Speaker Provincial Assembly of Sindh, Syed Awais Qadir Shah, met Mr. Stephen Twigg, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), at the CPA Secretariat in London.
Speaker Syed Awais Qadir Shah was joined by Dr. Mohammad Faisal, High Commissioner for Pakistan to the United Kingdom, and Ms. Naila Israr, Counsellor (Political) to the CPA Secretariat.
He was accompanied by G.M. Umar Farooq, Secretary General Provincial Assembly of Sindh, Irfan Ahmed Memon, Director General Provincial Assembly of Sindh, and Huma Ikramullah.
During the meeting, discussions centred on the Joint Asia–Southeast Asia Regional Conference to be hosted by the Provincial Assembly of Sindh in Karachi in 2026, reaffirming Commonwealth values of democracy, inclusion, and innovation.
Speaker Syed Awais Qadir Shah sought strategic guidance from the CPA Secretariat, including the provision of the CPA Guidelines and Handbook for conference organization, and requested the review and endorsement of the draft concept note to ensure alignment with global democratic priorities.
He proposed regular virtual coordination meetings for progress tracking, identification of focal points in participating parliaments, and the adoption of best practices from recent CPA conferences.
The Speaker also discussed speaker and delegate engagement, seeking CPA’s assistance in identifying high-level speakers, experts, and moderators, and ensuring gender balance and youth representation in the 2026 conference.
Speaker Syed Awais Qadir Shah emphasized the approval of the official logo and branding for the conference and requested CPA’s promotional support through social media, newsletters, and website. He further sought CPA’s assistance with design templates, merchandise, and ceremonial flags.
Discussions also covered content development and the Democracy Village, focusing on session topics, booth guidelines, and the outcomes declaration. The Speaker highlighted Sindh Assembly’s commitment to showcasing parliamentary innovations and sustainable initiatives, including e-parliament and paper-free legislative practices.
The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association reaffirmed CPA’s full support for the arrangements of the Joint Asia–Southeast Asia Regional Conference to be hosted by the Provincial Assembly of Sindh in Karachi in 2026.
Dr. Mohammad Faisal, High Commissioner for Pakistan to the United Kingdom, also assured full diplomatic support for the arrangements and coordination between the Sindh Branch of CPA and the CPA Secretariat for the upcoming conference.
Speaker Syed Awais Qadir Shah thanked the CPA Secretary-General for his time and continued commitment.
