Golden Jubilee Celebrations Kick Off in Vehari
The golden jubilee celebrations of district Vehari formally commenced with a prestigious seminar organised at the District Bar Association Vehari on Wednesday. The event was attended by Punjab Assembly Speaker Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, Provincial Law Minister Rana Muhammad Iqbal Khan, senior lawyer Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan, Commissioner Multan Division Rana Aamir Karim Khan, Vice Chairman Pakistan Bar Council Pir Masood Chishti, Vice Chairman Punjab Bar Council Khawaja Qaiser Butt, Members of the Provincial Assembly, lawyers, and prominent personalities from various walks of life. A commemorative Golden Jubilee cake was also cut on the occasion.
Speaker Stresses Rule of Law and Accountability
Addressing the seminar, Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan said that real development is not confined to the construction of roads, hospitals, and schools, but depends on the rule of law, respect for institutions, and effective public accountability. He said elected representatives are answerable to the people, and providing basic civic facilities is the government’s responsibility, not a favour. According to Khan, the true measure of progress lies in how institutions function and how public funds are utilized for the welfare of citizens.
Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan Reflects on District's Creation
Barrister Aitzaz Ahsan said the creation of district Vehari aimed to devolve administrative powers to the grassroots, adding that he had been serving as Minister for Planning and Development when the district was established. Commenting on national and international affairs, he appreciated Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his role in helping prevent a recent conflict from escalating. He also expressed concern over the protection of agricultural land and the impact of sugar mills on farming. Ahsan noted that preserving agricultural resources is crucial for the region's economy and food security.
Commissioner Assures Support for Legal Fraternity
Multan Division Commissioner Rana Aamir Karim Khan described Vehari as his own district and said it was an honour to participate in the Golden Jubilee celebrations. He assured the legal fraternity of full cooperation in resolving their longstanding issues and stressed the need to review the district’s achievements and challenges over the past fifty years to plan for a better future. Khan emphasized that collective efforts are required to address infrastructure gaps and improve service delivery.
MPAs Pay Tribute to Founders
The seminar was also addressed by MPAs Mian Saqib Khurshid, Malik Nosher Langrial, Muhammad Yousaf Kaselia, and Amjad Javed, former MPA Mian Irfan Aqeel Daultana, Vice Chairman Pakistan Bar Council Pir Masood Chishti, Vice Chairman Punjab Bar Council Khawaja Qaiser Butt, District Bar President Rao Shiraz Raza, and General Secretary Matloob Hussain Joiya. Mian Saqib Khurshid paid tribute to his late father Khurshid Anwar for his struggle to secure district status for Vehari. He said the foundation stone of District Vehari was laid at V Chowk on July 1, 1976, and that his father also played a key role in establishing the Civil Club (now Gymkhana) and the district’s initial administrative structure. He also acknowledged the contributions of Mian Mumtaz Khan Daultana and other personalities who worked for the creation of the district.
Separate Protest by Suthra Punjab Workers
In a separate development, Suthra Punjab workers lodged a protest, demanding payment of their salaries. The workers gathered outside the district administration office, holding placards and chanting slogans against the delay in wage disbursement. They warned of an escalated protest if their demands were not met within a stipulated timeframe.
