By: ABID SIDDIQUE CHAUDHRY

The World Ambassador

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Islamabad, Advisor to the Chairman Senate, Ms. Misbah Khar, met with the Ambassador of Belgium to Pakistan, Mr. Charles-Idesbald van der Gracht de Rommerswael, to explore ways of strengthening parliamentary cooperation and engagement in upcoming international forums.

During the meeting, Ms. Khar outlined the vision and objectives of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) — an emerging global platform aimed at promoting collaboration and connectivity among parliaments worldwide. She highlighted that the ISC currently brings together 45 parliamentary speakers representing various regions.

She informed the Ambassador that, in the recent Malaysian elections, the Chairman Senate of Pakistan, Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani, was unanimously elected as the inaugural President of the ISC — a reflection of Pakistan’s leading role in global parliamentary diplomacy.

The Ambassador was also briefed on preparations for the next ISC session, set to be held in Islamabad on 11–12 November 2025, including the agenda, thematic priorities, proposed sessions, and the participation of high-level delegations from around the world.

Ms. Khar emphasized that the conference will provide a vital forum for parliamentary leaders to discuss urgent global issues such as peace, multilateral cooperation, and sustainable development, with the aim of fostering impactful dialogue and actionable strategies.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepening parliamentary ties and promoting people-to-people exchanges between Pakistan and Belgium.

The meeting was also attended by Senior Director General (Protocol) Mr. Tariq bin Waheed.