By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: Addressing a dialogue session titled “The Political Narrative of Punjab” on the concluding day of the Third International Punjabi Conference, Speaker of the Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan said that Punjab’s political narrative has entered a challenging phase and stressed that the province must play an effective role in strengthening the federation.
He said that Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif, during his tenure as Chief Minister of Punjab, had given Punjab’s share from the NFC Award to Balochistan, describing it as a notable example of inter-provincial harmony.
The Speaker observed that over the past two decades, political manifestos have gradually lost relevance, leaving narratives as the dominant political tools, while political parties have largely become confined within provincial boundaries. He added that due to Punjab’s large population, Punjabis are prominently present in key positions across the country, which often leads to allegations that they are usurping others’ rights.
Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan said that Punjab is not merely a language but a complete civilization, lifestyle, and culture. He remarked that Punjabi attire reflects dignity and that no weather compares to the beauty of Punjab’s seasons. Expressing concern, he said that a province once known for its greenery and fertility is now suffering from smog and is “crying out to breathe.”
He welcomed the Punjab government’s decision to make teaching the Punjabi language mandatory at the school level, calling it a commendable step. He said that on his first day as Speaker, he made it clear that no permission is required to speak Punjabi in the Assembly. He appreciated ongoing efforts to promote the Punjabi language and noted that Punjabi is also being written in the Arabic script, adding that scripts are often shaped by rulers.
Referring to history, the Speaker said that after a long struggle, the first government in Punjab was formed under Ranjit Singh, but his attitude towards Punjabis was not favorable. He added that in conflicts among rulers, it was always the Punjabis who suffered. He said Punjab is often accused of being a usurper, whereas the province only asks for its basic rights, including recognition of wheat as a core part of its identity.
On the occasion, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan described Nadeem Afzal Chan as a strong public voice who consistently speaks for the oppressed. He also paid tribute to Chaudhry Manzoor for his valuable services to the Punjabi language and his work on Bulleh Shah.
Other speakers said that Punjab is the land of Sufi saints who spread love and tolerance, adding that the solution to contemporary challenges lies in the promotion of love, harmony, and mutual respect.
