Islamabad, November 10, 2025 – Delegations from over 50 countries, totalling 174 international participants, have begun arriving in Islamabad for the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference Islamabad, set for November 10 to 12. Hosted by Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, the event focuses on peace, security, and development amid rising global tensions.
A Catalyst for South Asian Stability
The Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference Islamabad holds profound significance for South Asia, a region scarred by conflicts and economic disparities. By uniting speakers from the Global South and North, it fosters parliamentary diplomacy that could de-escalate border disputes, enhance trade ties, and counter extremism. Pakistan’s role as host underscores its pivot towards constructive engagement, potentially easing strains with neighbours like India and Afghanistan while amplifying voices on climate vulnerabilities affecting millions across the subcontinent.
Pakistan ISC Gilani Hosting Ushers in Era of Dialogue
Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, serving as Founding Chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference, leads Pakistan’s hosting efforts with backing from top leadership. President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, and National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq have pledged full support, framing the Pakistan ISC Gilani hosting as a national priority.
Gilani addressed senators on November 8, emphasising unity. “Hosting such a distinguished assembly is not merely an achievement for the Senate; it is a significant national cause that elevates our standing on the global stage,” he stated. The event draws on months of preparation, including a curtain-raiser on September 8 attended by 38 ambassadors and parliamentary heads.
Logistics involve coordination across ministries of Interior, Foreign Affairs, Information and Broadcasting, and the Capital Development Authority. Over 500 local staff ensure seamless operations at the Parliament House and adjoining venues. Budget allocations stand at PKR 500 million, covering security, protocol, and media facilitation, according to Senate Secretariat data.
This marks the first full assembly of the ISC since its inception in Seoul earlier this year, where 45 speakers endorsed the framework. Gilani’s vision, honed through decades in politics, positions Pakistan as a hub for inclusive governance talks.
ISC Delegations Arrive Islamabad in Droves
ISC delegations arrive Islamabad signalling strong global buy-in, with advance teams touching down since November 8. Key arrivals include Dr Tageldin Ibrahim Hamad, President of the Universal Peace Federation, leading a group focused on UN-affiliated peace initiatives. From Somalia, First Deputy Speaker Sadiya Yassin Haji arrived with her team, while Congo’s Prosper Kasongo Lukali Tunda and Guyana’s Ubraj Narine, Director of National Peace Initiatives, joined earlier flights.
Morocco’s contingent, comprising executive staff from the House of Councillors Speaker, landed Sunday, with the principal expected Monday. A high-profile Russian delegation, co-led by Vladimir Chizhov of the Russia-Pakistan Friendship Group, touched base amid bilateral overtures. The Russian Embassy noted the visit aims to bolster parliamentary ties, following Chizhov’s February 2024 election observation in Pakistan.
Additional ISC delegations arrive Islamabad from Rwanda, Tajikistan, Georgia, and the UAE, as confirmed by invitation acceptances shared on official channels. Senate records list 10 parliament speakers, 15 deputies, and 37 members of parliament among the 174 delegates, plus representatives from multilateral bodies. Two former presidents will represent their nations, adding gravitas.
Airports and protocol desks report smooth processing, with enhanced security at key sites. Local parliamentarians act as hosts, embodying Gilani’s call for collective ownership.
Peace Security Development ISC Theme Takes Centre Stage
The Peace security development ISC theme anchors discussions, addressing interconnected crises like climate change, poverty, and conflict. Sessions will probe food and water security, energy transitions, sustainable growth, and good governance through legislative lenses.
Deputy Prime Minister Senator Ishaq Dar, who chaired the September curtain-raiser, asserted: “Without peace and security, there can be no development.” Gilani echoed this, saying: “Climate change respects no border. No single government can respond alone. Governments need parliaments, and parliaments need each other.”
National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq highlighted bipartisan potential: parliamentary diplomacy demands collaboration on emerging threats like artificial intelligence. Advisor Misbah Khar added: “The ISC offers a platform to resolve conflicts through dialogue and promote global peace, especially at a time when humanity faces shared crises such as poverty and climate change.”
Breakout panels, scheduled for November 11, will feature alphabetical speaking orders by country. Outcomes aim to draft resolutions for adoption, influencing national policies back home. The Peace security development ISC theme resonates deeply in South Asia, where parliamentary forums could harmonise efforts on Indus water sharing or counter-terrorism pacts.
Background: From Inception to Islamabad Spotlight
The Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference traces roots to Gilani’s initiative for a dedicated platform beyond existing bodies like the Inter-Parliamentary Union. Launched in Seoul with inaugural commitments, it evolved into a biannual event emphasising actionable diplomacy.
Pakistan’s selection as host reflects Gilani’s global outreach, including sidelines meetings at the Baku International Parliamentary Conference. Invitations extended to UAE Speaker Saqr Ghobash and Georgian Deputy Speaker Nino Tsilosani yielded confirmations for the Peace security development ISC theme.
Pre-event buzz built through Senate briefings and X posts from @OfficeSenate and @NAofPakistan. A November 7 video from @SenatePakistan reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment, garnering thousands of views.
This backdrop positions the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference Islamabad as more than a gathering – a strategic assertion of Pakistan’s diplomatic resurgence.
What’s Next: Resolutions and Lasting Ties
Post-conference, delegates will pursue bilateral meetings, with follow-up webinars planned for 2026. Gilani envisions annual rotations, with the next ISC eyed for a Global South nation.
As the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference Islamabad unfolds, its legacy hinges on tangible pacts that fortify peace, security, and development across borders.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, November 10th, 2025
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