Provincial speaker says a country of 250 million people cannot be administered effectively through ‘only’ fifteen hundred elected representatives
Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan has said that establishing a stable and constitutionally-protected local government system is the need of the time, and the resolution unanimously passed by the Punjab Assembly regarding the amendment to the Article 140-A aims to devolve powers to the grassroots level and strengthen the democratic process in its true essence.
Speaking to the newspersons in Lahore, he said that a country of 250 million people cannot be administered effectively through only fifteen hundred elected representatives. He said that the empowered institutions at the district, tehsil, and union council levels were essential for addressing the day-to-day issues faced by citizens. Across the world, he said the local government systems operate with the constitutional protection, whereas in Pakistan, every new administration has attempted to restructure the system, undermining the democratic continuity.
Speaker Malik Ahmad said that without constitutional protection for the local governments, the relationship of trust between the state and the people weakens. He said that the issues related to sanitation, water supply, roads, graveyards, and municipal services must be resolved at the local level — where they actually originate. He said that a strong social contract was only possible when citizens were assured that their concerns would be addressed at their doorstep.
He said that the Supreme Court of Pakistan has already recognized local governments as a fundamental component of democracy, and the Election Commission of Pakistan also recommended amendments to the Article 140-A in 2022. He emphasized that political parties must come together on a unified platform for the proposed twenty-seventh constitutional amendment, even if it requires convening an all parties’ conference.
He expressed deep concern over the issue of human trafficking and said that young people risking illegal routes to go abroad was a serious national tragedy that requires an effective policy response at the federal level. He appreciated the ongoing anti-smog campaign initiated by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, stating that the consistent policy implementation can significantly improve the environmental conditions in Lahore and across the province.
TURKISH NATIONAL DAY
Addressing a ceremony at the Governor’s House on the occasion of the 102nd National Day of Türkiye, Speaker Malik Ahmad said that the relations between Pakistan and Türkiye were not merely diplomatic but a bond of hearts, and this relationship continues to strengthen on the basis of mutual respect, trust and cooperation. The ceremony was hosted by Turkish Consul General Mehmet Emin Şimşek.
Punjab Minister for Industries and Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain, Consul General of China Zhao Shiren, the Political Officer of US Consulate as well as diplomatic representatives of different countries and distinguished guests also joined the event. Malik Ahmad said that Türkiye has always stood with Pakistan in difficult times. Whether during natural calamities or regional challenges, Türkiye has consistently demonstrated its friendship and cooperation with Pakistan, he said.
He stated that the people of Pakistan regard the people of Türkiye as their close and sincere brothers and mutual trust between the two nations continues to grow stronger. Consul General Mehmet Emin Şimşek said that Pakistan has always supported Türkiye in every era and Türkiye highly values sincerity and goodwill of Pakistanis. He said that Pakistan and Türkiye would further strengthen their collaboration in the fields of trade, education and investment in the future.
ANNUAL CONVOCATION
Addressing an annual convocation of a college in Lahore, Speaker Malik Ahmad said that Pakistan has significantly reinforced its strategic position in the region during recent geopolitical developments. Following the enemy’s aggression, he said that the nation stood united with courage and resilience, compelling the international community to acknowledge Pakistan’s principled stance as a sovereign and strong state. He said the youth-friendly policies of the prime minister were opening new avenues of development in the country.
He emphasized that nearly sixty percent of Pakistan’s population consists of young people, who represent the country’s true strength. He identified the tourism industry as a major emerging economic resource for Pakistan. He highlighted that millions of children remain out of school, and meaningful reform cannot be achieved without increasing the education budget. He pointed out the disparity in educational spending, noting that while an A-Level student’s annual cost of education reaches approximately fifty thousand rupees, the government spends an average of only 87 dollars per year on a public-school student.
He stressed that narrowing this gap is essential for real educational progress. The speaker remarked that although Pakistan has lost valuable time in the past, the present moment offers a critical opportunity to set the national direction right. He said that empowering the youth was the only way for Pakistan to move forward and secure sustainable national development. He appreciated overall performances of the students.
