Gilani seeks equal application of international law
• Senate chairman says ‘peace cannot be selective’, calls for greater Global South role in shaping rules
• Reaffirms Pakistan’s resolve to work with Cambodia while meeting its leadership in Phnom Penh
ISLAMABAD: Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani has called for stronger parliamentary diplomacy and the uniform application of international law, emphasising that peaceful conflict resolution was vital to securing global peace and shared prosperity.
“Peace cannot be selective. A threat to peace anywhere is a threat to peace everywhere,” Mr Gilani said while addressing the Second Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC) in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
“This is where we move from rhetoric to reality,” added the Senate chairman, who is also founding chairman of the ISC. He said the theme of the conference, “Solidarity for Peace and Shared Prosperity”, must move from abstract dialogue to concrete action.
He stressed that international law must apply equally to all states and called for greater representation of the Global South in shaping global rules.
Parliaments, he noted, must ratify treaties, ensure accountability and promote fair international norms.
Citing Pakistan’s role in facilitating dialogue between the US and Iran, Mr Gilani said diplomacy and bridge-building were essential to resolving differences.
“Pakistan has suffered terrorism and hosted millions of refugees. We know the cost of conflict, and that is why we choose peace,” he added.
The Senate chairman congratulated Cambodia on successfully hosting the ISC and expressed solidarity with Nepal over the recent disaster. He welcomed Indonesia as the host of the next ISC.
He proposed strengthening the ISC into a permanent institution with rapid-response mechanisms, fact-finding missions and sustained parliamentary engagement on peace and security. The session was co-chaired by Ouch Borith, the first vice-president of the Cambodian Senate.
Meetings with Cambodian leadership
Mr Gilani, leading a delegation of ISC speakers, met Cambodian Prime Minister Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet at the Peace Palace in Phnom Penh.
The Senate chairman expressed deep appreciation for Cambodia’s warm hospitality and successful hosting of the second ISC. He commended the Cambodian parliament for its arrangements, which he said contributed to the conference’s success.
Prime Minister Hun Manet observed that he represented the second generation of friendship between the two countries, noting that Mr Gilani had also shared a close bond with his father.
Mr Gilani extended a cordial invitation to the prime minister to visit Pakistan. He underlined Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening parliamentary exchanges and people-to-people contacts, saying multilateral forums such as the ISC served as vital platforms to promote peace, dialogue and international cooperation.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s resolve to work with Cambodia and other ISC member countries to advance peace, solidarity and shared prosperity.
The Gilani-led delegation also met Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni in Phnom Penh on the sidelines of the conference.
Mr Gilani said parliamentary leaders from across the world had gathered in Phnom Penh, united by a shared commitment to dialogue, peace and cooperation.
Published in Dawn, August 30th, 2026
