Islamabad: Speaker of the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Chaudhry Latif Akbar, highlighted the critical role of parliaments in promoting tolerance, strengthening democratic institutions, and resolving conflicts through dialogue rather than confrontation. Addressing the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference (ISC) in Islamabad, he urged lawmakers to transform legislatures from arenas of division into forums of understanding and cooperation.
Chaudhry Latif Akbar emphasized the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, encouraging committees, friendship groups, and informal exchanges across borders to build mutual trust. “This conference itself is an example of how parliamentary voices can transcend political boundaries,” he said, adding that security extends beyond military measures to human security, including access to education, healthcare, clean water, and a safe environment.
He stressed that societies must be protected not only from external threats but also from internal dangers such as poverty, corruption, and intolerance. Citing challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and global economic fluctuations, he highlighted the need for cooperation among parliaments to harmonize laws, share best practices, and address common challenges collectively.
The AJK Assembly Speaker also outlined regional priorities, including investment in education, renewable energy, infrastructure, and digital innovation, along with empowering women and youth and promoting green tourism and environmentally friendly industries. He called on the international community to resolve long-standing conflicts peacefully, remove barriers to trade and connectivity, and promote regional cooperation.
Chaudhry Latif Akbar concluded by emphasizing the need to involve youth in parliamentary dialogue through forums and exchange programs, cultivate a culture of tolerance, support conflict prevention through legislative oversight, encourage sustainable and digital economies, and uphold human rights and gender equality. “Enduring peace begins with the courage to talk and the commitment to understand,” he said, urging the ISC framework to serve not just as a platform for dialogue but as a movement for cooperation, empathy, and shared purpose.