International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC) Hosts Diplomatic Missions of the African Region in Islamabad at IPC Secretariat

Islamabad, 25th July 2024– The International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC) organized a significant event for the Diplomatic Mission of the African Region in Islamabad. The meeting was a courtesy call followed by a working lunch, and the diplomats from Morocco, Sudan, Ethiopia, Libya, Egypt, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya, graced the event with their presence. The Secretary General of IPC, Senator Sitara Ayaz, welcomed the distinguished guests and provided an insightful briefing on the IPC’s mission, objectives, and activities. She highlighted the IPC’s strong presence and engagement with the African region’s Parliamentarians, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to furthering relations and cooperation with African countries. Senator Sitara Ayaz stated, “We are eager to enhance these ties and explore new avenues of cooperation through your esteemed offices. Our goal is to work closely with our African counterparts to address common challenges and promote mutual development.” During the meeting, the Special Advisor of IPC for the African Region, Ambassador Muhammad Tayyab Azam, shared his perspectives and ideas on strengthening the partnership between IPC and African countries. He underscored the importance of diplomatic engagement and the potential for collaborative efforts in areas such as governance, economic development, and social progress. The diplomats from the African region expressed their appreciation for IPC’s efforts and reiterated their commitment to fostering closer ties. The event concluded with a productive discussion.

Head of Chancery/Head of Political Affairs of the Embassy of Indonesia Islamabad paid a courtesy call to the Secretary General International Parliamentarians Congress Senator Sitara Ayaz at IPC Secretariat

Islamabad, July 3, 2024: Senator Sitara Ayaz, Secretary General of the International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC), welcome the Head of Chancery/Head of Political Affairs of the Embassy of Indonesia Mr. Ferry Junigwan Murdiansyah at IPC Secretariat Islamabad. During the meeting, Senator Sitara Ayaz and Mr. Ferry Junigwan discussed various topics of mutual interest aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between IPC and Indonesia. Key areas of focus included working towards human rights, enhancing parliamentary cooperation, fostering cultural exchanges, and exploring opportunities for joint initiatives on regional and global challenges. They expressed their commitment to deepening diplomatic ties and promoting dialogue to address common issues of importance. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue working closely together for the mutual benefit of both nations.

International Parliamentarians Congress Delegation Participates in the 6th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue in Baku

Baku, Azerbaijan – May 6, 2024 – A two-member delegation from the International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC) participated in the esteemed 6th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue held in Baku from May 1st to May 3rd, 2024. The eventconvened global leaders and stakeholders and provided a profound platform for dialogue and collaboration on fostering cultural understanding and cooperation. Led by the Secretary General of IPC, Senator Sitara Ayaz, the delegation included Mr. Muhammad Naeem Murtaza, Chief Technical Advisor of IPC. Senator Sitara Ayaz played a pivotal role in the forum’s proceedings, contributing significantly to discussions and engagements. At the heart of the forum, Senator Sitara Ayaz delivered a keynote speech on the crucial topic of “The Role and Best Practices of the Legislature in the Protection of Cultural Heritage.” Her address underscored the importance of legislative initiatives in safeguarding cultural heritage for future generations. Moreover, Senator Sitara Ayaz actively participated in a panel discussion titled “Sustainable Pathways for a Greener Future: Collaborative Actions for COP29 and Beyond.” She engaged with fellow panelists, sharing insights and collaborative strategies aimed at addressing environmental challenges on a global scale. During their visit to Baku, the IPC delegation seized the opportunity to engage in bilateral meetings with esteemed dignitaries and international organizations. These included meetings with the Minister of Ecology/the President of COP29 H.E Mukhtar Babayev, the Chief Commissioner of Tourism, the Speaker of the Milli Majlis, and representatives from various think tanks. These engagements aimed to foster collaboration and explore avenues for cooperation on shared goals. The participation of IPC in the 6th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue underscores its commitment to promoting global dialogue, understanding, and cooperation. Senator Sitara Ayaz’s active involvement in key discussions further solidifies IPC’s role as a key advocate for progressive legislative initiatives on the global stage.

The President of International Parliamentarians Congress, H.E. AbdelRahim Maaia’s Visit to Pakistan

The President of the International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC), His Excellency AbdelRahim Maaia, undertook a four-day visit to Pakistan from 23rd – 26th April 2024. This visit marked his inaugural trip to Pakistan in his capacity as President of IPC, following his election to this esteemed position in February 2024. Notably, H.E. Maaia concurrently holds the esteemed position of First Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of Jordan. During his visit, H.E. AbdelRahim Maaia engaged in high-level meetings with several distinguished dignitaries, including the Federal Law Minister, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, as well as the Ambassadors of Saudi Arabia and Jordan to Pakistan, among others. These meetings served as pivotal opportunities to discuss matters of mutual interest and further strengthen bilateral relations between IPC and other nations. Additionally, Senator Mohammad Abdul Qadir hosted a welcome dinner for His Excellency AbdelRahim Maaia. Furthermore, IPC organized a special meeting in honor of H.E. AbdelRahim Maaia, wherein diplomats from various countries in Islamabad had the privilege to interact with the President of IPC. The event also included a networking lunch, fostering an opportunity for cooperation among attendees. Diplomats warmly welcomed H.E. Maaia and expressed their commitment to working closely with IPC to enhance global ties and cooperation between their respective countries and the International Parliamentarians Congress. H.E. AbdelRahim Maaia’s visit to Pakistan underscored the commitment of IPC to fostering international cooperation and dialogue, furthering its mission of promoting peace, prosperity, and solidarity among nations.

International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC) Participates 14th Plenary Session of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) in Baku

Islamabad, February 26, 2024 – The International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC) proudly attended the Executive Council Meeting and the 14th Plenary Session of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA), held in Baku from February 20 to 24, 2024. The theme of the Plenary Session was “Fostering Regional Cooperation for Sustainable Development in Asia,” reflecting a shared commitment to addressing critical regional challenges through collaborative efforts. The IPC delegation was led by Secretary General IPC Senator Sitara Ayaz and accompanied by Ms. Mehk Butt Manager Communication IPC, who actively participated in the session. IPC, having received observer status from APA during its 13th Plenary Session, engaged in the 14th Plenary as an observer organization, contributing valuable insights and fostering dialogue among the participating nations. During the Plenary, IPC’s Secretary General delivered an impactful speech on the theme of fostering regional cooperation for sustainable development in Asia. The speech was well-received by speakers from various countries, highlighting the significance of regional collaboration in achieving sustainable development goals. In addition to participating in the Plenary discussions, the IPC delegation held several bilateral meetings with key parliamentary leaders. Notably, the delegation met with the Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, the Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council of Qatar, and an official from the Russian Parliament. These meetings provided an excellent platform for strengthening inter-parliamentary relationships and discussing potential areas of cooperation on shared regional issues. The IPC remains dedicated to its mission of addressing pressing social issues through international parliamentary collaboration. Our participation in the APA’s 14th Plenary Session underscores our commitment to fostering sustainable development and regional cooperation in Asia.

International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC) Observes Russian Presidential Elections 2024

Islamabad, March 17th 2024 – The International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC) observed the Russian presidential elections held from March 15 to 17, 2024. The election observation mission was led by IPC Secretary General, Senator Sitara Ayaz. The observation mission was a profound experience, providing valuable insights into the Russian electoral system. The introduction of electronic voting, alongside the traditional manual voting system, was a notable highlight. This dual approach was widely appreciated for its inclusivity and the flexibility it provided to voters, enhancing the overall integrity and accessibility of the election process. During the election observation mission, the SecretaryGeneral also met with officials from the Russian Election Commission. These meetings facilitated discussions on the election administration, the technological integration in the voting process, and the measures taken to ensure a transparent and fair election. “The Russian presidential elections showcased a commendable effort to integrate modern technology while maintaining traditional voting methods, ensuring that all citizens could participate in the democratic process in a manner that suited them best,” said Secretary General IPC Senator Sitara Ayaz. “Our observations and interactions with the Russian Election Commission officials have been highly informative and have provided us with a deeper understanding of their electoral framework.” The insights gained from observing the Russian presidential elections will contribute to our ongoing efforts to support free and fair elections globally.

International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC) Election Observation Mission to Azerbaijan: February 2024

February 7, 2024 Baku, Azerbaijan – The delegation of the International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC), comprising three esteemed members, observed the presidential elections of Azerbaijan, held on 7th February 2024. The delegation was led by Mr. Soro Fobeh, a Member of IPC from Côte d’Ivoire, and included Ms. Asmaou Berry, a Member of IPC from Guinea, and Ms. Mehk Butt, a Manager of Communication at IPC. IPC received official accreditation from the Election Commission of Azerbaijan, allowing them to conduct a thorough observation of the election procedures. During the election observation mission, the IPC delegation visited multiple polling stations in Baku and Sumqayit. The team observed the entire voting process and engaged with election officials, voters, and other stakeholders to gain comprehensive insights into the conduct of the election. In addition to their on-ground observation, the delegation held a press briefing with local media in Baku. They shared their experiences and preliminary findings, highlighting the strengths and areas for improvement in the electoral process. The IPC delegation also issued a formal press statement summarizing their observations. Mr. Soro Fobeh, head of the delegation, stated, “Our mission in Azerbaijan was conducted with the utmost dedication to impartiality and transparency. We appreciate the cooperation of the Election Commission and the warm reception from the Azerbaijan Election Commission and the government. Our observations indicate significant efforts towards a fair electoral process, and we encourage continuous improvement for future elections.” The IPC is committed to promoting democratic values and supporting electoral integrity worldwide. The observations and recommendations from this mission will contribute to enhancing the electoral framework in Azerbaijan and reinforcing the principles of democracy.

International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC) accredited to observe the General Elections of Bangladesh January 2024

Amman, 8thJanuary 2024 – H.E. AbdelRahim Maaia, a member of the International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC) from House of Representatives, Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, observed the general elections of Bangladesh held on 7th  January 2024. This observation mission was conducted following the accreditation granted to IPC by the Election Commission of Bangladesh. During the election observation mission, H.E. AbdelRahim Maaia met with officials from the Election Commission of Bangladesh, attended an orientation meeting on the elections, and participated in a dinner hosted by the Election Commission. These engagements provided a deeper understanding of the electoral processes and allowed for meaningful exchanges on best practices in election administration. The experience proved to be highly informative, providing valuable insights into the electoral processes of Bangladesh. H.E. AbdelRahim Maaia had the opportunity to witness the comprehensive setup of polling stations, the professionalism of election officials, and the enthusiastic participation of voters. The high level of organization and the transparency of the process were particularly noteworthy. The Election Commission of Bangladesh was commended for its efforts to ensure a fair and transparent election. H.E. AbdelRahim Maaia remarked on the importance of such international observation missions, highlighting how they contribute to the promotion of democratic values and good governance.

Paving the Future: Chairman Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani Leads Key IPC Progress Review Meeting

𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝑺𝒆𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑭𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒊𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑷𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒊𝒂𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒂𝒏𝒔 𝑪𝒐𝒏𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔 (𝑰𝑷𝑪), 𝑴𝒖𝒉𝒂𝒎𝒎𝒂𝒅 𝑺𝒂𝒅𝒊𝒒 𝑺𝒂𝒏𝒋𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒊, 𝑪𝒉𝒂𝒊𝒓𝒔 𝒂 𝑴𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒐 𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝑰𝑷𝑪’𝒔 𝑷𝒓𝒐𝒈𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔The Chairman Senate and the Founding President of the International Parliamentarians Congress (IPC), Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani, presided over a meeting today at the Parliament House to assess the progress and developments of IPC.During the meeting, attended by IPC and Senate officials, thorough and detailed deliberations took place. These deliberations culminated in a decision to proceed with the election of the President of IPC. The official election schedule is set to be announced in December 2023. The meeting was attended by Secretary Senate, Mohammad Qasim Samad Khan; Secretary General IPC, Sitara Ayaz; Executive Director PIPS, Muhammad Anwar and Director General Coordination Senate, Mir Shae Mazar Baloch.This decision to elect a new President marks a significant step forward in IPC’s journey to further enhance its role in the global parliamentary community. The upcoming election will ensure the continued dedication and leadership of IPC in facilitating international parliamentary cooperation and diplomacy.Chairman Senate and Founding President of IPC, Muhammad Sadiq Sanjrani, expressed his commitment to the organization’s mission and values, emphasizing the importance of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in the upcoming election process.

Two members IPC Delegation attended the 147th IPU Assembly in Angola, Strengthening International Collaboration

A two-member delegation from the International Parliamentarians’ Congress (IPC), comprised of Secretary General Senator Sitara Ayaz and Assistant Secretary General Mr. Ijlal Ali Khan, visited Angola to attend the ‘147th Assembly’ of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), scheduled to be held from October 23 to 27, 2023. The delegation intended to engage in meaningful dialogues and promote parliamentary collaboration through engaging with international parliamentarians, international organizations, and their representatives. During their visit, the IPC delegation met with multiple speakers, members of parliaments, and heads of international organizations to exchange views and ideas on how to contribute to the peace, and prosperity of the world and how to work collectively to resolve global issues. The IPC delegation attended the sideline meeting of the Asian Parliamentary Association (APA), and later, the Secretary General of the IPC also met with the SG APA, Mr. Mohammad Reza MAJIDI. They agreed to further strengthen and expand cooperation between the IPC and APA. Secretary General IPC Senator Sitara Ayaz held a meeting with the former President of the IPU, Dr. Duarte to discuss matters of mutual interest. The SG of the IPC appreciated the President IPU’s efforts for peace and prosperity and congratulated him on holding the IPU’s 147th Assembly. They stressed the need to enhance parliamentary engagements to find solutions to intricate problems. The IPC delegation underscored the essence of engagement of public representatives in tackling existing and emerging challenges to human civilization; therefore, they held meetings with various parliamentarians to share mutual ideas and requested them to become a member of the IPC. Furthermore, the delegation of IPC met with a Spanish parliamentary delegation, a Delegation from Malta, Delegation from Australia headed by Mr. Milton Dick, the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Australia, and briefed them about the IPC. They appreciated the IPC’s constant efforts in strengthening democracy and encouraging inclusive growth. In response to the request to become members of IPC made by the IPC delegation during the 147th Assembly of the IPU, parliamentarians from Turkey, Somalia, Iran, Portugal, Egypt, Cote d’Ivoire, Myanmar, Uganda, and Rwanda have joined as IPC members. This expansion has elevated IPC’s membership from 52 to 56 countries and from 198 Member parliamentarians to 214.