KARACHI:
A series of important sessions focusing on “Parliamentary Systems, Democratic Values and Contemporary Global Challenges” were held on Thursday at the Seventh CPA Asia Regional Conference and the Second Joint CPA Asia and South East Asia Regional Conference 2026, organized by the Sindh Assembly.
On the second day of the conference, held at a local hotel, participants took part in parallel breakout sessions, plenary sessions and high-level keynotes.
Session themes included parliamentary education and practicing democratic values in daily life; The role of parliaments in building peaceful and cohesive societies in the face of fake news, artificial intelligence and disinformation; Legislation for survival: climate change and vulnerable communities; Strengthening Parliament through Accountability for Responsible Governance; and a plenary on Gender, Technology and Trust: Protecting Women Leaders from Online Violence and Digital Harassment.
The session on parliamentary education was moderated by Sindh Assembly Member Taha Ahmed Khan, with Sri Lankan Vice President Dr Rizvi Saleh, MPs Mehtab Akbar Rashdi, Khawaja Izharul Hasan and Shamoon Ashraf Hashmi, and Punjab Assembly Member Zulfiqar Ali Shah as panelists.
The session on Fake News and AI, moderated by MP Dr Sharmila Farooqui, was attended by Maldives Vice President Ahmed Nazim, Sindh Chief Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, MPs Farah Azim Shah and Sarah Ahmed, Advocate MP Daniyal and KP Assembly Member Asif Khan. Speakers highlighted the growing impact of AI and deepfakes on elections and public opinion, emphasizing the need for legislation, transparency, media accountability and public awareness rather than fear or censorship. In another parallel session on parliamentary accountability, chaired by MP Syed Naveed Qamar, speakers highlighted the role of parliament, public accounts committees and audit mechanisms in ensuring transparent and accountable governance.
