LAHORE: In a matter of pride and honor for Pakistan, particularly for the province of Balochistan, Member of the Balochistan Assembly Farah Azeem Shah represented her province and the country at the 68th Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) Conference held in Barbados, West Indies.
She presented key proposals on global peace, dialogue promotion, and countering extremism, which were approved by the CPA Executive Committee.
During the conference, Farah Azeem Shah proposed the establishment of a “Peace Committee” under the CPA — a suggestion that participants described as both timely and significant. She stated that the relationship among Commonwealth countries is not just that of an association but of a “family” bound by shared democratic values. In view of rising global conflicts and growing extremism, she emphasized the need to encourage dialogue and strengthen interregional relations.
In her address, Farah Azeem Shah said that Pakistan is a peace-loving country that has consistently pursued policies promoting peace, harmony, and international cooperation. She highlighted that Pakistan, particularly Balochistan, has made tremendous sacrifices in the fight against terrorism but has always shown patience and resilience — which should never be mistaken for weakness.
Speaking about the role of women, she said that gender equity should not be limited to representation in parliament but must extend to decision-making and policy-formulation platforms.
She remarked Democracy flourishes only where gender equality is not a demand but a default principle.
Farah Azeem Shah also appreciated the active participation of the 20-member parliamentary delegation from Pakistan, noting that international conferences play a vital role in reducing distances between nations and strengthening mutual connections.
The CPA Executive Committee’s approval of Farah Azeem Shah’s peace-oriented proposals is being hailed as a significant achievement for Pakistan and Balochistan and a reaffirmation of the country’s commitment to peace at the global level.
