Islamabad, We, the Speakers and Presiding Officers of the National Assembly and Senate of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, Legislative Assembly of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Provincial Assembly of Balochistan, Gilgit Baltistan (GB) Assembly, Provincial Assembly of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Provincial Assembly of the Punjab, and Provincial Assembly of Sindh gathered in Islamabad for the 18th Speakers’ Conference,
Recognizing that the people of Pakistan have relentlessly struggled for democracy and for attaining the ideals of a Federal, Islamic, democratic, parliamentary and modern progressive welfare State, wherein the rights of citizens are secured, and the provinces have equitable share in the Federation, Further recognizing that under the Constitution and the Objective Resolution, the executive authority of the Government is to be exercised by the elected representatives of the people in a Parliamentary system, and emphasizing the need to update the Provincial Government Rules of Business to align with the Constitutional Principles, so as to ensure that elected representatives are accountable to the Assemblies, exercise meaningful authority over their respective Ministries and fulfil their mandate effectively.
Reaffirming our dedication to fostering accountability and transparency in our legislative work to rebuild public trust in the Institutions we represent,
Recognizing the unique responsibility of the Legislatures to connect between the Executive and the people to advocate for people-centric issues through legislation, oversight and representation,
Noting with grave concern, the increasing spread of populism within the political arena, characterized by the use of derogatory language, fake news, and social media slander causing discord, confrontation, and retaliatory politics.
Reminding that this erosion of the culture of civility, decency, and respect for difference of opinion undermines the fundamental values of parliamentary democracy, ignites polarization and hampers constructive dialogue.
Highlighting the importance of collaboration between federal and provincial legislatures to address shared challenges, promote national cohesion, and collectively uphold the principles of social justice,
Acknowledging the pressing challenges of climate change, technological transformation, socio-economic inequality, and the evolving needs of the people of Pakistan, Emphasizing the significance of parliamentary diplomacy in advancing regional and international peace, cooperation, and mutual understanding,
Welcoming the National Assembly of Pakistan’s initiative to host the 18th Speakers’ Conference in Islamabad,
Solemnly declare as follows:
1. Reaffirm the commitment to uphold the Constitution of Pakistan as the supreme law of the land, ensuring its effective implementation.
2. Commit to safeguard parliamentary supremacy, fundamental rights, and strengthen democratic norms across all levels of governance, including revising Government Rules of Business to ensure adherence to the principles of cabinet form of government and ministerial governance, enhancing ministerial accountability to the legislature, and ensuring that elected representatives have meaningful control over their respective ministries.
3. Resolve to join hands in reinvigorating the fundamental parliamentary values of constructive dialogue, mutual understanding, and an enduring respect for difference of opinion.
4. Reiterate the time-honoured parliamentary dictum: “The Treasury may have its way, but the Opposition must have its say,” as a cornerstone of parliamentary democracy, ensuring that all voices are heard and respected in the legislative and decision-making process.
5. Pledge to refocus the energies of our respective Legislatures on issue-based parliamentary interventions, addressing the pressing needs of the people and contributing to sustainable development.
6. Jointly agree to invoke the well-established role of the Speaker as a mediator and impartial facilitator to initiate an all-parties dialogue to achieve a consensus “Charter of Parliamentary Ethics and Decorum” to restore trust and respect of the Legislatures.
7. Strive to realize the ideals of Article 9-A of the Constitution by prioritizing legislative and policy measures to combat climate change and environmental degradation.
8. Enhance efforts and forge cooperation between federal and provincial law enforcement agencies to counter terrorism through comprehensive legislative and policy measures, ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.
9. Commit to the harmonization of rules of procedure across Legislatures to ensure effective legislation, oversight and representation.
10. Strengthen the Parliament by fortifying the institution of whips in line with international best practices to enhance coordination and discipline within parliamentary parties.
11. Establish the Association of Public Accounts Committees of the Legislatures to strengthen financial oversight and transparency mechanisms in the country.
12. Leverage parliamentary diplomacy as a tool for fostering regional and international cooperation and promoting peace and regional connectivity by establishing a National Group of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), supported by a permanent Secretariat in the National Assembly of Pakistan.
13. Recognize that the peaceful resolution of the issues of Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir, in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolutions, is essential for achieving global and regional peace and stability.
14. Condemn the atrocities, the genocide, the gang rapes and all other cruelties meted out to the Kashmiri people at the hands of Indian occupying forces and demand immediate release of the detained All Parties Hurriyat Conference.
15. Urge the United Nations Security Council to enforce its call for a ceasefire in Gaza and the urgent withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces in line with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2735 (2024), hold Israel accountable for violations of international law, and ensure the provision of unhindered humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people.
16. Intensify efforts to empowering youth and women, and addressing child-related issues including polio, child beggary, child labour and malnutrition through coordinated legislative and policy initiatives.
17. Identify the need for formalizing parliamentary forums on women, children, SDGs and youth and encourage synergies between the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, Parliamentary Taskforce on SDGs, Young Parliamentarians Forum, and Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights to achieve shared goals.
18. Foster inter-legislature knowledge and resource-sharing through capacity-building initiatives and collective problem-solving to strengthen institutional performance across all legislatures, while pledging to adopt evidence-based legislative practices, conduct social audits of laws, and draw on shared research and expertise to address emerging challenges.
19. Modernize parliamentary operations through IT reforms by adopting cutting-edge technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), and digitalization aimed at enhancing efficiency, accessibility and transparency.
20. Draw synergies to actively engage with all segments of the society including the Academia, Media especially Parliamentary Reporters Association (PRA), civil society organizations, thinktanks, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders for people’s meaningful inclusion in legislation and oversight processes.
21. Transform the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services (PIPS) into a Centre of Excellence for legislative research, policy advice, and capacity-building, and urge the PIPS Board of Governors to broaden its mandate, extending complete support to the Legislative Assemblies of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit Baltistan.
22. Establish the Association of Secretaries of the Legislatures of Pakistan, headquartered in the National Assembly of Pakistan Islamabad, to facilitate administrative and procedural excellence to the Forum of the Speakers’ Conference through periodic review and quarterly meetings.
23. Accept with gratitude, the generous offer of the Speaker of the Azad Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly to host the 19th Speakers Conference in 2025.
We, the Speakers and Presiding Officers of Pakistan’s Legislatures, solemnly reaffirm our shared resolve to uphold democratic values, constitutional principles, and the aspirations of the people of Pakistan. Through this Declaration, we commit to fostering cooperation, innovation, and inclusivity to build stronger parliamentary institutions and better serve our nation.
Adopted with unity and mutual respect in Islamabad on this 20th day of December 2024.
