Parliamentary Diplomacy: Gilani, EU Envoy Stress People-to-People Ties and Regional Stability

Islamabad: Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Wednesday met the Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan, Raimundas Karblis, where both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening Pakistan–EU relations with a strong emphasis on parliamentary diplomacy, trade, investment, and emerging technologies.

Gilani lauded the EU as one of Pakistan’s largest trading partners, underscoring the positive impact of the GSP+ arrangement in boosting exports, creating jobs, and promoting sustainable development. He also invited European investors to explore opportunities under Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) in key sectors including IT, renewable energy, agriculture, minerals, and infrastructure, in line with the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy.

The Chairman Senate expressed appreciation for the EU’s longstanding partnership with Pakistan, built on democratic values, international law, and a shared vision of global peace. He thanked the EU for its timely assistance during natural disasters, including the recent floods, earthquakes, and other humanitarian challenges.

Ambassador Karblis conveyed condolences over the loss of life and property due to recent floods in Pakistan and reiterated the EU’s solidarity with the Pakistani people.

Highlighting Pakistan’s inclusive development agenda, Gilani emphasized women’s empowerment and drew attention to the human rights violations in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir. He urged the EU and the international community to play their role in ensuring just and lasting solutions to conflicts, including the Palestinian issue.

On the digital transformation front, Gilani briefed the EU envoy about Pakistan’s pioneering initiative of commissioning South Asia’s first AI-powered Parliamentary Chatbot to enhance legislative efficiency and citizen engagement. He acknowledged the EU’s leadership in AI governance and welcomed knowledge-sharing on AI legislation and parliamentary capacity building.

Advisors Rida Qazi and Misbah Khar also briefed the Ambassador on Pakistan’s “Mustehkam Parliament” project, digital governance initiatives, and proactive role in global parliamentary forums. They highlighted Gilani’s unanimous election as Founding Chairman of the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference (ISC), whose next session will be hosted in Islamabad on November 11–12, 2025 under the theme “Peace, Development, Stability and Security.” The EU envoy was formally invited to attend.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to multilateralism, climate resilience, humanitarian cooperation, and the advancement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Gilani expressed confidence that Ambassador Karblis’s visit would help consolidate the Pakistan–EU strategic partnership and strengthen mutual understanding.