Punjab Assembly, the provincial legislature of Punjab, fulfils the legislative function and provides public representatives with a platform to elect their leader and raise concerns of prime importance regarding the province’s people. The custodian of the house is known as the provincial speaker, with special prerogatives given in the Constitution of Pakistan to conduct the business of the assembly. There have been many notable speakers in Punjab’s history but the current speaker and his performance surpasses them all.
PML-N’s Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan assumed charge as the 22nd Speaker of the Punjab Assembly on 24 February 2024. He belongs to a well-known political family from Kasur, who have contributed greatly to our democratic system. His father Malik Muhammad Ali Khan was a successful politician, having been elected as the Deputy Chairman Senate. As a law graduate from Buckingham University and a seasoned legal practitioner, Malik Ahmad Khan is well versed in the law and adept at managing the matters of the house, with a focus on enhancing its democratic values.
As speaker, he runs the house smoothly by allowing parliamentarians to add their remarks and question any act, irrespective of whether they belong to the government or the opposition. He established many working groups of parliamentarians from all parties to collaborate for the public’s welfare and to scrutinise the relevant department’s performance. Recognising the pressing need, he recently established a task force of members of the provincial assembly (MPAs) to work specifically on sustainable development corresponding with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The task force’s recommendations will pave the way towards sustainability. Their interpretations will allow relevant ministries and departments to upgrade their policies according to UN-given standards, ensuring swift progress for the people of Punjab.
For the first time in history, the first joint CPA Asia and CPA South-East Asia Regional Conference will be held in the Punjab Assembly in February 2025.
The Parliamentary Development Unit (PDU) is another body formed under the speaker’s patronage. With the evolving needs of our society, it is imperative to enhance parliamentary practices continually. The unit will supplement legislative processes within the assembly, promote accountability, engage the public, and use this unique platform to spearhead special initiatives in line with the spirit of a deliberative and inclusive democratic system. The initiative hopes to bridge the gap between civil society and lawmakers and explore and develop avenues for cooperation that align with emerging trends in parliamentary practices worldwide.
In 2024, the speaker participated in the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) General Assembly in New South Wales during the topical debate ‘Votes vs Likes – the Role of Parliament in Strengthening Democratic Resilience in an Age of Fake News and Synthetic Media.’ On 3 November 2024, Malik Ahmad Khan embarked on a seven-day trip to Australia to attend the CPA conference. This prestigious gathering brought together parliamentarians from across the Commonwealth to discuss key issues, share legislative practices, and promote democratic governance. The conference covered climate change, economic development, and strengthening parliamentary ties among member countries. Malik Ahmed Khan shared his insights to combat the problems faced by member countries. On the sidelines of the conference, Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan held a meeting with Secretary General CPA Stephen Twigg. Twigg appreciated the initiatives taken by the speaker to strengthen democracy and promote sustainability.
For the first time in history, the first joint CPA Asia and CPA South-East Asia Regional Conference will be held in the Punjab Assembly in February 2025. Parliamentary groups from member countries will join the session in the Punjab Assembly led by Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan. This will enhance Pakistan’s international image, instilling confidence in the developing world to strengthen ties with Pakistan, while helping to counter negative perceptions and showcase our true potential. Malik Ahmad Khan deserves credit for securing such a landmark opportunity.
Under the progressive leadership of Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan, the Punjab Assembly has witnessed groundbreaking reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency. A specialised committee has revised the outdated Rules of Procedure through rigorous research and discussion. The new framework mandates forming standing committees for each ministry, empowered to address matters ranging from legislation to public affairs, with the compulsory inclusion of at least two women parliamentarians in each committee.
Under the progressive leadership of Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan, the Punjab Assembly has witnessed groundbreaking reforms aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency.
For the first time, assembly proceedings are broadcast live without censorship, fostering public trust and awareness about parliamentary processes. Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan has also introduced thematic parliamentary caucuses to address critical issues like climate change, local governance, minority rights, women’s empowerment, and border area development. A strict code of conduct has also been implemented, barring violence and verbal abuse in the assembly. A dedicated committee on law reforms, chaired by the speaker, is actively working on pending matters from the 18th Amendment, reflecting a commitment to meaningful legislative progress and public service.
With the implementation of these initiatives, the Punjab Assembly is well on its to creating history as the best-performing provincial legislature in the country. Its credit goes to Malik Ahmad Khan.
The writer is a political activist dedicated to advancing SDG implementation, with a strategic focus on nutrition governance and food safety reforms.