By Our Correspondent
LAHORE: At the historic building of the Punjab Assembly, the Punjab Inclusive Governance Summit 2025, was organized under the auspices of the Youth Development Foundation (YDF). Speaker of the Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan attended as the chief guest. The purpose of the summit was to promote transparent, accountable, and inclusive governance and to ensure effective participation of minority communities in decision-making.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from government officials, civil society representatives, minority leaders, and youth advocates for social change. The program began with welcome remarks from Urooj Jahangir, Project Manager of the M-CAP Project, while Bishop Nadeem Kamran of the Church of Pakistan, Lahore, offered prayers.
Distinguished guests included Special Secretary for Local Government Asiya Gul, Secretary for Human Rights and Minority Affairs Mr. Ali Bahadur Qazi, and Chief Instructor MPDD Dr. Shoaib Akbar. Progress was also presented under the NED-funded project Strengthening Civic Participation and Governance in Minority Communities, in which more than 300 minority representatives were trained across 46 union councils in Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, and Sargodha. Through the establishment of 80 Union Council Forums and 4 District Governance Forums, efforts were made to address issues at the local level.
On this occasion, Speaker of the Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan stated that Quaid-e-Azam greatly appreciated the services of minorities for the creation and development of Pakistan. Minorities have played a significant role in the country’s construction and development, including in the education sector. The protection of minorities is essential because the white portion of our national flag represents minorities, and without it, both the flag and Pakistan are incomplete.
Until we are united, Pakistan cannot progress. I have personally witnessed the treatment of minorities in villages. I have seen young children living in misery. People are leaving the country out of fear. Now is the time to correct our mistakes. Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan further stated that a successful state is not possible without treating minorities equally.
Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan said at that time in1965 war the entire nation was united. Now, once again, we must follow the principles of unity and equality. Better treatment of minorities is now a fundamental condition for development and survival.
