Amidst growing economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and rising intolerance, a senior Pakistani lawmaker has emphasised that intercultural and interfaith dialogue is now essential to combat extremism and societal divisions across Asia.
The call was made by Senator Afnan Ullah Khan, who is heading a parliamentary delegation from Pakistan at the 16th Plenary Session of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) in Bahrain. The delegation also includes Senator Gurdeep Singh, Senator Muhammad Aslam Abro, and MNA Ms. Taskeen Akhtar Niazi.
In a comprehensive statement, Senator Khan underscored Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to inter-civilisational dialogue as a cornerstone for regional peace, stability, and sustainable development. He stressed that parliaments hold a unique responsibility to foster inclusive governance and transform dialogue into effective public policy through legislation and oversight.
Addressing the assembly, the senator congratulated H.E. Ahmed bin Salman Al Musallam, Speaker of the Bahrain Council of Representatives, on assuming the APA Presidency at a historic juncture marking the organisation's 20th anniversary. He also commended the outgoing presidency and the APA Secretariat for their constructive leadership and effective arrangements.
Senator Khan noted that Asia's strength is rooted in its rich heritage of coexistence and mutual learning. 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 the protection of minority rights through mechanisms like interfaith harmony initiatives and the Senate’s Minority Caucus.
On the international stage, the delegation head highlighted Pakistan’s proactive role in co-sponsoring United Nations resolutions that promote a culture of peace and safeguard religious sites. He cited the Kartarpur Corridor as a landmark confidence-building measure that translates dialogue into practical cooperation and people-to-people reconciliation.
Domestic efforts to promote social cohesion were also mentioned, including Pakistan’s first National Culture Policy (2018), the establishment of the National History Museum, and various heritage preservation projects.
The senator described the APA as an effective platform for collective parliamentary action and coordinated responses to shared regional challenges.
Concluding his address, Senator Khan reaffirmed Pakistan’s readiness to contribute constructively to the APA's objectives, calling for intercultural dialogue to be elevated as a sustained parliamentary priority to harness Asia’s diversity for unity, resilience, and shared progress.