ISLAMABAD (Sabahuddin Qazi) – The Third Trilateral Speakers’ Conference among Pakistan, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan has inaugurated at the National Assembly Secretariat, marking a significant milestone in regional parliamentary diplomacy.
The conference, chaired by Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, was attended by Madame Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan; Mr. Numan Kurtulmuş, Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye; and Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani.
The event’s theme, “Strengthening Fraternal Ties: Parliamentary Cooperation for Regional Peace, Security, and Prosperity,” embodied the shared vision of the three brotherly nations for collective progress and stability.
Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq’s Address: “Our Partnership Reflects the Collective Will of Our Peoples”
In his inaugural address, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq welcomed the visiting dignitaries, describing the trilateral partnership as “a unique manifestation of strategic partnership and fraternal unity among three brotherly nations.”
He said this cooperation is not limited to governments but represents the voice of the people and the collective will of their parliaments.
Highlighting challenges to global peace, he said the world faces increasing violations of sovereignty and territorial integrity. Referring to Gaza and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), he termed these injustices “scars on the conscience of humanity.”
Condemning India’s aggression, Speaker Sadiq praised Pakistan’s Armed Forces for successfully defending national sovereignty during Operation Banyan al-Marsous. He also thanked Türkiye, Azerbaijan, China, and Saudi Arabia for supporting Pakistan in times of need.
He termed India’s violations of the Indus Waters Treaty as “water terrorism” and called for joint efforts against terrorism, emphasizing that “terrorism has no religion and must be countered collectively.”
On climate change, he noted Pakistan’s vulnerability and the devastating impact of the 2022 and 2025 floods, calling for a unified parliamentary framework for climate action across the region.
Madame Sahiba Gafarova: “Our Cooperation Is Rooted in Shared History and Mutual Respect”
Madame Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis, congratulated Speaker Ayaz Sadiq for organizing the conference in Islamabad.
She said the trilateral initiative continues the spirit established in Baku (2021) and strengthened in Ankara (2023), highlighting that parliamentary diplomacy is becoming a key driver of peace and cooperation.
Madame Gafarova underscored that the relationship among the three nations is built on shared history, culture, and moral values. She thanked Pakistan for its steadfast support during Azerbaijan’s 44-day Patriotic War, reaffirming her country’s support for Pakistan’s stance on the Kashmir issue.
Condemning Israeli aggression in Gaza, she urged for the enforcement of ceasefire agreements and humanitarian aid. She also cited the establishment of the Non-Aligned Movement Parliamentary Network, initiated by President Ilham Aliyev, as a major step toward strengthening global parliamentary collaboration.
Speaker Numan Kurtulmuş: “Three States, One Nation — A Collective Vision for Peace”
Numan Kurtulmuş, Speaker of Türkiye’s Grand National Assembly, praised Pakistan’s initiative to host the trilateral forum. He emphasized that Pakistan, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan share a bond symbolized by the motto “Three States, One Nation.”
He said regular parliamentary exchanges are crucial for ensuring regional peace, security, and development.
Expressing condolences over Pakistan’s recent flood disasters, he reaffirmed Türkiye’s solidarity with Pakistan. He stressed that the fight against terrorism must remain uncompromised and should be a shared responsibility among all nations.
Kurtulmuş called for reforming the United Nations, criticizing its failure to address global injustices in Kashmir, Palestine, and Afghanistan.
He revealed that coordinated diplomatic efforts by the three nations had led to 11 new countries recognizing Palestine as a sovereign state — a historic achievement for the Muslim world.
He also urged the International Criminal Court to hold Israeli leaders accountable for war crimes. Announcing that the next trilateral meeting will be held in Istanbul, he said it would focus specifically on the Palestinian issue and enhancing Muslim unity.
Chairman Senate Yousaf Raza Gilani: “Building Bridges of Peace and Progress”
In his address, Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani commended the initiative as a reflection of shared vision, courage, and unity among Pakistan, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan.
He said the trilateral forum goes beyond diplomacy — it is a demonstration of common values and a commitment to regional peace and development.
Highlighting the need for enhanced cooperation in trade, technology, education, and culture, he said the partnership creates a bridge of trust from Ankara to Islamabad and Baku.
Gilani emphasized that parliaments across the Muslim world must act as centers of wisdom and peacebuilding, particularly in addressing injustices in Palestine and Kashmir.
He concluded that the Islamabad Conference marks “a new chapter in parliamentary diplomacy,” strengthening unity, peace, and prosperity across the region.
Towards a New Regional Vision
The conference concluded with a reaffirmation of the shared commitment to:
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Institutionalize annual trilateral meetings
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Promote youth exchanges and cultural cooperation
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Develop a joint climate action framework
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Enhance economic and security coordination
The Trilateral Speakers’ Conference in Islamabad stands as a beacon of hope for greater regional collaboration and unity. As the voices of Pakistan, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan echoed through the halls of Parliament, they carried a clear message — brotherhood, peace, and parliamentary cooperation remain the cornerstones of a prosperous future.
Mr. Sabahuddin Qazi is known for his insightful political reporting and media management thorough coverage of parliamentary affairs.
