Sit-ins, protests adversely affect business, economy: PA speaker

LAHORE  –  Punjab Assembly Speaker Muhammad Ahmed Khan has stated that sit-ins and protests negatively impact business, educational activities, and the economy. Addressing an exhibition of poultry-related products at the provincial capital’s Expo Centre, Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan remarked that an increase in business activities would improve the national economy and create employment opportunities for the people. He emphasized that political stability is essential for business growth and investment; the solution to political issues lies in dialogue rather than the use of force, and all political forces should come forward for talks. The Punjab Assembly Speaker expressed his pleasure at visiting the exhibition, noting the significant economic activity taking place and the participation of individuals from diverse backgrounds, not just investors.

He added that such activities boost investment in the country and expand business opportunities. Muhammad Ahmed Khan stated that further business opportunities are expected to emerge across various sectors in the near future; as business prospers, the economy will strengthen, and people will secure jobs. He emphasised that the continuity of business activities is crucial for the country’s economic stability and the eradication of poverty. Criticizing political protests and sit-ins, the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly stated that political instability harms business, the closure of highways and motorways disrupts economic activities, while protests have also kept many schools shut for days. He noted that if one were to tally the days lost to sit-ins over the past two to three years, the extent to which these activities have consumed time would become evident.

Muhammad Ahmed Khan questioned the nature of a political right that results in the closure of businesses and schools, noting that protest rallies sometimes escalate into brawls and physical violence.

The Punjab Assembly Speaker remarked that the country has been grappling with such conditions since 2014. Addressing political opponents, he said that if the goal is merely to demonstrate manpower, he too could gather large crowds on an hour’s notice in his village or areas like Khuddian; however, he emphasized that the real priority is solving the country’s problems rather than simply amassing crowds.

Malik Muhammad Ahmed Khan asserted that there is no alternative to dialogue for resolving political differences and urged all relevant political leaders to come forward for talks.

He maintained that imposing one’s will through force is impossible and warned that, through the politics of protest and confrontation, political forces are effectively limiting their own scope and influence. He stated that Pakistan is securing major international agreements and the capabilities of the Pakistan Army are recognized globally; addressing the challenges facing the country requires a focus on political stability and economic growth.

Commending the Punjab government’s initiatives, the Speaker of the Punjab Assembly expressed appreciation for Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s measures; he described the “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” (My Roof, My Home) scheme as a praiseworthy project and noted that the Punjab government had recently received an award for this housing initiative.

Describing former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif as a statesman, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan remarked that the entire nation currently looks to one figure with expectations, Mian Nawaz Sharif. He also welcomed Mahmood Achakzai’s statement regarding his intention to hold talks with Nawaz Sharif.

In conclusion, he emphasized that strengthening the national economy and eradicating poverty should be national priorities. To achieve this, it is essential for political forces to choose dialogue over confrontation and to foster a conducive environment for expanding business activities, investment, and employment opportunities across the country.

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