Sacrifices in War Against Terrorism Unforgettable; Political Stability, Rule of Law Essential for Lasting Peace: Speaker

Bench and Bar Pillars of Justice System; Administrative Reforms Needed Alongside Judicial Reforms: Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan

By Muhammad Shahzad
Lahore, Pakistan

DEPALPUR: Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan has said that Pakistan’s challenges require equal attention to national security, political stability, the rule of law and timely delivery of justice.

He said the Pakistan Army, law-enforcement agencies and the people of Pakistan had made immense sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, which could never be forgotten.

The Speaker, accompanied by Punjab Law Minister Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan, inaugurated lawyers’ chambers at the new Depalpur Judicial Complex and addressed a ceremony held on the occasion.

Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan said Pakistan had been facing the serious challenge of terrorism for several decades, with innocent citizens, students, worshippers, lawyers and people from various sections of society losing their lives in terrorist attacks. Officers and personnel of the armed forces and law-enforcement agencies had also made great sacrifices for the country’s peace and security, he added.

He said an effective response to terrorism was essential, but lasting peace also required political stability, the rule of law, effective institutions and timely access to justice. Protecting the country’s security and sovereignty was a national responsibility, he said, adding that a strong, stable and constitutional system was equally important.

Speaking about the role of the bench and bar, the Speaker said both were fundamental pillars of the justice system and that effective delivery of justice required close cooperation between the two. Alongside judicial reforms, administrative reforms were also necessary to ensure timely justice and efficient public services, he added.

Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan said the purpose of devolving authority in a democratic system was to enable elected representatives to address public issues and ensure effective governance. The Constitution defines the powers and responsibilities of state institutions and different tiers of government; therefore, all institutions should