Terrorism must be eliminated to achieve economic growth: PA Speaker
LAHORE: The Speaker of Punjab Assembly, Malik Ahmad Khan, has said that Pakistan’s economic progress depends on sustained efforts to promote industrial development, technological innovation, investment and peace, stressing that terrorism must be eliminated to ensure a secure environment for economic growth.
He was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the 10th Pakistan Industrial Exhibition at the Expo Centre Lahore, which will continue till November 16.
As many as 156 Chinese and Pakistani companies from different industrial sectors are participating in the event.
The exhibition is being organized by the Everest International whose CEO Yusuf Fa, Director COMSATS University Lahore Campus Dr. Qaiser and Deputy GM Everest Zishan Hashmi and others were present on this occasion.
The Speaker said the country’s businesses and institutions were moving in the right direction, describing technological advancement and industrial improvement as essential pathways to national development.
He also appreciated the business community for considering the welfare of underprivileged segments of society and emphasised that the poor must not be exploited.
Referring to the growing challenge of smog, Malik Ahmad Khan said tackling air pollution was not a one-day exercise but required years of consistent efforts.
Highlighting the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in transforming medicine, agriculture and industry, he said that Pakistani and Chinese stakeholders were working together to improve industrial productivity and introduce modern technologies.
The Speaker viewed that economic development could not move forward in an environment of terrorism and insecurity.
Recalling the devastating impact of terrorist attacks on industry, he observed that a single attack could severely damage industrial activity and investor confidence.
Every Pakistani investing in the country was a national hero, he added.
He paid tribute to the government and Field Marshal for their efforts, asserting that terrorism had to be eliminated without ambiguity.
“Someone picking up a gun cannot be considered a political actor,” he said, adding that terrorism had no political solution and those involved in violence had to be dealt with firmly.
Questioning the distinction between so-called good and bad Taliban, he said there should be no room for such distinctions and that terrorism must be completely eradicated. He acknowledged that the results of difficult national decisions did not emerge immediately, but stressed that Pakistan could no longer afford to tolerate terrorism at the cost of its future.
Discussing democratic governance and constitutional matters, Malik Ahmad Khan said democracy was fundamentally about dialogue and consultation. The Constitution clearly defined the role and responsibilities of Parliament and provincial assemblies, he said.
According to him, public opinion was an important consideration in decisions concerning the creation of new provinces, questioning how Parliament could proceed with such a move if the people concerned were not in favour of it. He emphasised that elected representatives must respect public sentiment while exercising their constitutional responsibilities.
On relations with India, the Speaker said confrontation with Pakistan was largely driven by the political thinking of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose approach encouraged divisions among people. Pakistan’s differences with India were not necessarily permanent, he added.
Emphasising the importance of regional economic cooperation, he said bilateral trade had the potential to transform the economic landscape. He reiterated that the role of Parliament and provincial assemblies under the Constitution was significant and must be respected.
Yousuf Fa, CEO of Everest International Expo (China), speaking to media said that the exhibition had served as a bridge between the Pakistani industries and Chinese manufacturing expertise since 2017. The 10th edition would further strengthen cooperation in technology transfer, local manufacturing, investment and employment generation, he added. He observed that AI, robotics and automation were reshaping global industries, and Pakistan had considerable potential to benefit from these technological developments.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026