Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani has reaffirmed Pakistan's unwavering dedication to global cooperation, social equity, and legislative action that champions the rights of all. 

He was addressing the General Debate titled "Parliamentary Action for Social Development and Justice," at the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union underway in Tashkent.

The Chairman Senate called for renewed global commitment to social development and justice through parliamentary action and cooperation and lauded the Inter-Parliamentary Union as a vital platform for advancing parliamentary diplomacy and global governance.

He highlighted Pakistan's legislative and policy reforms to empower marginalized communities, expand access to healthcare and education, and strengthen labor protections. He cited successful initiatives like the Benazir Income Support Programme and universal healthcare policies.     

Yousaf Raza Gilani urged parliaments to collaborate across borders to promote fairness, redefine growth, and ensure development reaches all.

Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Tashkent, Yousaf Raza Gillani met President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The meeting reviewed the growing political and institutional engagements between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, including regular convening of Bilateral Political Consultations and Joint Ministerial Commissions, and joint business forums.

The two sides agreed to deepen strategic partnership between the two countries.

Recognizing the significant increase in bilateral trade, which reached over 105 million dollars in 2023-24, the two sides reaffirmed the mutual goal of expanding trade volume to USD 2 billion in the coming years.

Both sides expressed strong support for strategic initiatives like the Trans-Afghan Railway Project and the International Multimodal Transport Corridor which aims at enhancing regional integration and access to the Arabian Sea.

The Chairman Senate welcomed Uzbekistan's participation in these corridor projects and expressed Pakistan's eagerness to move forward with feasibility and construction phases through collaborative efforts.

The Chairman Senate emphasized the importance of strengthening inter-parliamentary cooperation and reconstituting the active Parliamentary Friendship Groups. He noted that such exchanges help reinforce diplomatic trust and facilitate cooperation on regional and global platforms.