The Speakers of the Parliaments of the Maldives and Pakistan convened this week in Islamabad for a series of high-level engagements aimed at strengthening institutional cooperation, as Maldivian Speaker Abdul Raheem Abdulla reaffirmed the historical friendship between the two nations in a demonstration of enduring bilateral ties and shared legislative priorities.
The visit, led by Speaker Abdulla, commenced on 16 September and marked a renewed effort to deepen parliamentary relations between the two South Asian neighbours. During a courtesy call on Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, Speaker Abdulla reaffirmed the historical friendship between the Maldives and Pakistan, while identifying new avenues for legislative collaboration.
The two Speakers of Parliament discussed the Maldives-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Group, which was reconstituted under the current 20th Maldivian Parliament. Speaker Abdulla described the initiative as a strategic step towards institutionalising dialogue and enhancing inter-parliamentary engagement.
He also expressed appreciation for Pakistan’s longstanding support to the Maldivian legislature, citing the Parliament building in Malé as a tangible symbol of bilateral goodwill. The official programme included a guided tour of Pakistan’s legislative assembly and a luncheon hosted in honour of the visiting delegation.
The conversation turned to global affairs, where Speaker Abdulla condemned the “inhumane suffering” of the people of Gaza, Palestine, and the acts of genocide committed by Israeli occupational forces. He briefed his counterpart on a recent amendment passed by the Maldivian Parliament, which prohibits entry into the Maldives for individuals holding Israeli passports. He reaffirmed the Maldives’ unwavering support for Palestine, characterising the recent legislative amendment as a reflection of the nation’s principled stance on the crisis in Gaza.

Accompanying Speaker Abdulla on the official visit, which concludes on 20 September, are four Members of Parliament: Mohamed Shahid of Hulhudhoo, Husnee Mubarik of Manadhoo, Yoosuf Nasheed of the Gan, and Abdulla Shazeem of Hulhumalé Central.