Military Lands and Cantonments Department (ML&&C)

RAWALPINDI, JAN 23 (DNA):The Military Lands and Cantonments Department (ML&C) successfully

concluded its highly anticipated 10-day internship program, at the ML&C Headquarters in

Rawalpindi. The program brought together a diverse group of interns from all provinces of

Pakistan, including Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, providing them with invaluable exposure to

the practical dimensions of law, governance, and public policy. The closing ceremony was

attended by Secretary Defence, Lieutenant General Muhammad Ali (R), HI (M), who lauded the

initiative spearheaded by DG ML&C, Major General Irfan Ahmed Malik HI(M), for its

transformative potential.

Conceived by Tanveer Ashraf, Regional Director (Karachi) and Director (Legal) under the

leadership of Major General Irfan Ahmed Malik HI(M), the program was designed to promote

pro-people, inclusive governance in Pakistan's cantonment areas and empower youth. It was

executed by Ms. Saria Benazir, Chief Legal Consultant at ML&C Headquarters; her expertise in

constitutional law and human rights played a significant role in shaping the curriculum, which

aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Legal expert

Mr. Malik Asad Imtiaz Khan, Advocate of the High Court and partner at Maik & Co.,

contributed significantly by offering time, expertise, and resources to organize the program.

Interns participated in diverse activities including case studies, sessions on constitutional law,

policy-making, legal drafting, and discussions on issues such as sustainable development and

mental health awareness. Guest speakers such as Saad Rasool, Adil Aziz Qazi, Aniq Khatana,

Barrister Abdullah Mohammed, Barrister Hafeez, Osama Rehman Niazi, and Haider Omer Hyat

provided valuable insights, enriching the learning experience. A special video message from the

Federal Ombudsperson for Protection Against Harassment, along with the presence of Advocate

Nyla Raja, Meher Jamy, Barrister Gul Rukh Murtaza, and Ms. Ayesha Manzoor Wattoo,

Director General of PEMRA, further enhanced the program’s prestige.

Building on its success, DG ML&C announced plans to expand the internship program to

cantonments nationwide, aiming to provide more aspiring legal professionals across Pakistan

with opportunities to gain practical experience and contribute to strengthening the rule of law in

the country. This initiative has set a new standard for youth empowerment, blending leadership,

vision, and commitment to create lasting change.