By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: Provincial Minister Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar has welcomed the recent statement issued by the National Security Council, stating that Pakistan has always been committed to peace and stability in the region. He emphasized that Pakistan’s desire for peace should not be mistaken for weakness. “We are a peace-loving nation, but we will never compromise on our sovereignty and national dignity,” he said.
Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar asserted that 240 million Pakistanis stand firmly with their armed forces, who are the proud defenders of the nation’s borders.
He strongly rejected accusations linking Pakistan to terrorism in Indian-occupied Kashmir, calling such claims a political folly that ignores the ground realities. He urged the international community to take immediate notice of the ongoing atrocities being committed by Indian forces in Kashmir.
The provincial minister further stated that Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity will be protected at all costs. “We will defend our country on every platform and give a strong response to every conspiracy against us.”
He expressed deep regret over the international community’s silence on the Kashmir issue, calling it a disappointing stance on blatant human rights violations. He stressed that global institutions must take immediate and effective action.
In conclusion, Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar said: “Our silence should not be seen as weakness. We have the full capability to respond decisively to any threat. Pakistan will defend its national interests under all circumstances.
Meanwhile, a high-level meeting chaired by Punjab Minister for Sports, Malik Faisal Ayub Khokhar in committee room of sports department here in Lahore led to significant decisions aimed at the development and promotion of sports. The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation between Punjab and the federal government in the sports sector, with several key announcements made.
It was decided that Pakistan’s largest boxing sports complex will be constructed under the supervision of the Punjab Sports Board. The provincial minister shared that this long-stalled project is finally moving towards practical implementation.
Furthermore, to promote sports diplomacy, athlete exchange programs and bilateral matches will be initiated between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Sports delegations from both countries will also pay official visits to each other.
The minister also announced that players from Gilgit-Baltistan and Azad Kashmir will come to Lahore to participate in matches, while athletes from Punjab will take part in competitions across other provinces to foster inter-provincial harmony.
A decision was also made to jointly develop a federal-provincial sports calendar, and a uniform policy for rewarding athletes who achieve international success will be formulated.
To ensure better coordination, the Minister instructed DG Sports Punjab Khizer Afzaal Chaudhry to create a WhatsApp group for improved communication among federal and provincial sports departments.
From the federal side, Secretary IPC Mohiuddin Wani briefed the meeting on sports-related matters and announced that a multi-purpose sports complex will be constructed in Faisalabad under federal oversight. He also emphasized the expansion of sports relations with Bangladesh.
On this occasion, Minister Faisal Ayub Khokhar said, “Promoting sports and encouraging athletes remains our top priority. We will continue to work with the federal government to strengthen unity in the sports sector.”
The meeting was attended by Secretary Sports Punjab Muzaffar Khan Sial, DG Sports Punjab Khizer Afzaal Chaudhry, while DG Pakistan Sports Board Yasir Pirzada and Secretary IPC Mohiuddin Wani joined via video link.
