Manama : A parliamentary delegation from Pakistan headed by Senator Afnan Ullah Khan is visiting Manama, Bahrain to participate in 16th Plenary Session of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA). The delegation comprised of Senator Gurdeep Singh, Senator Muhammad Aslam Abro from Senate of Pakistan while Taskeen Akhtar Niazi, MNA is also participant from National Assembly of Pakistan. Head of Pakistan’s Parliamentary Delegation, Senator Afnan Ullah Khan, on behalf of the Parliament of Pakistan, delivered a comprehensive statement at the 16th Plenary Session of APA, underscoring Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to intercultural and inter-civilizational dialogue as a cornerstone for peace, stability, and sustainable development in Asia.
Addressing the Assembly, Senator Afnan Ullah Khan congratulated Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, Speaker of the Bahrain Council of Representatives and President of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly, and expressed appreciation to the Kingdom of Bahrain for assuming the APA Presidency at a historic juncture coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the APA. He also acknowledged the constructive leadership of the outgoing APA Presidency and commended the APA Secretariat for its effective arrangements.
Highlighting the growing challenges of economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, polarization, and intolerance, the Senator emphasized that parliaments hold a unique responsibility in fostering inclusive governance, strengthening mutual understanding, and transforming dialogue into effective public policy through legislation, oversight, and representation.
Senator Afnan Ullah Khan noted that Asia’s strength lies in its rich civilizational heritage rooted in centuries of coexistence, dialogue, and mutual learning. He stressed that intercultural and interfaith dialogue is no longer optional but essential to counter extremism, disinformation, and societal divisions.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s historical and constitutional foundations, he stated that Pakistan’s pluralistic outlook is deeply embedded in its civilization and Constitution, which guarantees freedom of religion, equality before the law, and protection of minority rights. He highlighted institutional mechanisms such as interfaith harmony initiatives and the Minority Caucus in the Senate of Pakistan, aimed at safeguarding minorities’ rights and promoting tolerance.
The Head of Delegation further highlighted Pakistan’s proactive role at the international level, including its co-sponsorship of United Nations resolutions on promoting a culture of peace and tolerance, safeguarding religious sites, and advancing inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue. He cited the Kartarpur Corridor as a landmark confidence-building measure translating dialogue into practical cooperation and people-to-people reconciliation.
He also referred to Pakistan’s adoption of its first National Culture Policy (2018), establishment of the National History Museum, heritage preservation initiatives, and cultural revitalization projects as tangible efforts to promote social cohesion and inclusive national identity.
Emphasizing the role of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly, Senator Afnan Ullah Khan stated that APA provides an effective platform for collective parliamentary action, peer learning, and coordinated responses to shared regional challenges through its resolutions and sustained engagement.
Concluding his address, the Senator reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to contribute constructively to APA’s objectives and called for elevating intercultural and inter-civilizational dialogue as a sustained parliamentary priority to harness Asia’s diversity as a source of unity, resilience, and shared progress.
Sohail Majeed is a Special Correspondent at The Diplomatic Insight. He has twelve plus years of experience in journalism & reporting. He covers International Affairs, Diplomacy, UN, Sports, Climate Change, Economy, Technology, and Health.
