By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: The Pakistan Armed Forces demonstrated responsibility on May 10; the ten-day story is before everyone. If India attacks now, a strong and decisive response will be given. 14 August is the Day of Independence, and we have a deep emotional attachment to it. On this day, we should set aside political differences and speak of unity.
The government’s direction is correct; the discussion of default is now a thing of the past. The economy is progressing, and growth is improving.
These views were expressed by Acting Governor of Punjab, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, while addressing the media today at the University of Health Sciences (UHS). Responding to questions, he said, “How should we respond to India’s hollow threats? PAKISTAN Armed Forces showed responsibility on May 10 and responded firmly. The ten-day story is before everyone. If India attacks, a full and strong response will be given; India should not be under any illusions.”
The Acting Governor further stated that terrorists have no nationality, and Pakistan itself is a victim of terrorism. He said, “August 14 is our Independence Day, a day to which we have an emotional bond. On this day, we should put aside political differences and talk about unity. If, instead of celebrating this day, any group uses the pretext of protest to engage in arson, attack public property, burn buses, mobilize armed groups, and spread anarchy, it is unacceptable. Holding protests on August 13 or 15 is a regrettable act.” He added that the government’s direction is correct, the discussion of default is over, the economy is progressing, and growth is improving. The world has commended Pakistan for successfully completing the IMF agreement. While the economy declined after 2018, it is now showing growth.
Earlier, the Acting Governor attended the First International Clinical Pharmacy Conference 2025 at the University of Health Sciences as the Chief Guest. In his address on the occasion, he said that integrating clinical pharmacy into hospitals is the need of the hour. Providing safe, effective, and affordable treatment to the public is the government’s responsibility. Legislation should be enacted to make clinical pharmacy an integral part of the healthcare system so that pharmacists not only dispense medicines but also participate in patient care and treatment. Clinical pharmacists can play a vital role in preventing the misuse of medicines.
The Acting Governor highlighted that Pakistan’s population of 250 million is both a major challenge and an opportunity for the healthcare system. The recommendations of the conference will be made part of policy and academic curricula. The conference was organized by the UHS College of Pharmacy and attended by more than 400 participants, including experts, policymakers, and researchers from within Pakistan and abroad.
During the opening ceremony, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between UHS and King Saud University, Riyadh, for mutual cooperation in pharmacy education and research. Vice-Chancellor UHS, Professor Ahsan Waheed Rathore, said that clinical pharmacy is essential for patient safety and better treatment outcomes. UHS has already launched an undergraduate degree program in this field and will soon introduce programs ranging from PhD to certificate courses. He emphasized the need for a clear distinction between industrial and clinical pharmacy.
The conference was also addressed by Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Nadia Naseem, CEO of the Drug Regulatory Authority Dr. Obaidullah Malik, Vice President of the Pakistan Pharmacy Council Sardar Shabbir Ahmed, and Head of the College of Pharmacy Professor Dr. Haji Muhammad Shoaib Khan. International experts, including Professor Zaheer-ud-Din Babar from Qatar University, Professor Mohsin Qazi from King Saud University, and Dr. Tauseef Nauman from Germany, delivered lectures on research and innovation. Additionally, experts from Pakistan and abroad discussed global trends in clinical pharmacy, artificial intelligence, antimicrobial resistance, and advanced drug delivery systems.
On the occasion of National Minorities Day, Acting Governor Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan issued a special message stating that the protection of minorities’ rights and their welfare are among the foremost responsibilities of the State. In his message, he said that minorities are an integral part of the national mainstream, and their invaluable services are a source of pride for the entire nation. He emphasized that the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees all citizens equal rights and complete religious freedom without discrimination. Referring to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s historic speech of August 11, 1947, he said that it remains a guarantee for a safe and dignified future for minorities. The Acting Governor reaffirmed his commitment to providing equal opportunities to minorities, thereby enhancing their role in the country’s development. He appreciated their patriotism, cultural heritage, and contributions to nation-building and assured that the provincial government is committed to their full inclusion in the national mainstream.
