Opp narrative aligns with India stance: PA Speaker

LAHORE: Punjab Assembly (PA) Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan has strongly criticised the behaviour of a particular political party, accusing it of adopting a narrative that aligns with India’s stance, against the national interest.

Talking to a seminar held in connection with World Environment Day, here on Saturday, the Speaker said that the opposition’s conduct during the ongoing budget session is marked by sloganeering, superficial speeches, and a complete lack of seriousness.

The behaviour being presented in the name of protest is nothing short of hooliganism, he said, adding that the nation is closely observing the opposition’s inability to differentiate between genuine democratic protest and disruptive antics. It was clearly explained on the Assembly floor yesterday that protest has its place, but it must not cross into chaos, he remarked.

Turning to environmental issues, Malik Ahmad Khan expressed deep concern over the growing impact of climate change. He stated that over the last four decades, once fertile agricultural lands have deteriorated, especially in rural areas, due to unregulated use of plastic and lack of awareness about its harmful effects. In villages, people routinely carry milk, yogurt, and groceries in plastic bags without knowing how severely it damages the environment and health, he said.

Citing Kasur as an example, the Speaker noted that in a 50-kilometer radius, vegetation has nearly vanished, groundwater levels have plummeted, and young individuals are increasingly falling prey to chronic diseases such as cancer.

“People lack the financial means to take corrective actions on their own,” he emphasized, “which is why it is imperative for the government to take bold and decisive steps. ” He expressed optimism that Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz would impose a complete ban on plastic, recalling her record of making firm and effective decisions for public welfare.

In response to a question regarding the Assembly proceedings, the Speaker reiterated that none of the budget session speeches by the opposition held any substance, and that the platform was being misused for political point-scoring rather than meaningful legislation.

“The Assembly should serve as a forum for lawmaking, not slogan shouting,” he stressed. He praised the Clean Punjab Programme as a visionary initiative that would benefit both rural and urban communities, drawing parallels with Beijing’s long-term success in improving urban cleanliness.

“It took Beijing ten years to become a clean city. With consistency and commitment, we can also bring significant change,” he asserted. On national matters, the Speaker welcomed the appointment of General Syed Asim Munir as Field Marshal, stating that it is a commendable decision by the government and Prime Minister of Pakistan, and one that has been widely acknowledged both at home and internationally.