A Keynote Address on “Rule of Law” was held on Wednesday 7^th January, 2026, at National Institute of Public Administration, Lahore. A thought-provoking address was given by Mr. Zulfiqar Ahmed Cheema, who emphasized the critical importance of Rule of Law and examined the historical, institutional, and cultural factors contributing to its erosion in Pakistan. Through references to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s personal integrity and adherence to legal principles, the speaker highlighted the moral foundation of the Rule of Law. He then discussed Pakistan’s institutional decline, citing judicial compromises, military interventions, and political misconduct as root causes of the recurring breakdown of constitutional order.

Then the guest speaker talked about the broader failures of leadership, bureaucracy, and societal values that have resulted in disregard for the law. Mr. Cheema criticized the culture of nepotism, political opportunism, and bureaucratic self-interest, urging participants to recognize individual responsibility alongside institutional reform. He stressed that meaningful change requires rebuilding integrity within the judiciary and bureaucracy. The keynote address was followed by a regulated Q&A session, offering participants an opportunity to engage with the guest speaker and seek clarity on various issues of governance, values, and reform.