ISLAMABAD: Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani has said he had warmly shaken hands with the Indian delegation at the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Barbados and expressed his readiness to do so again.
While presiding over a significant session, Gilani responded to a participant’s query, firmly rejecting any suggestion that he avoided handshakes with the Indian parliamentary delegation. His remarks were met with resounding applause from the audience, reflecting widespread appreciation.
The plenary workshop, titled “The Role of the Commonwealth in Good Governance, Multilateralism, and International Relations,” was an exclusive session chaired by Gilani. “In today’s interconnected world, our collective commitment to these principles defines how we respond to challenges, be it democratic backsliding, climate change, the rise of artificial intelligence, or safeguarding democratic institutions,” he said.
The session began with insightful presentations from various speakers, followed by interactive discussions and a question-and-answer segment. Gilani thanked the leaders, rapporteurs, and participants for their meaningful contributions.
He highlighted three key takeaways from the session, emphasising that strength abroad requires strong governance at home. He noted that the Commonwealth’s shared values, enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter and Latimer House Principles, remain vital for addressing global challenges. Parliamentarians, he said, are the voices of the vulnerable and guardians of accountability.
Gilani urged participants to continue discussions through CPA networks, including the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians, the Small Branches Network, and new initiatives like the Commonwealth AI Consortium, which provide essential platforms for cooperation and peer learning.
Responding to a question about the role of minorities in Pakistan, Gilani recalled his tenure as prime minister, noting that a separate ministry for minority affairs and interfaith harmony was established, alongside several welfare initiatives. He thanked participants for their valuable input and discussion.