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LAHORE, Dec 17 (APP):Speaker of the Punjab Assembly (PA) Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan has said that strong local governments, inclusive public participation and supremacy of the Constitution were essential for achieving sustainable democracy, social peace and national stability.
He stressed that violent extremism posed a serious threat to human values and societal harmony.
Addressing a Strategic Planning Workshop organized by the Punjab Center of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism (CoE-CVE), here on Wednesday, the Speaker said that countering extremism required a collective, coordinated and sustained effort by state institutions, civil society and all segments of society. He emphasized that lasting peace could only be ensured through evidence-based, comprehensive and long-term strategies rather than reactionary measures.
He observed that when the state failed to effectively discharge its constitutional and administrative responsibilities, extremist elements exploited the resulting vacuum. He underscored the importance of incorporating subjects related to countering extremism, tolerance, pluralism and constitutional awareness into educational curricula to ensure the positive intellectual and moral development of children and youth.
The Speaker said that meaningful engagement of madaris, youth, religious scholars, media and other social stakeholders was indispensable for eradicating extremism. He added that strengthening social cohesion, promoting a national narrative and ensuring institutional cooperation required effective coordination among all stakeholders.
He expressed his resolve to the effective implementation of the five-year strategy devised to counter violent extremism in Punjab in collaboration with all relevant institutions.
The event was attended by Home Secretary Punjab Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi, Deputy Coordination Officer Punjab CoE-CVE Dr. Ahmad Khawar Shehzad, National Coordinator NACTA Javed Ahmed Dogar and former senator Barrister Dr. Muhammad Ali Saif.
Later, while addressing a public event on grassroots democracy at a private university, the Speaker said that democracy was not merely an ideology but a practical process rooted in public participation. He emphasized that local governments, being the closest tier of governance to the people, played a pivotal role in addressing day-to-day public issues.
He stressed that financial autonomy, transparency and timely release of funds to local governments were essential for effective service delivery. Speaking on constitutional matters, he said Parliament must remain strong and sovereign, adding that courts were meant to interpret the Constitution while parliamentary supremacy should be upheld.
He also highlighted the importance of protecting Article 140-A of the Constitution, terming the passage of a resolution in this regard a significant development. He credited Chairman Public Accounts Committee Ahmad Iqbal for the initiative.
The Speaker said that initiatives such as the “Suthra Punjab” campaign and road rehabilitation projects reflected the effectiveness of local government systems. He concluded that inclusion of youth, women and minorities strengthened local democracy, while education and awareness were key to promoting democratic values at the grassroots level.