Lawyers played key role in democracy, says Governor Punjab

RAWALPINDI, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 18th May, 2026) Governor Punjab, Sardar Saleem Haider Khan, on Monday said that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and the lawyers' community had played a significant role in the restoration and strengthening of democracy in the country.

Addressing a ceremony organized by the District Bar Association Rawalpindi, the governor said that former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had laid the foundation for Pakistan’s nuclear programme, which he termed a guarantee of peace.

He further said that the country’s political and military leadership had raised Pakistan’s image globally.

'Pakistan has gained greater diplomatic relevance after playing a mediation role during the Iran–US tensions', he said, adding that the country now counts among influential global players.

He said under the leadership of Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir, India had faced setbacks, and now New Delhi was increasingly isolated on the international stage. He also expressed confidence that the struggle of the people of Kashmir and their great sacrifices would succeed in the form of the freedom of Kashmir.

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He stressed the need for self-reliance, improvement in the tax system and creating a better environment for foreign investment. He added that efforts were required to address the issues of the common man.

Speaking on the occasion, Azad Jammu and Kashmir Prime Minister Raja Faisal Mumtaz Rathore said that the rule of law was essential for national development, adding that societies often deviated when legal principles were applied to individuals themselves.

Bar leaders, including Rawalpindi Bar President Tariq Mahmood Sadiq Awan, highlighted issues of lawyers, including residential facilities, and announced plans to construct a free hostel for outstation lawyers, with its inauguration expected this year.

He also assured that the Rawalpindi District Courts would not be shifted, while proposing infrastructure improvements, including pedestrian facilitation near the District Council Gate.