News Detail
Event Title: Senator Shahzaib Durrani, Member-IPU Bureau Of Young Parliamentarians Addressing The 151st Meeting Of Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly (IPU) In Geneva, Switzerland.
Event Date: 2025-10-22
At the 151st Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly held in Geneva, Pakistan reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the protection of humanitarian principles that underpin its national and international policies.
In an address, Pakistan’s delegate Agha Shahzaib Durrani emphasized that humanitarianism is not merely an act, but a fundamental value that defines the nation’s identity. “It is about protecting life, preserving dignity, and standing with those in need – even in the face of limited capacity, immense challenges, and personal sacrifice,” the representative stated.
Highlighting Pakistan’s decades-long humanitarian role, the delegate recalled the country’s historic efforts in hosting millions of Afghan refugees since the 1980s — one of the world’s largest and longest-standing refugee populations. Despite limited resources, Pakistan’s schools, hospitals, and communities opened their doors to those fleeing conflict and persecution.
However, this humanitarian stance has come at a significant cost. Pakistan has lost over 90,000 lives and suffered economic losses due to terrorism, often fueled by cross-border militancy. “Yet, even in the midst of pain and loss, Pakistan has never turned away from its humanitarian responsibilities,” the statement stressed.
Underscoring its global outlook, the delegate reaffirmed Pakistan’s consistent support for the rights of the Palestinian people, including the provision of humanitarian and medical assistance to Gaza. Pakistan’s Parliament has repeatedly condemned Israeli aggression and called for adherence to international humanitarian law.
The statement also referenced Pakistan’s support for oppressed communities globally, including in Kashmir, highlighting the nation's belief that humanity must transcend politics.
Domestically, Pakistan has undertaken significant reforms under its National Action Plan to combat extremism and uphold moral and humanitarian values, ensuring that intolerance and hate have no place in society.
Pakistan’s role in international peacekeeping was also recognized with pride. As one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping missions, thousands of Pakistani troops have served — and many have sacrificed their lives — in defense of civilian populations and humanitarian law across Africa and the Middle East.
In conclusion, Agha Shazaib Durrani emphasized that for our youth, humanitarianism is not a slogan – it is a deeply held belief and an obligation guided by justice, fairness, and empathy. It means speaking up for justice when the world remains silent, helping refugees, demanding accountability from those who spread violence, and supporting the victims of war – whether in Afghanistan, Kashmir, Palestine, or anywhere else.”
Pakistan remains steadfast in its commitment to global peace, humanitarian action, and the protection of children and vulnerable populations across the world.