Pakistan will respond firmly to regional aggression: Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan

LAHORE (Dunya News) – Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Ahmad Khan warned that Pakistan will respond decisively if any actor in the region resorts to intimidation or aggression.

Speaking to reporters in Lahore, he urged political actors to restore constructive dialogue and refrain from turning legislative forums into grounds for protest.

Malik Ahmad Khan praised Prime Minister’s outreach for reopening channels of communication, calling dialogue “the only solution” and essential for peace and economic growth. He warned that when provincial leaders refuse to engage with the federal government, national foundations can be shaken, and stressed that even after conflicts, issues are often resolved through talks.

The speaker reiterated accusations that India is involved in terrorism inside Pakistan, saying Islamabad has presented evidence to the world and demonstrated both diplomatic and operational superiority. He alleged that India funds proxy groups in Balochistan and uses covert networks to carry out attacks, and questioned the credibility of accusations made without timely evidence, referring to the Pulwama amd Pahalgam incident and noting that months passed without proof.

Malik Ahmad Khan condemned the propagation of a warlike atmosphere, attributing it to Indian policy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and emphasized Pakistan’s preference for peace. “Who likes the smell of war, blood or gunpowder? We must work together to make the region peaceful,” Malik stated.

On domestic issues, he welcomed the ban on Tehreek-e-Labbaik (TLP), arguing that no negotiations should be held with terrorist organisations and that coercive wings must be restrained. He expressed hope that upcoming Pakistan-Afghan talks will be productive and reiterated that Pakistan holds evidence of terrorism linked to both India and Afghanistan.