Dialogue, research foundation of strong society: PA speaker

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th Feb, 2026) Punjab Assembly (PA) Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan has said that dialogue and research were the foundation of a strong society. He added that improvement in the justice system was the responsibility of lawmakers.

He expressed these views while addressing a special session titled “Speaker and the Public” held at the historic building of the Provincial Assembly of the Punjab, here on Wednesday, where he engaged in an interactive dialogue with students and teachers from public and private educational institutions as well as social security workers.

The speaker said societies were not built on the edge of a sword but on words, reason and dialogue. He stressed that research must precede opinion-making, noting that opportunities for research had expanded significantly in the modern era due to artificial intelligence and other technologies. He urged the youth to base their views on verified information rather than unsubstantiated narratives circulating on social media.

Describing the justice system as a fundamental pillar of the state, he said millions of cases were pending in courts, causing delays in the delivery of justice.

He stated that elected representatives must ensure an effective working environment for the judiciary and introduce necessary reforms through legislation.

Referring to the newly introduced public petitions system in the assembly, he said citizens would be able to submit signed petitions, which would be forwarded to relevant departments through standing committees for resolution of issues.

On student unions, he supported their restoration, saying they could serve as a platform for dialogue, tolerance and leadership development. He added that legislation had been enacted requiring universities to provide scholarships to 10 per cent of their students.

Expressing concern over rising incidents of suicide in educational institutions, he announced the formation of a parliamentary committee to call vice chancellors and ensure measures, including psychological counselling, to address students’ mental health challenges.

He said that the Primary responsibility of public representatives was to resolve constituency issues and ensure that the House functioned as a centre of serious dialogue and constructive legislation.