“If you are working on something that you really care about, you don’t have to be pushed. The vision pulls you.”
This kind of vision was observed by the nation when nearly 100 representatives of different countries attended 1st joint CPA (Commonwealth Parliamentary Association) Asia and South-East Asia Regional Conference in Lahore. It was hosted by the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab from February 6 to 10, 2025.
Pakistan has had a controversial reputation regarding international conferences and security issues in the past. Concerns over security have occasionally impacted its ability to attract global events and foreign dignitaries.
The writer has recalled such kinda events: Pakistan has been stripped of hosting rights for the 2011 World Cup because of the "uncertain security situation" in the country.
The SAARC Summit (2016) was postponed due to diplomatic tensions with neighbouring countries.
The New Zealand cricket team withdrew in 2021 over security concerns, affecting Pakistan’s international image.
Over the years, Pakistan has strengthened counter-terrorism efforts, reducing major security threats.
So this is the result that a constructive step and beneficial initiative has been taken in the form of 1st joint CPA in Lahore.
Before discussing the points of 1st joint CPA, it’s important to know when it was established.
It was founded as the Empire Parliamentary Association (EPA) in 1911. The purpose was to promote inter-parliamentary dialogue among British colonies and dominions.
Membership was initially restricted to British Parliamentarians and their counterparts in dominion parliaments.
In 1948, the EPA was renamed as the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) with open membership to all Commonwealth countries, including newly independent nations.
Pakistan became a member of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) in 1948, shortly after gaining independence in 1947. As a newly independent nation within the Commonwealth of Nations, Pakistan joined the CPA to engage in parliamentary cooperation, democratic development, and legislative capacity-building.
However, in 1972, Pakistan’s membership in CPA was affected by its changing status in the Commonwealth of Nations.
In 1989 – Pakistan rejoined the Commonwealth and resumed its participation in CPA.
1999 – Pakistan was suspended from the Commonwealth following a military coup but continued informal engagement with CP2004
Today, Pakistan is an active and influential member of CPA, with branches in its National Assembly, Senate, and provincial assemblies. It frequently hosts regional conferences, parliamentary training programs, and legislative dialogues.
This historic event marks the first collaboration between the CPA’s Asia and Southeast Asia regions, providing a platform for parliamentarians to discuss topics such as inclusive development, climate change, and governance in the digital age.
The conference has attracted over 100 representatives from 20 assemblies, including delegates from Sri Lanka, Maldives, the United Kingdom, Zambia, Malaysia, and Pakistan. Notable attendees comprise 13 speakers, 4 deputy speakers, and one chairman.
The Speaker of the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, delivered a significant address. He emphasized the importance of the conference in fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange among member nations. He highlighted the role of the CPA in promoting democratic values and strengthening parliamentary institutions across the Commonwealth. He also underscored the need for proactive and adaptive governance models to address contemporary challenges, including the impact of artificial intelligence on governance and the urgency of addressing climate change through legislative action.
Acting President of Pakistan, Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani delivered a keynote address emphasizing the urgency of addressing climate change and fostering regional cooperation for a sustainable and inclusive future.
In his speech, he particularly explained climate change as one of the most significant challenges of our time. He stresses the need for immediate action to ensure a sustainable future. Yousaf Raza Gilani highlighted that parliaments are not only legislative bodies but also engines of change. He emphasized their role in enacting legislation that empowers individuals and strengthens societies.
He advocated for cross-border regional cooperation and shared responsibility to tackle issues such as poverty, inequality, urban development, and rapid technological advancements.
He also reflected on his personal political journey, noting that he is a product of the local government system, having held positions such as Speaker of the National Assembly, Chairman of the Senate, Prime Minister, and now Acting President.
Jarvis Matiya serves as the Deputy Secretary-General and Director of Operations at the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA). He has an extensive background in global justice, human rights, the rule of law, gender equality, and governance. Before joining the CPA in 2017, Mr. Matiya held positions such as Special Adviser to UN Women and Head of Justice/Human Rights Adviser at the Commonwealth Secretariat.
Jarvis Matiya presented his thanks during the concluding session. He emphasized that the conference had been a significant initiative in promoting international parliamentary cooperation and highlighted the active participation and deep commitment of all delegates as key factors in the event’s success.
The conference concluded with the adoption of the “Lahore Charter,” presented by Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, which was unanimously adopted by the participants. The Charter underscores the collective commitment of parliamentary leaders from across the region to strengthen democracy, promote inclusive growth, and advance sustainable development.
This was a game-changing moment! The way in which people from different countries were brought together and inspired action was truly impressive. This session was well-organized, engaging, and impactful. It’s clear that efforts will definitely make a real difference.it is concluded
“Opportunities don't happen, you create them.”
The efforts members put in today will lead to a more structured, organized, and successful future for everyone involved.