Pakistan Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani has called for international law to be applied equally to all states. He also called for greater representation of Global South countries in global lawmaking and policy decisions.
Gilani made the remarks while speaking Saturday at the second Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. He said peace cannot be established selectively. A threat to peace in any one part of the world becomes a threat to peace everywhere.
Gilani said international law must be applied equally to all states. At the same time, he said, greater representation of Global South countries in setting global rules is needed. He said parliaments in various countries must play a role in ratifying international agreements, ensuring accountability, and establishing fair international policy.
Emphasizing peaceful dispute resolution, he described diplomacy and dialogue as the most effective path. In this regard, he highlighted Pakistan’s role in advancing dialogue between the United States and Iran. Gilani said Pakistan has itself been a victim of terrorism and has sheltered millions of refugees. He said Pakistan therefore knows well the cost of conflict, and has chosen the path of peace.
Gilani also proposed making the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference more effective. He proposed turning the ISC into a permanent institution, alongside establishing a rapid-response mechanism, fact-finding missions, and regular parliamentary activities on peace and security.
On the sidelines of the conference, Gilani held a meeting with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet. The meeting emphasized strengthening parliamentary relations and people-to-people ties between the two countries. Gilani invited the Cambodian prime minister to visit Pakistan.
Gilani later also met with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni. He said parliamentary leaders from various countries around the world had gathered in Phnom Penh around a shared goal of peace, dialogue and cooperation.