ISLAMABAD (PEN) : The first Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Conference for Asia and Southeast Asia kicked off in the Punjab Assembly on Friday, bringing together over 100 representatives from 20 assemblies, including those from Sri Lanka, the Maldives, the UK, Zambia, Malaysia, and Pakistan. The gathering includes 13 speakers, four deputy speakers, and one chairman, marking a significant moment for cross-cultural parliamentary dialogue.
In the early stages of the conference, Punjab Assembly Secretary Aamir Habib and CPA Regional Secretary Mrs. Kashani Anusha worked together to finalize the conference’s agenda, which will focus on key issues such as parliamentary democracy, transparent legislation, and accountability.
Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan welcomed the guests and presented them with souvenirs. As the conference progresses, the Regional Executive Committee meeting will be chaired by Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan and Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne. After the committee’s approval, discussions will begin on regional priorities, and a special documentary highlighting the Punjab Assembly will be screened. The Chairperson of the CPA Executive Committee, Dr. Christopher Khalila, will give the opening remarks, while Malaysian Parliament Senator Pella Petting Goh will address the delegates.
The event will also hear from the Deputy Speaker of the People’s Majlis of the Maldives, Ahmed Nazim, and Speaker of the Sri Lankan Parliament, Dr. Jagath Vikramaratne, who will add their perspectives to the discussions.
On the first day of the conference, the Speaker of Pakistan’s National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, will be the chief guest. The afternoon session will focus on legislative efforts to empower underrepresented groups, such as women, youth, and minorities. Prominent speakers, including Deputy Speaker of the UK House of Commons, Nusrat Ghani, and Pakistani Senator Anusha Rehman, will share their insights on these important issues.
To close the day, the delegates will experience the vibrant culture of Lahore, with Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan hosting a special dinner at Hazuri Bagh, offering a warm and welcoming conclusion to the day’s sessions.
