Karachi Declaration adopted during Sri Lankan Parliamentary delegation s visit to Pakistan

The ‘Karachi Declaration’ has been accepted, emphasizing a joint commitment to democratic governance, accountability in Parliament, inclusivity, responsible innovation, and sustainable peace. This declaration was made during a visit by a Sri Lankan Parliamentary delegation to Pakistan. The group was led by Dr. Rizvie Salih, who is the Deputy Speaker and Chair of Committees. They attended the 7th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Asia Regional Conference and the 2nd Joint CPA Asia Camp, which took place in Karachi, Pakistan. The Sri Lankan team included Deputy Minister of Power Ajith Agalakada and Members of Parliament Arkam Ilyas, Sujeewa Dissanayake, and Sujith Sanjaya Perera, as noted in a statement from the Department of Communications. The conference's opening ceremony featured Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, the Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan. It gathered Presiding Officers, Parliament members, and officials from various countries in Asia and South-East Asia, including representatives from Pakistan, the Maldives, Malaysia, and different provincial and state legislatures. During the first plenary session titled “Peace and Democratic Trust: Parliaments as Engines of Reconciliation,” Deputy Speaker Dr. Rizvie Salih shared insights from Sri Lanka’s journey to rebuild democratic trust after facing economic and political difficulties. He stressed that modern Parliaments should act as platforms that listen, encourage dialogue, and enhance accountability through transparency, inclusive oversight, anti-corruption strategies, and engaging youth. He pointed out that reconciliation and trust are vital for achieving lasting peace and stability in democracy. In a breakout session on “Parliamentary Education: Inculcating Democratic Principles in Everyday Living,” the Deputy Speaker detailed Sri Lanka’s civic education programs, student Parliament initiatives, and outreach efforts. He highlighted the importance of teaching citizens about democratic governance and accountability from a young age to adulthood, according to the statement. The conference wrapped up with the acceptance of the Karachi Declaration, where participating delegations reaffirmed their shared commitment to democratic governance, constitutionalism, accountability in Parliament, inclusivity, responsible innovation, and sustainable peace. They acknowledged the need for transparent, participatory, and forward-thinking Parliaments to tackle issues like declining public trust, misinformation, social exclusion, climate vulnerability, and rapid technological changes through cooperation and Parliamentary diplomacy.