By Asim Shahzad
KASUR / LAHORE – Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, while addressing the inauguration ceremony of the newly established “Malik Muhammad Ali Khan Library” at the Kasur District Bar Association, strongly criticised politics that hinge on hostility toward state institutions, particularly the armed forces.
He stressed that despite difficult periods such as Bunyan-un-Marsoos, he rejects political narratives rooted in confrontation with national institutions. “The Pakistani nation cannot be intimidated and stands resilient in the face of every challenge,” he remarked.
Acknowledging both internal and external pressures—especially security concerns along the western border—the Speaker praised the unity and resilience demonstrated by the country’s defence and security apparatus. He reiterated that weakening the judiciary, Parliament, or the military undermines national interests and hinders political and economic stability.
At the event, he also laid the foundation stone for a Ladies’ Bar Room and shared reflections on the transformation of the Kasur Bar since his early days in the legal profession. He noted a tenfold growth in bar membership and improvements in infrastructure.
The Speaker directed the bar leadership to present a funding proposal within two weeks, promising budgetary support within the current fiscal year. He also advocated for strengthening local governments to restore public trust and improve administrative efficiency across Punjab.
Meanwhile, in Lahore, a meeting of the Punjab Assembly’s Committee on Privileges was held under the chairmanship of MPA Sami Ullah Khan. The meeting reviewed four privilege motions, all of which were deferred due to the absence of key participants.
Privilege Motion No. 27, raised by MPA Ahmad Iqbal Chaudhary concerning the Finance Department’s failure to present NFC and policy reports, was delayed due to his absence. Similarly, Motion No. 89—regarding alleged misconduct by former ADCR Lahore Sohaib Butt—was postponed after the officer failed to appear, drawing sharp criticism from the Committee.
Motions No. 99 and 101, pertaining respectively to misconduct by the Secretary Schools and police officials, were also deferred due to absentees.
The Committee will reconvene tomorrow at 11:00 a.m. to follow up on the pending matters.
