Pakistan Senate Chairman Yousuf Raza Gilani called for international law to be applied equally to all states and for greater Global South representation in shaping global laws and policies. He made the remarks on Saturday at the second Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference in Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s capital.

Gilani said peace cannot be established selectively, arguing that a threat to peace in one part of the world becomes a threat everywhere. He urged parliaments to help approve international agreements, ensure accountability and promote fair international policies. Stressing peaceful dispute settlement, he described diplomacy and dialogue as the most effective path and referred to Pakistan’s role in advancing dialogue between the United States and Iran.

He said Pakistan has itself been affected by terrorism and has hosted millions of refugees, giving it an understanding of the costs of conflict and a reason to choose peace. Gilani proposed turning the conference into a permanent institution, with rapid-response mechanisms, fact-finding missions and regular parliamentary work on peace and security. He also met Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and King Norodom Sihamoni.