Staff Report
“The actions of the current provincial government in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are an insult to democracy and a violation of the public mandate.”
“Timely decisions by the current federal government have averted default; economic stability is returning.”
“Lawyers have always upheld the flag of the Constitution, democracy, and justice — their welfare is a top priority of the government.”
“We express deep sorrow over the martyrdom of Muslims in Israeli attacks on Iran — the entire Muslim Ummah must unite to support the oppressed.”
Swabi/Buner:
Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs, Gilgit-Baltistan, and SAFRON — and President of Pakistan Muslim League (N) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa — Engineer Amir Muqam addressed the Swabi Bar Association today. He thanked the lawyer community, political leaders, and district administration, stating that the presence of all political parties made the event dignified. He reiterated that Swabi is like a second home to him and that he has always stayed connected with the public.
Engineer Amir Muqam administered the oath to the new cabinet of the District Bar Association and congratulated them. The cabinet includes President Tayyab Zaman, Vice President Muzammil Khan, General Secretary Safdar Zaib, Joint Secretary Adnan Haider, Finance Secretary Daulat Khan, and Library Secretary Fida Muhammad.
In his speech, he emphasized the vital role lawyers have played throughout history in protecting the Constitution, law, and democracy. He proposed that the tenure of bar association presidents should be a minimum of two years to allow effective leadership.
Speaking on the national economy, he said that the current government’s timely decisions have prevented the country from defaulting. Economic conditions are improving — inflation has reduced, the interest rate has dropped from 22% to 20.5%, and the exchange rate of the dollar has gone down from Rs. 307 to Rs. 277. He expressed optimism that economic stability is returning to Pakistan and investment doors are reopening.
He praised the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, stating that the Prime Minister and his team are working day and night for the betterment of the country.
On international affairs, he strongly condemned the oppression of Muslims in Palestine and Kashmir, stressing that the entire Muslim Ummah must unite in support of the oppressed. He expressed deep grief over the martyrdom of Muslims in Israeli attacks on Iran and said that such attacks have hurt the sentiments of the Muslim world.
Commenting on the political situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he criticized the provincial government’s approach as unserious and anti-people. He stated that what is happening in the provincial assembly is a disgrace to democracy and a mockery of the people’s mandate. He questioned the logic of linking the provincial budget’s approval to Imran Khan’s approval, calling it damaging for everyone — especially the people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
At the end of the ceremony, he announced an increase in the grant for the Swabi Bar from Rs. 2 million to Rs. 2.5 million. He also pledged the installation of a solar system and provision of all essential facilities in the bar room. He assured the legal community that their welfare and professional growth are a government priority and their issues will be resolved on a priority basis.
Later, after administering the oath to the newly elected cabinet of the Khudokhel Tehsil Bar Association in Totali, Buner, Engineer Amir Muqam addressed the association and reiterated that lawyers have always played a decisive role in upholding the rule of law and strengthening democracy. He praised the sacrifices of the “black coat” as a proud chapter in the country’s history, saying these services are held in high regard.
He added that his leadership — including Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and the entire government — deeply respects the lawyers’ ongoing struggle for justice and democracy.
Expressing satisfaction, he said that the positive impact of the current government’s policies is beginning to reach the public. Long-pending legal cases are now progressing, providing relief to the people through the courts.
He specifically mentioned the recent “Banyan Marsous” military operation, calling it a symbol of national unity, the courageous performance of Pakistan’s armed forces, and collective resolve.
Regarding the May 9 incidents, he called them a dark chapter in Pakistan’s history, stating that politicizing such tragedies is a grave injustice to the nation. He criticized false propaganda on social media, saying that slogans and lies cannot change the truth, which always comes to light.
He expressed satisfaction that despite IMF conditions, the current budget provides relief to the common man. He welcomed the government’s decisions to ease tax and customs burdens as a positive step for ordinary citizens.
He said that Pakistan is once again on the path of development initiated during Nawaz Sharif’s tenure. “God willing, we will free ourselves from the IMF and make the country self-sufficient.”
Engineer Amir Muqam announced an immediate grant of Rs. 1 million for the Khudokhel Bar Association and pledged an additional Rs. 1 million in August. He promised to work on resolving all legitimate demands of the lawyers.
Speaking about electricity issues, he announced the approval of a separate feeder for Totali to improve power supply after conducting a thorough review.
Regarding gas supply, he expressed his long-standing desire to provide gas to Totali and surrounding areas. However, due to resource constraints and an estimated cost of Rs. 200 million, the project could not be completed. He pledged to pursue it personally if given another opportunity.
He emphasized that he views politics as a means of service and considers staying connected with the people a duty — even outside of election seasons.
Concluding his speech, he once again thanked all attendees, lawyers, the public, district leadership, and organizational partners, assuring them of continued efforts for their welfare, development, and access to facilities.
