Maryam announces Rs25bn scholarship scheme

LAHORE: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has launched a Rs25 billion scholarship scheme, under which deserving students will receive education at leading institutions like LUMS, Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute, IBA, COMSATS, FAST, and other prestigious universities.

The CM said that the Punjab government would cover the fees for scholarship recipients. “Heartfelt congratulations to all position holders, toppers, their parents, and teachers,” she said during the award-giving ceremony held in honour of the top achievers from the nine education boards of Punjab.

“The special guests of today’s event are these bright students who have achieved remarkable success despite challenges,” she added, praising their efforts. She emphasised that their accomplishments have brought pride to the nation.

Reflecting on her experiences, the CM mentioned, “As a mother, I share the happiness of these students’ success. I recall my father launching the laptop scheme in 2011. It was a proud moment when I distributed laptops to meritorious students, who were given a guard of honour.”

She further shared, “I asked Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat to ensure these outstanding students receive a guard of honour, as they truly deserve it.”

The CM underscored the importance of providing equal opportunities for both boys and girls.

“Among the 138 position holders from Punjab’s nine boards, 70 are girls and 68 are boys. While I believe both are equal, I am particularly proud of the girls’ achievements given their limited opportunities.”

Maryam Nawaz also highlighted her government’s efforts to improve education in Punjab. “We are committed to improving the quality of education in our schools. Reforms have already been introduced, and more are planned to ensure long-term benefits.”

She paid tribute to former CM Shehbaz Sharif, noting the success of a student from Danish School who topped the Lahore Board as an example of the school’s impact. The CM announced the start of a school meal programme from September 5, which will provide milk to children from nursery to fifth grade. She also mentioned the distribution of electric bikes to students who lack transportation, as well as the introduction of a scholarship programme for students after FSC.

“We are increasing the number of e-bikes and starting a bus service for 61 schools, to provide free transport to every school in Punjab,” she said.

The CM revealed plans to establish Pakistan’s first artificial intelligence university in Nawaz Sharif IT City. “This university will equip our youth with higher education and demand-driven IT skills, ensuring they secure jobs quickly.”

Addressing the students, Maryam Nawaz emphasised the importance of respecting parents and teachers. “Always listen to your parents quietly and calmly. Respect your teachers, for they are building the future of this country.”

She urged the students to love their country and make decisions with the national flag in mind. “Politics is about service, not spreading sedition. You are responsible for bringing the country’s politics from violence and hatred to patience, service, and performance.” At the “Leaders for Tomorrow Awards 2024 Ceremony,” the CM awarded cash prizes totalling Rs58.6 million to 138 position holders and their teachers. She also announced scholarships and the establishment of Pakistan’s first artificial intelligence university. During the ceremony, a documentary on the CM’s educational initiatives was screened, and students expressed their appreciation for the reforms. For the first time, the chief minister invited all position holders from Punjab’s nine education boards, including their parents and teachers, to her office. A grand ceremony was held in their honour, where they were awarded cash prizes, medals, and certificates. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz reached Hajipur, a remote area in Rajanpur, to express solidarity with the flood-affected local community. She conducted an aerial inspection of the flood-stricken regions, including a thorough review of the Fazilpur area. During her visit, she observed the floodwaters along the road to Hajipur and visited a flood relief camp set up at the Hajipur Government Higher Secondary School in Fazilpur Tehsil. She also inspected a medical camp established for the flood victims in Hajipur, addressing issues related to the supply of medicines and the availability of medical personnel. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif further inspected the accommodation and food arrangements for the displaced people at the flood relief camp. She met with the flood-affected families, inquiring about the arrangements and the facilities provided to them.