PA Speaker stresses national unity, constitutional supremacy for a peaceful Pakistan

LAHORE, Oct 01 (APP): Punjab Assembly (PA) Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan on Thursday stressed that the country’s response to present and future challenges should be rooted in institutional strength, constitutional continuity and meaningful dialogue.

Speaking at a national dialogue on “Pakistan and Global Peace” at Governor House Lahore, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan said Pakistan had suffered the devastating consequences of terrorism for more than three decades and that the experience should guide the country’s approach to present and future challenges.

He said he had personally grown up amid the fear of terrorism and witnessed the destruction and loss of lives in attacks on mosques, imambargahs, courts, hospitals and schools.

“Pakistan has remained on the frontline in the fight against terrorism,” he said, adding that the lessons of the past needed to be examined objectively so that the country could distinguish between challenges essential to national survival.

The speaker said Pakistan should seek to project itself as a peaceful and responsible state rather than one defined by conflict.

He stressed that national unity could not be acquired from elsewhere but had to be strengthened through the collective capacity of the people and state institutions.

The presence of political parties across all four provinces and their support at the national level, he said, was important for strengthening the federal character of the country and promoting national cohesion.

He also emphasised the importance of justice and fairness in international affairs, saying regional and global conflicts should be examined through a serious and objective understanding of their historical causes and consequences.

Referring to Pakistan’s economic and political challenges, the speaker said self-accountability and institutional reforms were essential for strengthening the state. The constitutional powers vested in Parliament, he stressed, must be exercised without interruption.

He maintained that strong democratic institutions, constitutional supremacy and the rule of law provided the foundation for addressing complex national challenges through sustainable solutions.

The speaker described national dialogues such as “Pakistan and Global Peace” as important forums for bringing together diverse perspectives and developing a deeper understanding of the issues confronting the country.

“When dialogue comes to an end, the prospects of resolving problems diminish,” he said, stressing the need for continued national discourse and engagement.

He said modern societies could not be built on conflict alone and required constitutional principles, respect for law and recognition of mutual rights. He called for a serious national discourse on Pakistan’s identity, geography, nationalism and constitutional development.

Highlighting Pakistan’s contribution to international peace, the speaker said more than 200,000 Pakistani personnel had served in United Nations peacekeeping missions, while 183 Pakistani personnel had made the ultimate sacrifice in the cause of global peace.

He said Pakistan should transform its strategic geographic position into an opportunity for regional cooperation, peace, trade, investment and shared prosperity rather than allowing its geography to become a source of perpetual conflict.

The speaker concluded that a stable and peaceful Pakistan could be built only through strong national institutions, constitutional supremacy, the rule of law and a sustained commitment to dialogue and cooperation.