ISLAMABAD: Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani on Tuesday highlighted the need for joint efforts to address global challenges, stating that “conflicts and other global challenges call for a collective strategy, which is now the need of the hour.”

This was stated by the Senate chairman during his meeting with Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference (ISC) Ek Nath Dhakal at the Parliament House, says an official handout issued by the Senate Secretariat.

Mr Gilani, who is the founding chairman of the ISC, emphasised the importance of this visit in strengthening regional dialogue and cooperation, stating, “the ISC will prove to be a vital forum for promoting peace and development in the region and beyond.”

During the meeting, Mr Dhakal discussed the proposed conference scheduled for November in Pakistan.

Mr Dhakal briefed Mr Gilani on the organisation’s future roadmap, including the ISC’s formal request for observer status at the Inter-Parliamentary Union and plans to enhance collaboration with the United Nations to better address global peace and development goals.

The meeting concluded with a firm resolve to work collectively to strengthen parliamentary cooperation, foster regional peace, and tackle shared challenges through dialogue and mutual understanding.

Mr Dhakal expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and hospitality, conveying good wishes from the people, government, and Parliament of Nepal.

He emphasised the importance of strengthening cooperation between Pakistan and the ISC, as well as deepening bonds of friendship between Pakistan, Nepal, and other member nations.

Published in Dawn, July 16th, 2025