LAHORE: Asserting that the determination of Pakistan’s global identity remains the sole prerogative of its own people, Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan declared on Thursday that the nation must intentionally project itself as a peace-loving, pacifist state rather than a warlike entity to secure sustainable stability and international respect.

Addressing a national dialogue titled “Pakistan and Global Peace” at Governor House, the speaker emphasised that a critical, historical review of the country’s past involvement in foreign conflicts is long overdue to discern which engagements were vital for survival and which stemmed from flawed domestic and foreign policies.

Reflecting on the heavy toll exacted by over three decades of terrorism, during which entire generations grew up witnessing devastating attacks on schools, hospitals, courts, and places of worship, he noted that while the country stood on the frontline against extremism, it is imperative to extract lessons from past missteps to chart a secure path forward.

He maintained that true national unity cannot be externally sourced but must be cultivated internally through federal cohesion, cross-provincial political representation, and an unyielding commitment to justice.

Turning to domestic governance, Mr Khan stressed that institutional self-reflection and comprehensive reforms are essential to navigate Pakistan out of its present economic and political crises.

Underscoring the paramount authority of the legislature, the Punjab Assembly speaker affirmed that the constitutional mandate conferred upon Parliament must remain absolute and uninterrupted, arguing that any perceived gaps in the capacity of elected representatives cannot serve as a pretext to restrict parliamentary powers. He said durable peace extends beyond the mere absence of conflict, relying instead on constitutional supremacy, the rule of law, robust public trust, and strong state institutions.

The speaker urged the state to leverage its strategically vital geography for regional commerce, investment, and shared prosperity rather than perpetual conflict, while highlighting the country’s formidable contributions to global stability through UN peacekeeping missions, where 183 Pakistani troops have laid down their lives in the service of international peace.

In a joint resolution passed at the conference, leaders across the political, social, and religious spectrum unanimously declared that Pakistan has transformed into a critical global power, urging the state to update its internal and external narratives to reflect its growing role as a mediator in major international conflicts.

Organised by the Pakistan Peace and Amity Foundation in collaboration with the International Research Council for Religious Affairs, the conference brought together diverse stakeholders who collectively commended the country’s civil and military leadership for diplomatic breakthroughs.

Published in Dawn, October 2nd, 2026