By M Shakeel
ISLAMABAD — Chairman Senate,Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, underscored the significance of reviewing the implementation of the 18th Amendment, which aims to decentralize powers and enhance provincial governance.
He remarked while addressing the 18th Speakers Conference, which brought together provincial speakers, as well as speakers of the legislative assemblies of Azad Jammu & Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, to discuss strengthening Parliamentary governance.
In his opening remarks, Chairman Senate expressed his gratitude to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, for hosting the conference after a decade-long gap. He emphasized the importance of the conference as a platform for fostering dialogue, collaboration, and the advancement of legislative practices. Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani highlighted the dual challenge facing legislative bodies: upholding democratic traditions while adapting to an ever-evolving governance landscape.
The Chairman Senate also called for further dialogue and cooperation to overcome challenges in implementing the 18th Amendment and strengthening participatory governance.
During the conference, discussions covered key topics such as enhancing the mandate of the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services, promoting regional collaboration, and strengthening oversight mechanisms like the Public Accounts Committees. Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani also emphasized the need for modernization in legislative practices and the establishment of International Parliamentary Partnerships.
In closing, Chairman Senate commended the participants for their active engagement and shared commitment to democratic principles. He reiterated the importance of turning the conference’s recommendations into concrete actions to build a more transparent, inclusive, and resilient parliamentary system.
