LAHORE: Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan on Wednesday stressed the importance of constitutional supremacy, the rule of law, public accountability and the protection of citizens’ fundamental rights, saying these principles are essential for Pakistan’s democratic and prosperous future.
He was addressing a seminar titled “Formation of Vehari: History, Law and Public Awareness” organised by the Vehari District Bar Association as part of the district’s golden jubilee celebrations.
Punjab Law Minister Rana Muhammad Iqbal, former federal law minister Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan, members of the Punjab Assembly Mian Saqib Khurshid, Amjad Ali Javed, Malik Nosher Ahmad Langrial and Chaudhry Muhammad Yousaf Kaselia, Multan Commissioner Amir Karim Khan, former MPA Mian Irfan Daulatana, Pakistan Bar Council Vice Chairman Pir Masood Chishti, Punjab Bar Council Vice Chairman Khawaja Qaiser Butt and District Bar Association President Rao Shiraz Ahmad attended the event.
Congratulating the district bar association on completing 50 years, the speaker said the legal fraternity had always played a pivotal role in strengthening constitutional governance, upholding the rule of law and promoting public awareness. He said citizens had the constitutional right to hold their elected representatives accountable for their performance during their five-year term, adding that the Constitution envisaged the exercise of state authority through elected representatives.
Mr Khan said development was not limited to the construction of roads, hospitals, schools and public buildings, but also included ensuring citizens’ constitutional, political and social rights.
Referring to rural development, the Speaker said Punjab’s villages, once known for their beauty and prosperity, had gradually faced challenges related to sanitation, drainage and civic amenities. However, he said, the provincial government’s Suthra Punjab programme had laid the foundation for improving sanitation services in both rural and urban areas.
He appreciated Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for initiating measures aimed at improving sanitation, clean drinking water, sewerage systems and other basic civic facilities across Punjab, adding that similar development projects were progressing in Vehari district.
Earlier, Punjab Law Minister Mr Iqbal assured the legal community that their issues would be addressed.
Mr Ahsan recalled that he was serving as the minister for planning and development when Vehari was granted district status in 1976. He said late Mian Khurshid Anwar had strongly advocated for the district’s creation and was delighted when the demand was fulfilled, adding that good work should always be acknowledged regardless of political considerations.
Multan Commissioner Mr Khan said the administration was prepared to resolve the issue of a lawyers’ housing colony in accordance with legal requirements and assured full cooperation.
Speakers from the legal fraternity and political leadership highlighted the historical significance of Vehari’s creation as a district, praised the role of the bar in promoting constitutional values and urged the government to address long-standing demands of lawyers, including the establishment of a lawyers’ colony, allocation of land for chambers and enhanced financial support.
Published in Dawn, July 2nd, 2026