Speaker Syed Awais Qadir Shah and the organising team, noting that bringing together CPA Asia and South-East Asia delegations required strong planning and coordination.
The chief minister said the joint presence of government and opposition leaders reflected democratic confidence, stressing that democracy thrives when differences are managed with mutual respect. He said conference discussions were serious, practical and solution-oriented, producing timely recommendations. Trust, he added, is built through transparency, accountability, justice and responsible use of public resources, with parliaments playing a central role.
Emphasising inclusion, Murad Ali Shah said meaningful representation of women, youth, minorities and persons with disabilities defines a strong democracy. He noted that innovation extends beyond technology to improved governance, transparent data and effective oversight. Linking peace with justice and tolerance, he said peace-building must remain a legislative priority amid economic and environmental challenges. He expressed hope that the Karachi Declaration would be implemented as a practical commitment.
A Sindh Cultural Bazaar showcasing traditional food, handicrafts and cultural items was also organised at the Sindh Assembly lawns.
Addressing the ceremony, Speaker Syed Awais Qadir Shah termed the hosting of global parliamentary delegates within the Sindh Assembly building a historic milestone reflecting institutional openness and confidence. He said this was the first time the assembly itself, rather than hotels, had been used as a venue for an international CPA conference.
The speaker said assembly officers, staff and members worked day and night to convert both the old and new buildings into a fully functional international conference venue despite limited resources. He described the journey as challenging but rewarding, adding that delegates’ active participation made the conference meaningful. He said substantive discussions were held on trust, inclusion, innovation, peace, parliamentary accountability, youth and women’s participation, inclusion of marginalised groups and democratic stability.
CPA Secretary General Stephen Twigg praised the Sindh Assembly for exemplary organisation and hospitality, calling the conference a positive development for the organisation. He announced that the next CPA Asia Regional Conference would be held in Sri Lanka and said CPA’s new strategic plan, to be launched this month in London, would provide a roadmap to strengthen parliaments through 2030. He identified CPA’s priorities as strengthening parliaments, capacity-building and promoting shared values, with a focus on gender equality, youth, persons with disabilities, technology and climate change.
Stephen Twigg said parliaments worldwide face challenges related to democracy, human rights, public trust, climate change and instability, and described the Karachi Declaration as a reflection of shared resolve. He stressed that cooperation between Asia and South-East Asia remains CPA’s core strength.
Sri Lanka’s Deputy Speaker Dr Rizvi Salih termed the conference highly successful and praised Speaker Syed Owais Qadir Shah’s leadership, saying his personal involvement set a new benchmark for parliamentary hosting. He said the upcoming CPA conference in Colombo would be a challenge to match Karachi’s standards and noted that participation by Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker added prestige to the event.
Maldives Deputy Speaker and CPA Executive Committee member Ahmed Nazim said preparations were under way to support upcoming CPA conferences, including an event to be hosted by Maldives in April. He thanked Pakistan, the Sindh Assembly and organisers for outstanding arrangements and said active participation by delegates and insightful discussions ensured the conference’s success.
Malaysia’s Perak State Assembly Speaker Dato’ Muhammad Zahir Abdul Khalid thanked the Sindh government for its hospitality and said the conference reinforced the parliamentary role in promoting trust, inclusion, innovation and peace. He also acknowledged the guidance of CPA Executive Committee Chairperson Dr Christopher Kalila.
The ceremony was also addressed by Punjab MPA Zulfiqar Ali Shah, Sindh Assembly Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi and Balochistan MPA Farah Azeem Shah.
The Karachi Declaration reaffirmed commitments to strengthening democratic institutions, constitutional supremacy and executive accountability, and called for stronger parliamentary oversight, particularly public accounts committees. It emphasised transparent governance, responsible use of public resources and effective inclusion of women, youth, persons with disabilities, minorities and marginalised groups through reforms, public awareness and capacity-building.
Recognising the impact of technology and artificial intelligence, the declaration stressed digital governance, open parliament initiatives and countering misinformation, hate speech and digital harassment, while safeguarding freedom of expression. It also highlighted the parliamentary role in peace-building, social cohesion, climate action and regional parliamentary cooperation.
The conference concluded with a pledge to implement the Karachi Declaration through concrete legislation and institutional measures to strengthen democracy, peace and public trust.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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