Lahore (Web Desk): Punjab Group Chairman Mian Amer Mahmood on Thursday said that the local government system plays a vital role in social development, community well-being and effective service delivery but unfortunately in Pakistan it has never been taken seriously nor given the opportunity to progress.
Addressing an awareness seminar titled "Imagine Pakistan 2030: Challenges, Imkanaat aur Nai Rahein" (Challenges, Possibilities and the Way Forward), organised by the Association of Private Sector Universities Pakistan (APSUP) at the University of Lahore, he highlighted that local governments are responsible for meeting approximately 90 percent of the public’s daily needs, yet they continue to be overlooked and underappreciated.
The Punjab Group Chairman pointed out that tasks such as maintaining cleanliness and managing city infrastructure fall squarely on local authorities.
Mian Amer Mahmood also mentioned his experience of serving twice as the Mayor of Lahore, in addition to his prominence in the education sector.
He said he feels privileged to share his insights with the academic community at the University of Lahore.
Focusing on the broader context of public welfare, Mahmood stressed the importance of elevating both education and social services in Pakistan, noting that these areas are also scrutinized on a global scale.
He promised to delve deeper into education reforms in the future, underlining the urgent need to address the systemic challenges faced by the country’s education sectorAdopting the guidance and recommendations of international organizations such as UNICEF is crucial, especially since Pakistan’s education indicators remain alarmingly low—ranking just above nations plagued by civil conflicts.
Mahmood further revealed that Pakistan is positioned at 120th place globally concerning the rule of law, a factor that correlates with millions of children being excluded from the formal education system.
He warned that the situation has become critical, with roughly 25 million children currently out of school.
Mian Amer also noted Punjab’s staggering population of 127 million and questioned why the country has not managed to efficiently organize its governance and educational systems in line with this demographic growth.
Clarifying his intentions, Mahmood said the focus should not be on grandiose ambitions like nuclear advancements but on addressing fundamental societal problems. He urged practical action based on international experiences to improve education and skill development.
Earlier on arrival at the University of Lahore, Mian Amer was greeted with flower petals and bouquets. Prominent figures present included APSUP Chairman Professor Dr Chaudhry Abdul Rehman, Chairman of the University of Lahore, Awais Raoof. Faculty members and a large number of students also attended.
This event followed Mian Amer Mahmood’s recent address at Superior University on August 20, where he advocated for the formation of new provinces to enhance administrative efficiency in Pakistan.