Pakistan, Türkiye, Azerbaijan pledge stronger parliamentary ties for regional peace, prosperity

Islamabad  (APP): Pakistan, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan on Monday reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen parliamentary ties, bolster defense collaboration, and work in unison for lasting peace, stability, and prosperity across the region.

 

The resolve was expressed during the Third Trilateral Speakers’ Conference, held at Parliament House here, and chaired by Speaker of the National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq. Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani and parliamentarians from the three countries were also present.

 

In his inaugural address, Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq warmly welcomed Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye Numan Kurtulmus and Speaker of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan Sahiba Gafarova, saying that their presence in the trilateral forum was an honor and a symbol of the enduring friendship among the three brotherly nations.

 

He said the conference’s theme “strengthening fraternal relations through parliamentary cooperation for regional peace and prosperity” reflects the shared determination of Pakistan, Türkiye and Azerbaijan to advance mutual development and ensure regional stability through parliamentary engagement.

 

“Pakistan, Türkiye and Azerbaijan share a unique and strategic partnership — one rooted not in governmental arrangements but in the aspirations of our peoples and the collective voice of our parliaments,” the Speaker said.

 

He warned that the global security order was under tremendous strain, with repeated violations of sovereignty and territorial integrity threatening peace worldwide. Condemning the ongoing atrocities in Gaza, he said two years of bloodshed and brutality in Palestine will remain a dark stain on humanity’s conscience.

 

Speaker Sadiq also drew attention to the plight of the Kashmiri people, deprived of their right to self-determination for over seven decades. “India continues its grave human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir,” he said, recalling that India’s act of aggression against Pakistan in May was firmly responded to through ‘Operation Banyan al-Marsous.’ He said India’s falsehoods and propaganda had been exposed globally.

 

Expressing gratitude to Pakistan’s allies — particularly Türkiye, Azerbaijan, China and Saudi Arabia — for their consistent support, he noted that India’s threats to unilaterally revoke water treaties revealed its dangerous designs. “Pakistan has always pursued peace and respect for sovereignty,” he added.

 

The Speaker underscored that terrorism has no religion and must be collectively eradicated. Despite cross-border attacks from Afghan soil, Pakistan demonstrated patience and restraint, he said, adding that the armed forces successfully neutralized terrorist hideouts with precision and resolve. “The blood of our martyrs will never go in vain,” he reaffirmed.

 

Addressing the challenge of climate change, Speaker Sadiq said Pakistan is among the countries most affected by the global climate crisis despite contributing minimally to emissions. “Catastrophes like floods are proof of global climate injustice,” he remarked, calling for climate justice and stronger international cooperation.

 

He emphasized that parliaments are the ultimate voice of the people and play a crucial role in guiding nations toward peace, stability, and sustainable development. “Our trilateral parliamentary cooperation will become a cornerstone for regional peace and prosperity,” he concluded.

 

Speaker Sahiba Gafarova of Azerbaijan thanked Speaker Ayaz Sadiq and lauded Pakistan’s consistent support for Azerbaijan, particularly on the Nagorno-Karabakh issue. She emphasized that the three countries must enhance cooperation at the parliamentary level to promote sustainable peace, security, and development. She called for stronger linkages between parliamentary friendship groups and standing committees to advance mutual goals.

 

Turkish Speaker Numan Kurtulmus strongly condemned the atrocities committed in Palestine and Gaza, asserting that perpetrators, including Netanyahu and his associates, must be held accountable before the International Court of Justice. He expressed solidarity with Pakistan on the Kashmir issue and denounced acts of terrorism within Pakistan.

 

“The time has come for our three nations to deepen their cooperation in defense, trade, and diplomacy to ensure lasting regional peace and collective prosperity,” he said.