Islamabad Declaration Stresses Peaceful Resolution of Kashmir Dispute and Stronger Trilateral Cooperation among Pakistan, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan
The Third Trilateral Speakers’ Conference of the parliaments of Pakistan, Türkiye, and Azerbaijan concluded in Islamabad with the adoption of a joint declaration, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolutions.
The conference, hosted by Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, brought together the parliamentary heads of the three brotherly nations. The participants reaffirmed the deep-rooted historical, cultural, and civilizational bonds uniting their peoples and pledged to enhance cooperation across multiple domains.
Strengthening Political, Economic, and Strategic Ties
The Islamabad Declaration called for greater collaboration in political, economic, defence, trade, scientific, and cultural sectors. The Speakers agreed to sustain high-level consultations and exchanges, with a shared commitment to reinforcing multilateral cooperation among the three nations.
The conference described the Trilateral Parliamentary Summits as symbols of solidarity, unity, and friendship and decided to enhance coordination at major international platforms such as the United Nations (UN), Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Developing-8 (D-8), and other inter-parliamentary forums.
Joint Action against Global Threats
The declaration outlined plans for joint measures against terrorism, cyber-attacks, and disinformation campaigns, stressing adherence to international law and the peaceful use of natural resources. It emphasized the importance of effectively implementing global environmental agreements, recognizing the upcoming COP29 in Baku as a “significant milestone” in global climate efforts.
Expressing concern over the lack of financial resources to tackle climate change, the declaration underlined that sustainable development, peace, stability, and human rights are deeply interconnected. The Speakers also agreed to promote renewable energy cooperation and expand regional energy corridors, committing to advance both East-West and North-South connectivity projects.
Advancing Parliamentary and People-to-People Relations
The declaration called for stronger ties between parliamentary committees, friendship groups, and staff, while terming parliamentary diplomacy as a key instrument for global peace and conflict resolution. It also announced training and capacity-building programs for parliamentarians and parliamentary staff.
Underscoring the need to empower women and youth in decision-making processes, the declaration supported youth exchange initiatives and public diplomacy projects to foster deeper understanding among future generations.
United Stance on Global and Muslim Issues
The three nations reaffirmed their resolve to adopt joint positions on international forums, strongly condemning Islamophobia, extremism, and discrimination against Muslims worldwide. They also vowed to jointly combat injustices faced by Muslim minorities.
On the situation in Gaza, the declaration demanded an immediate end to Israeli aggression and the ongoing humanitarian crisis, calling for a halt to forced displacement of Palestinians, withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the reconstruction of Gaza. It reiterated support for a two-state solution based on the 1967 borders and pledged cooperation with parliamentary groups advocating for Palestine’s cause.
Reaffirming Support on Regional Conflicts
The declaration reaffirmed the necessity of resolving the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in accordance with UN resolutions, warning that unilateral demographic changes in the region could heighten tensions.
Expressing solidarity with Azerbaijan over the issue of landmines in its war-affected regions, the declaration supported Azerbaijan’s efforts in rehabilitation, de-mining, and the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs). It also agreed to enhance parliamentary relations with the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and its legislature.
Next Trilateral Summit in 2026
The participants agreed to hold the next Trilateral Speakers’ Conference in Azerbaijan in 2026. The Speakers of Türkiye and Azerbaijan thanked Pakistan for its warm hospitality and excellent organization of the event.
