Freedom of expression, dignity of state go side by side: PA speaker

LAHORE:Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan has said freedom of expression must be respected, but at the same time, the dignity of the state and its institutions must also be protected.

The PA speaker said this while inaugurating a modern media hall in the new assembly building. On this occasion, he said that the purpose of this media hall is to provide journalists with the best facilities so they can perform their professional duties in a better way.

During the inauguration ceremony, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan also announced the agenda for the 1st CPA Conference, stating that on February 7 and 8, Punjab Assembly will host the biggest CPA Conference in Pakistan’s history. The conference will discuss key issues such as smog, terrorism, peace, and regional affairs.

He highlighted that this first Asia and Southeast Asia Regional CPA Conference will open new doors for global parliamentary cooperation. The conference is a golden opportunity to strengthen Pakistan’s parliamentary identity and international parliamentary collaboration. Hosting this international event is a great honor, not only for Punjab but for the entire country. The CPA Conference will welcome more than 100 parliamentary representatives from 20 countries, including 13 speakers, 4 deputy speakers, and one chairman. The conference will be held in the historic Punjab Assembly chamber, with an agenda focused on parliamentary democracy, transparent legislation, and accountability. Delegates from Sri Lanka, the Maldives, the UK, Zambia, Malaysia, and other countries will participate in the discussions.

On this occasion, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan also stated, “We have opened the assembly for the public and increased facilities. The construction of the media hall is a step in this direction to provide journalists with a comfortable and professional environment."

Speaking about environmental challenges, the speaker mentioned that Lahore is facing a severe pollution crisis, and the government has allocated Rs10 billion to tackle this issue. We will learn from global models, such as those in China and Los Angeles, to find effective solutions, he said.

During the ceremony, President Lahore Press Club, Arshad Ansari, praised Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan for fulfilling the long-standing demand of journalists and always supporting them.

The event was attended by prominent assembly members including Zakia Shah Nawaz, Sarah Ahmad, Ahmad Khan Laghari, Secretary General Punjab Assembly Chaudhry Aamir Habib, President and Secretary of Punjab Assembly Press Gallery Committee Khawaja Naseer Ahmad, Adnan Sheikh, and other distinguished guests. Concluding the event, Speaker Punjab Assembly stated the media hall is for all of you; this is your home, and we hope it will promote positive and constructive journalism.