LAHORE:Speaker of the Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmad Khan while addressing a ceremony at a local hotel stated that the false allegations of terrorism leveled by India against Pakistan are a blatant violation of international laws.
India targeted civilian populations in Pakistan without any evidence; despite this, the world acknowledged Pakistan's military capability and diplomatic foresight. Expressing his firm belief in democracy, PA Speaker said that he is a part of the democratic process and has faced both success and failure in this journey.
He further said that the Pakistan armed forces and public achieved exemplary success in this brief war and they deserve greetings for it. PA Speaker said war is not a solution to any issue, but India's Hindutva-driven ideology has become a threat to the peace of the entire region.
Pakistan is not willing to accept anyone’s hegemony in the region and has always promoted peace. The Speaker rejected the Indian PM's accusations regarding the Pahalgam incident, stating that Pakistan has sacrificed more than 80,000 precious lives in the war against terrorism, yet no one tells the world who the killers are.
Referring to the Indus Waters Treaty, Malik Ahmad Khan said that India's threats to cut off water supplies are unserious. This treaty has remained intact despite wars between Pakistan and India and is internationally recognised.
It cannot be suspended unilaterally. The Speaker said that the freedom of expression is the soul of democracy; however, this freedom should not be used against national security and the integrity of the country.
Only by strengthening the Parliament and elected representatives can the system be fortified. He emphasised that he strongly opposed restrictions on journalists and called for open debate on the matter.
He remarked that during the recent conflict between India and Pakistan, he critically observed Indian media. Pakistani journalists performed exceptionally well under challenging circumstances, whereas Indian journalists, in their pursuit of sensationalism, destroyed the essence of journalism. Pakistani journalists displayed great composure and wisdom during this war.
He said no political party should be allowed to gain popularity by criticising the armed forces. He added that the abolition of institutions like NAB could not materialise due to the intervention of the judiciary at the time. He reminded that former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi had said that if he tried to abolish NAB, the chief justice would have his throat slit.
Speaker Punjab Assembly further stated that the same parties currently criticising the military which had in the past come into power with its support. Referring to the economic situation, he said that negotiations with the IMF are ongoing, but the economy cannot be strengthened unless the public pays taxes.
He said CM Maryam Nawaz has redirected resources towards the common man through her Clean and Green Punjab initiative. Politicians often avoid taxation to protect their vote banks. In conclusion, the Speaker emphasised that activating and strengthening the local government system is the need of the hour to lay the foundation for economic stability.
