Merit, transparency and accountability are indispensable for good governance, Speaker Punjab Assembly

Economic stability is not possible without political stability, education, health and law and order should be national priorities, Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan

Faisalabad (94 News City Reporter) Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan has said that the basic requirement of good governance is merit, transparency, justice, rule of law and effective accountability. In government appointments and administrative decisions, clear and fair criteria should be adopted rather than one's likes and dislikes so that every qualified person has an equal opportunity to advance. Achieving economic stability without political stability is difficult, while correct determination of national priorities and institutional reforms are necessary to improve the education, health and law and order sectors. "Good Governance" at the University of Faisalabad: He was addressing the interactive session organized on the theme of 'Inclusion, Diversity and Institutional Effectiveness'. Speaker Punjab Assembly said that Pakistan is facing several challenges including terrorism, political instability, education problems and provision of quality medical facilities. In order to deal with these problems, all the concerned institutions have to fulfill their constitutional responsibilities and show collective responsibility for national development.

Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan said that good governance is not just a name for government initiatives but a system in which citizens' rights are protected, they are provided with quality education and health facilities and state institutions are accountable to the people. The merit system should be based on transparent, fair and predictable principles and not on the discretion of any individual. He said that ensuring justice and impartiality in decisions and effective accountability for exercise of powers are basic requirements of good governance.

Speaker Punjab Assembly said that special attention needs to be paid to the education sector in Pakistan. Children staying out of schools and students dropping out during the educational stages are major challenges for the future. Likewise, access to quality medical facilities, especially in rural areas, is imperative to improve health services. He said that terrorism has affected various sections of the country, therefore it is the main responsibility of the state to ensure the safety of citizens and the rule of law.

He said that in a democratic system, public mandate and parliament have a central position. Elected representatives are accountable to the public, while parliamentary oversight is an effective means of evaluating government performance. In the Punjab Assembly, government initiatives and performance of departments are reviewed through questions, standing committees and other parliamentary forums. Scrutiny of budget, government expenditure and audit reports also play an important role in strengthening the accountability system.

Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan said that the purpose of legislation is not only to pass laws but also to effectively implement them and evaluate their practical results. Institutional performance can be improved by reviewing the effectiveness of laws and policies through parliamentary committees.

He said that comprehensive development is not possible without the effective participation of women, religious minorities, disabled people and deprived sections in decision-making. A strong system of local governments is also important for good governance. Article 140-A of the Constitution provides the basic principles regarding devolution of powers to local governments and elected representatives, while effective local bodies can play a vital role in solving local problems of the people.

Speaker Punjab Assembly welcomed the dialogue and interest of students on the subject of good governance in universities and said that youth should form opinions on national issues based on authentic information and research. Advancing dissent through responsible dialogue and applying academic research to improve legislation and public policies is the need of the hour.

He also appreciated the University of Faisalabad's program "Innovative Pakistan 4.0" and said that it is important to link the creativity, research and innovation of the youth to national development. He said that strong democratic institutions, transparent decisions, effective parliamentary oversight and accountability to the people are the basis of good governance.