Pakistan emerging from challenges, advancing towards development: Ayaz Sadiq

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Feb, 2026) National Assembly (NA) Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has said that Pakistan was emerging from

difficult times and moving towards stability and development.

Addressing a ceremony to inaugurate various development projects in Lakhodair, here on Sunday,

he highlighted major development allocations for NA-120 and reiterated the country’s commitment to peace, strong defence, and economic recovery.

He said that all development schemes proposed for the area had been approved by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. He said that the leadership was committed to improving residents’ living conditions. He added that the chief minister had allocated unprecedented funds for the constituency.

He said that more funds had been given to this constituency than any other area in Punjab. He said work worth Rs770 million would be carried out in the area, while Rs 38 billion were being spent in NA-120 overall. He added that due to e-tendering, Rs200 million had been saved, ensuring transparency and efficient utilisation of public money.

The speaker, referring to the country’s overall situation, said Pakistan had gone through severe challenges but the situation was now improving. He said Pakistan maintained relations with countries around the world and desired peace, not war. However, he added, when India initiated aggression, Pakistan responded firmly, which raised the nation’s head with pride. He said Pakistan had exercised restraint after the first attack but delivered a strong response to the second, asserting that the country’s international standing had improved significantly.

He said terrorism imposed on Pakistan would be dealt with decisively, adding that those involved in terrorist activities would receive a strong response. He said Pakistan had consistently called on Afghanistan to take effective measures to curb terrorism and expressed hope that such commitments would be honoured. He emphasised that Pakistan continued to act with caution, responsibility, and restraint in addressing these challenges.

The speaker said special teams had been constituted to prevent price hikes during Ramzan, saying that traders often increased prices during the holy month. He noted that inflation had reached high levels, but the government was actively working to stabilise prices.

He expressed optimism that rising exports would create more employment opportunities and help reduce poverty. He added that the efforts of the prime minister and Punjab chief minister were visible and appreciated by all. He observed that inflation was a global phenomenon and not limited to Pakistan, claiming that in Pakistan, by the grace of Allah, no one slept hungry, unlike in parts of Europe and the United States.

Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq added that there was increasing international interest in procuring Pakistani defence equipment, pointing out that Pakistan had successfully faced a much stronger adversary. He said that while nations inevitably face challenges, Pakistan had overcome numerous difficulties and was now progressing with resilience and determination.

Punjab Minister for Social Welfare and Bait-ul-Maal Sohail Shaukat Butt, along with other prominent local figures and community leaders, attended the ceremony.