Speaker Punjab Assembly Calls for Establishment of Provincial Law Commission to Strengthen Legislative Reforms

By Farzana Chaudhry
Lahore, Pakistan
LAHORE: Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan has proposed the establishment of a Punjab Law Commission aimed at promoting evidence-based legislation, strengthening democratic governance, and improving the quality of laws in the province.
He expressed these views while addressing a high-level consultative session titled “Assembly and Bar” held at the historic Old Assembly Hall of the Punjab Assembly. The event brought together representatives of the Pakistan Bar Council, Punjab Bar Council, senior lawyers, parliamentarians, and policymakers to discuss legislative reforms, judicial efficiency, and enhanced cooperation between Parliament and the legal fraternity.
The Speaker said modern legislatures must evolve beyond traditional lawmaking and become dynamic institutions capable of addressing emerging governance challenges and public policy requirements. He emphasized that sustainable governance depends on legislation grounded in professional expertise, public consultation, and practical realities.
Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan noted that the legal community possesses valuable institutional knowledge and practical experience that should be systematically integrated into the legislative process. He proposed the creation of a Punjab Law Commission tasked with conducting legislative research, reviewing existing laws, recommending reforms, and providing policy guidance in key sectors such as health, education, local government, urban development, and public administration.
He further stated that the spirit of the Eighteenth Constitutional Amendment requires stronger provincial institutions and empowered local governments capable of delivering effective public services through responsive legal and administrative frameworks.
The Speaker reaffirmed the Punjab Assembly’s commitment to strengthening parliamentary oversight and enhancing legislative performance through its Standing Committees, which play a vital role in policy review, public accountability, and governance reforms. He invited Bar Councils and Bar Associations to actively contribute to legislative deliberations by presenting professional recommendations and policy proposals through institutional parliamentary channels.
Speaking on the occasion, Pir Masood Chishti, Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Bar Council, highlighted the legal profession’s role in advancing justice sector reforms. He stressed the need to improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency within the criminal justice system and called for continued reforms in investigation and prosecution mechanisms to enhance access to justice.
Vice Chairman Punjab Bar Council Khawaja Qaiser Butt outlined ongoing efforts to improve legal education standards, strengthen professional capacity within the legal profession, and promote institutional integrity. He welcomed the Punjab Assembly’s engagement with the legal community, describing it as an important step toward participatory and consultative lawmaking.
Parliamentary Secretary for Health Rushda Lodhi underscored the importance of establishing a structured mechanism for regular engagement between the Punjab Assembly and the legal fraternity. She proposed the formation of a joint consultative forum to facilitate expert legal input on legislative and policy matters.
Participants unanimously agreed that stronger institutional collaboration between Parliament and the legal community is essential for promoting the rule of law, strengthening democratic institutions, and ensuring that legislation remains responsive to the evolving needs of society.
The session concluded with a shared commitment to fostering greater cooperation between the Punjab Assembly and the legal fraternity in pursuit of transparent governance, legislative excellence, and a more accessible, efficient, and citizen-centric justice system.