Islamabad (Web Desk): The Speakers Conference, which concluded on Friday in Islamabad, underscored the collective determination to uphold the principles of parliamentary supremacy, safeguard fundamental rights, and strengthen the foundations of democracy.
During the two-day event, a unanimous declaration was adopted, which called for an atmosphere of constructive dialogue and mutual respect, recognizing that differences of opinion should be respected within parliamentary discussions.
A key aspect of the conference was the acknowledgment that the opposition should play a more active role in the legislative process.
The speakers emphasized that it is essential for opposition voices to be heard, particularly when it comes to addressing issues that affect the public.
Furthermore, it was agreed that parliamentarians should focus on finding practical solutions to the country’s most pressing challenges, such as the ongoing threats of terrorism and the climate crisis.
There was a shared commitment to fostering cooperation between the opposition and the government, with speakers vowing to act as facilitators and mediators to ensure that both sides could work together more harmoniously.
This would help in resolving the country’s challenges through collective effort rather than division.
The conference also recognized the need for a more structured approach to parliamentary procedures, with discussions on establishing a "charter of parliamentary ethics" to ensure that the conduct within the legislative bodies remains dignified and respectful.
It was agreed that uniformity in the rules and procedures across all provincial assemblies, as well as in Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir, would help streamline legislative processes, following the example set by the Senate and National Assembly.
A proposal was made to create an association for the chief whips of political parties across all assemblies, aiming to formalize their roles and responsibilities in maintaining order and discipline in parliamentary affairs.
Additionally, the idea of forming an association of Public Accounts Committees was introduced, with the goal of enhancing the effectiveness of these oversight bodies.
The speakers also reaffirmed their commitment to keeping the issues of Kashmir and Palestine prominent in legislative discussions, advocating for these matters to be regularly addressed not only in the National Assembly and Senate but also in the provincial legislatures.
The conference concluded with an invitation from the Speaker of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Chaudhry Latif Akbar, to host the next gathering in Muzaffarabad.
The event was attended by senior parliamentary figures, including Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, and the speakers from the provincial assemblies, who all emphasized the need for greater unity and collaboration in the legislative process.
