Maryam Nawaz Calls for Stronger Internal Security Alongside National Defence

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has said that while Pakistan’s security forces are effectively handling external security challenges, greater attention must also be given to strengthening internal security.

Addressing participants of a senior officers’ leadership course, Maryam Nawaz said Pakistan’s security and development require a strong focus on the internal front. She said good governance, strong institutions and effective systems are essential for improving internal security.

The Punjab chief minister said weaknesses in governance and corruption can create difficulties for national security. She stressed that despite the sacrifices of security forces, strengthening the country’s internal systems remains necessary for sustainable development.

Maryam Nawaz said Pakistan had projected a new and positive image internationally during the recent situation with India. She added that policy continuity and strong internal institutions were important for the country’s long-term development.

She said frequent changes in government policies create obstacles to development, as each new government tends to introduce a different agenda instead of maintaining continuity in existing policies.

The Punjab chief minister said the discussion should focus on Pakistan as a whole rather than individual provinces. She stressed that people should look beyond provincial and regional differences, saying all four provinces are part of one country.

Maryam Nawaz said the devolution of powers allows provinces to make decisions and ensure their implementation, but this does not mean that provinces operate as separate countries. She called for greater trust, cooperation and coordination between the federal government and provinces in the national interest.

Speaking about Afghanistan, she described it as a neighbouring and Muslim country and said Pakistan wanted “zero conflict” with its neighbours. However, she said Pakistan could not ignore the use of Afghan territory for activities against the country.

She said terrorists should not be allowed to use any area along the border to carry out attacks against Pakistan.

Maryam Nawaz also highlighted measures being taken in Punjab to improve governance and institutional performance. She said the police, enforcement agencies and Safe City system were active in maintaining law and order across the province.

She added that no individual could guarantee that every untoward incident would be prevented, stressing that leadership involves effectively managing one’s institution, organisation or area of responsibility.

The Punjab chief minister said the focus should remain on the actual requirements of governance and leadership, adding that understanding the purpose and message of the discussion was more important than her speech itself.