FAISALABAD, Feb 12 (APP): Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan on Thursday said that vibrant sports, flourishing culture and uninterrupted democratic continuity would form the bedrock of a stable and progressive Pakistan while a strong local government system is imperative for sustainable development and effective public service delivery.
Addressing the media after inaugurating the “Saqafti Mela” during Sports & Culture Festival 2026 at Superior University Faisalabad Campus, he underlined the need to channel youth energies towards constructive pursuits and said that investment in sports was in fact an investment in future of the nation.
He said that Punjab government had declared 2026 as the “Year of Youth”, reflecting its commitment to empowering young people and integrating them into the national mainstream.
He said that sports instill discipline, tolerance and leadership qualities among youth, enabling them to become responsible citizens.
He urged both public and private sectors to adopt a coordinated strategy for the promotion of sports and cultural activities so that young people could be provided healthy avenues for growth.
The educational institutions must give equal importance to co-curricular and sporting activities alongside academics as schools and universities serve as nurseries of talent, he added.
Highlighting the broader significance of cultural events, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan said that festivals as organized at Superior University can introduce the younger generation to Pakistan’s rich heritage and promote unity through diversity.
He appreciated the colorful presentations representing all four provinces and lauded the arrangements made by the university administration.
During his visit, he inspected various stalls and examined products prepared by the students, praising their creativity and quality.
Referring to the anticipated Pakistan-India cricket encounter, the Speaker said that the people of both countries view such matches with deep emotions, but stressed that sports should not be politicized.
“War and cricket must remain separate”, he remarked, appreciating the decision of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Pakistan Cricket Board to proceed in a positive spirit. Sporting engagements could serve as a bridge between nations, provided they were not used for political ends, he added.
About May 9, he said that this day had drawn a clear line in national politics and termed the attacks on martyrs’ memorials and military installations unacceptable. Such cases were of a special nature and could not be treated as routine political matters, he added.
He said that no political party had the right to target national security institutions especially when the armed forces were engaged in an ongoing fight against terrorism.
He described terrorism as a major challenge and said that the situation along western border and internal threats required national unity. The war against terrorism was not sole responsibility of the Pak army but the entire nation is duty bound for it, he added.
Speaking about governance, he termed the absence of elected local governments for several years regrettable and said that just as federal and provincial governments were essential, a robust local government framework was equally vital.
He even suggested deliberation on a clearer constitutional framework for a third tier of governance to ensure grassroots empowerment.
Divisional Commissioner Faisalabad Raja Jahangir Anwar, Vice Chancellor Government College University Faisalabad (GCUF) Dr Rauf-i-Azam, Members of Provincial Assembly and senior administrative officers were also present on the occasion.