Gilani Calls for Stronger Pakistan-Bangladesh Parliamentary, Institutional Cooperation

ISLAMABAD: Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani on Tuesday called for enhanced parliamentary, institutional and people-to-people cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh, saying sustained engagement was essential for regional harmony, mutual understanding and shared prosperity.

He expressed these views during an interactive session with officers and participants of the Executive Development Programme from Bangladesh at Parliament House, Islamabad. The visit was held under the Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor Initiative.

Welcoming the delegation, Gilani said Pakistan attached great importance to its historic, fraternal and enduring relations with Bangladesh. He said both countries had vast human and institutional potential and could work together to promote regional stability, effective governance and sustainable development.

The Chairman Senate appreciated the Civil Services Academy and partner institutions for arranging the exchange programme, describing it as an important initiative to strengthen professional cooperation, administrative learning and institutional linkages between the two countries.

Gilani also expressed satisfaction that the delegation was led by a woman officer, terming it a positive reflection of women’s empowerment and inclusive governance in public administration. He said women had consistently played a vital role in national development and decision-making.

Referring to his own public service career, he said he had always supported women’s leadership and had entrusted women officers with key administrative responsibilities, both during his tenure as Prime Minister and in his current role as Chairman Senate.

Highlighting the importance of parliamentary cooperation, Gilani said Pakistan and Bangladesh shared common aspirations for peace, stability, democratic progress and economic development. He said Pakistan was ready to share its parliamentary experience and institutional expertise with Bangladesh, particularly in view of Bangladesh’s interest in evolving towards a bicameral parliamentary structure.

As President of the Pakistan Institute for Parliamentary Services, he said he looked forward to working closely with the Speaker of the Bangladesh Parliament to strengthen parliamentary engagement. He also welcomed the possibility of launching training and capacity-building programmes for officials of the Jatiya Sangsad at PIPS.

The Chairman Senate said modern governance systems were facing unprecedented challenges, including economic uncertainty, climate pressures and rising public expectations. He stressed the need for responsive institutions, constitutional balance, transparency and effective coordination among parliament, the executive and civil services.

He said parliament represented the aspirations of the people through legislation, oversight and accountability, while the executive provided policy direction and the civil service ensured continuity and efficient public service delivery.

“Effective governance becomes possible only when all state institutions work collectively with shared purpose, institutional harmony and mutual trust,” Gilani said.

Addressing the participants, he said civil servants today must not only administer effectively but also innovate, adapt and respond proactively to rapidly changing global realities. He said exchange programmes such as the Executive Development Programme provided valuable opportunities for professional learning, policy dialogue, institutional networking and long-term understanding among public servants across the region.

Gilani also briefed the delegation on Pakistan’s constitutional evolution and the role of the Senate as the House of Federation, which ensures equal representation of federating units in the parliamentary system. He paid tribute to the leadership of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto for their contributions to Pakistan’s constitutional and democratic development.

He also shared aspects of his personal political journey and longstanding connection with Bangladesh, noting that he remained the only politician in Pakistan to have served in every major constitutional office of the country.

The Chairman Senate also highlighted the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference, of which he is the founding chairman. He said the conference’s theme, “Peace, Security and Development,” remained relevant in addressing contemporary global and regional challenges.

He called for greater parliamentary coordination, expanded people-to-people exchanges and increased delegation visits between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Concluding the meeting, Gilani extended his best wishes to the visiting delegation and expressed confidence that the visit would further strengthen bilateral understanding, institutional linkages and the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

“Long live Pakistan-Bangladesh friendship,” he remarked.

The Bangladeshi delegation thanked the Chairman Senate for the interaction and appreciated the hospitality and cooperation extended during their visit. The participants also acknowledged the value of learning from his parliamentary, political and administrative experience.

Advisor to Chairman Senate and Ambassador to ISC Ms. Misbah Khar, Principal Secretary to Chairman Senate Ms. Rabeea Anwar and Senior DG Protocol Tariq Bin Waheed were also present on the occasion.