Lahore:Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan has stressed that merit, the equitable distribution of resources and meaningful youth participation in national affairs are essential for Pakistan’s progress.
He said this while addressing a national dialogue conference titled ‘Generations in Transition: Challenges, Aspirations and the Future of Pakistan’ at the University of Lahore on Saturday.
Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan emphasized the need to recognise young people’s views, identity and self-esteem. He said political leadership must lead by example through practical action rather than speeches alone. Engaging young people in dialogue on national and social issues, he added, could help bring about meaningful change.
Expressing concern over poverty and economic inequality, he called for serious national debate on the fair distribution of resources and authority, the promotion of merit and equal opportunities for advancement.
On digital education, Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan said equipping young people with digital skills was increasingly important in the age of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
He stressed that laptop schemes should be complemented by initiatives to strengthen students’ practical skills and improve their employment prospects.
He also called for better basic facilities in public schools, wider access to digital education and research-based policymaking.
Highlighting federal harmony, he said trust, mutual respect and a sense of partnership among all federating units were essential for national cohesion.
The Speaker also stressed that government initiatives should be evaluated on the basis of tangible outcomes and their impact on people’s lives.
Universities and research institutions, he said, could support evidence-based policy-making and help ensure the effective use of public resources and better outcomes for public welfare.