Pakistan, South Africa move to deepen parliamentary ties

September 17, 2026 (MLN): Pakistan and South Africa have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral ties, with a particular focus on parliamentary cooperation, legislation, institutional development and people-to-people contacts.

The understanding was reached during discussions on the sidelines of the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC) in Cape Town, where National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq met Speaker of the National Assembly of South Africa Angela Thokozile Didiza, according to APP.

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq briefed his counterpart on Pakistan’s parliamentary system and noted that considerable time had been lost in developing relations between the two countries, according to APP.

Recalling former South African President Nelson Mandela’s visits to Pakistan in 1992 and 1999, he called for stronger and mutually beneficial ties, with parliaments playing a central role.

He proposed expanding parliamentary cooperation in legislation, committee systems, modernisation of parliamentary business and institutional experience-sharing.

The National Assembly Speaker also highlighted Pakistan’s exposure to climate-related risks, noting that the country contributes only 0.6% of global carbon emissions but remains among the nations most severely affected by climate disasters.

On Pakistan-Afghanistan relations, Sadiq reiterated Pakistan’s position that Afghan territory should not be used for terrorist activities against Pakistan.

He also reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute and briefed the South African side on Islamabad’s efforts to promote peace and stability amid tensions in the Gulf, stressing that conflict in the region serves no one’s interests.

Sardar Ayaz Sadiq highlighted initiatives undertaken by Pakistan’s Parliament, including the Green Parliament initiative, and invited Speaker Didiza to visit Pakistan to further promote parliamentary exchanges and people-to-people ties.

Didiza appreciated the initiatives of Pakistan’s Parliament and expressed interest in expanding cooperation in legislation, parliamentary committee systems and the modernization of parliamentary processes.

She also expressed interest in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Pakistan’s National Assembly and assured that a South African parliamentary delegation would visit Pakistan soon.

The South African Speaker called for stronger cooperation in trade, commerce, tourism, people-to-people contacts and parliamentary experience-sharing, while also inviting Sadiq to undertake a bilateral visit to South Africa.

South Africa’s Deputy Speaker highlighted Pakistan’s role in promoting peace, particularly its efforts concerning the Gulf situation, and shared initiatives aimed at expanding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in parliamentary work.

Both sides agreed to further strengthen parliamentary exchanges and deepen bilateral relations between Pakistan and South Africa.

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