From 3 to 7 February 2026, Commonwealth Parliamentarians from across the CPA Asia and CPA South-East Asia Regions met in Karachi, Pakistan to attend the 7th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Asia Regional Conference and the 2nd joint CPA Asia and South-East Asia Regional Conference.

The event was hosted by the Provincial Assembly of Sindh under the theme of 'Parliaments of the Future: Redefining Democracy through Trust, Inclusion, Innovation and Peace.’

The main programme included plenaries and breakout sessions examining democratic trust, parliamentary education, climate resilience, misinformation and digital threats and strengthened parliamentary accountability.

Over 150 Parliamentarians and Parliamentary staff from across the two CPA Regions were in attendance.

Delegates were in attendance from the national Legislatures of Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Maldives, the Pakistani subnational Legislatures of Sindh, Punjab, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the Malaysian subnational Legislatures of Penang, Selangor, Johor, Perak, Pahang, Terengganu and Kelantan. Observers from UN Women Pakistan and the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services also presented at the Regional Conference.

The Speaker of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh, Hon. Syed Awais Qadir Shah, said at the opening ceremony:

“I warmly welcome our distinguished guests. This CPA Regional Conference presents us with an opportunity to reflect on Sindh’s historical, cultural and democratic identity, whilst also preparing for future global challenges. The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) serves as a vital platform for parliamentary engagement in our region, and this joint CPA Asia and CPA South-East Asia Regional Conference will allow delegates to reflect on ongoing global conflicts, climate change, poverty, extremism and the challenges posed by modern technology.

Events such as this are vital for strengthening parliamentary diplomacy and fostering regional solidarity. Together, we can redefine the role of our Legislatures to meet the challenges of an increasingly complex and interconnected world.”

The CPA Chairperson Hon. Dr Christopher Kalila, MP (Zambia) also addressed delegates during the opening ceremony and highlighted the growing expectations of citizens, especially youth, and the responsibility of Parliaments to listen, serve and lead with integrity.

The CPA Chairperson supported the restoration of public confidence in our institutions through ethical leadership, transparent elections and accountable governance. Emphasising inclusion as a democratic necessity, he called for stronger representation of women, minorities, persons with disabilities and young people in decision-making. He also underlined the importance of embracing digital transformation and artificial intelligence responsibly to enhance legislative efficiency while protecting democratic values. He said:

“Colleagues and friends, we gather at a time of great change. Societies are experiencing rapid social transformation and technological advancement. The theme of this Conference will allow our Parliamentarians to prepare their Parliaments for the future, through peace, innovation, inclusion, and trust.”

Delegates at the CPA Regional Conference attended different sessions including a workshop on ‘Gender, Tech and Trust: Protecting Women Leaders from Online Violence and Digital Manipulation’, which addressed the increasing dangers faced by women in public life due to online harassment and synthetic media.

A further session focused on ‘Legislating for Survival: Climate Resilience and Vulnerable Voices’ which focused on the growing impact of climate change and the heightened vulnerabilities faced by women, children, rural communities and persons with disabilities. Delegates also discussed the need for stronger, inclusive climate policies, improved local preparedness and more resilient infrastructure to support at‑risk groups.

During the closing ceremony, the CPA Secretary-General, Stephen Twigg addressed delegates and said:

“Inclusion has been a key theme this week. We know how important this is, but also how challenging it can be for Parliaments to fully reflect the diversity of their societies. Through our Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians and our Commonwealth Parliamentarians with Disabilities networks within the CPA membership, we will continue to promote this vital work.”

At the closing ceremony, the guest of honour, the Chief Minister of Sindh, Hon. Syed Murad Ali Shah, said:

“It is a privilege for me to address you at the conclusion of this important CPA Regional Conference, and to welcome you to Sindh, a region that has never been silent in the face of injustice and never absent in the struggle for democracy. I congratulate the Speaker of the Provincial Assembly of Sindh and his Parliamentary team for organising this CPA Regional Conference with dignity and professionalism.”

Delegates then formally adopted the Karachi Charter, committing to four central pillars:

• Trust
• Inclusion
• Innovation
• Peace

The Charter outlines a shared framework for enhancing democratic resilience, improving public trust in institutions and promoting inclusive governance across the two CPA Regions.

• Read the Karachi Charter - click here.

For further images from the CPA Regional Conference please click here.

View video highlights from the CPA Regional Conference below - video credit: Provincial Assembly of Sindh.

Video interview: CPA Secretary-General Stephen Twigg discussed a wide range of issues, including parliamentary strengthening, equality and representation, technology and Artificial Intelligence, climate change and democracy - watch the full interview below - video credit: Provincial Assembly of Sindh.

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The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association connects, develops, promotes and supports Parliamentarians and their staff to identify benchmarks of good governance and the implementation of the enduring values of the Commonwealth. The CPA is an international community of around 180 Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures working together to deepen the Commonwealth’s commitment to the highest standards of democratic governance.

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