ISLAMABAD: Commonwealth parliaments need to play an effective and proactive role in strengthening democracy and upholding international law, stressing that democratic institutions must remain transparent, accountable, inclusive and effective, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said.
According to a statement issued by the National Assembly’s media wing, he expressed these views while addressing the Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town on the theme: ‘New Leadership Opportunities for Commonwealth Parliamentary Action to Strengthen Democracy and International Law’.
The speaker paid tribute to the democratic journey of South Africa, observing that the conference coincides with three significant democratic milestones: the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Soweto Uprising, the 30th anniversary of the adoption of South Africa’s Constitution in 1996, and the International Day of Democracy observed on Sept 15.
He said these milestones remind the Commonwealth parliamentary family that democracy is built through sacrifice, strengthened through constitutional institutions and sustained through meaningful participation of citizens, particularly young people.
Ayaz Sadiq receives first ‘green mace award’ in recognition of assembly’s green initiatives
He said the Commonwealth is a unique family of nations united not by geography but by shared values, adding that the Commonwealth Charter provides a collective framework based on democracy, constitutional governance, the rule of law, human rights, sustainable development, peace and international cooperation.
Mr Sadiq said that under the Commonwealth’s new strategic direction, parliamentary leadership must become more active in promoting democracy, strengthening institutions, advancing sustainable development, empowering youth, harnessing technology and fostering peace.
Democracy is not limited to the conduct of elections; it also requires institutions to remain transparent, accountable, inclusive and effective in the face of political divisions, conflicts, economic shocks and technological challenges.
Referring to international law, he said that in the prevailing global environment, adherence to the United Nations Charter, respect for sovereignty of states, peaceful settlement of disputes and protection of civilians must remain fundamental and non-negotiable principles.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly of Pakistan was conferred the inaugural Green Mace Award during the main programme of the 69th CPC in Cape Town.
Speaker Sadiq received the award on behalf of the parliament in recognition of the National Assembly’s pioneering environmental initiatives, including its status as the world’s first 100 per cent solar-powered parliament and transition towards a paperless parliamentary system.
Published in Dawn, September 18th, 2026
