Maryam assures Balochistan CM of Punjab’s support

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz met Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti on Wednesday to discuss the overall political situation in the country, matters of mutual interest and efforts to promote inter-provincial harmony.

Speaking on the occasion, the Punjab CM said, “The people of Balochistan are our brothers. Terrorists aim to obstruct the development and progress of Balochistan, but the progress of Balochistan is synonymous with the development of Pakistan.”

She assured him of full support from the Punjab government in addressing terrorism and emphasised the need to strengthen provincial-level cooperation.

“The journey of Pakistan’s development will continue, and we will work together to promote national unity and inter-provincial harmony,” she said.

Sarfraz Bugti commended Maryam Nawaz for her exemplary service to the people of Punjab and emphasised the importance of collaborative efforts for the nation’s progress and prosperity.

Meanhwile, on the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, Punjab has completed its largest-ever higher education internship programme, recruiting 7,354 college teacher interns for government colleges.

Presiding over a special meeting to review the programme, CM Maryam Nawaz was briefed by Secretary of the Higher Education Dr. Farrukh Naveed. He informed her that the interns would receive Rs50,000 per month for eight months, providing teaching services until the end of the academic session on March 31.

The chief minister praised the higher education team for ensuring merit and transparency in the recruitment process. It was also reported that the e-transfer policy successfully facilitated the transfer and posting of 962 college teachers. Additionally, the appointment of principals and directors in government colleges is underway with strict adherence to transparency criteria.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also formally launched the Chief Minister Laptop and Honhaar Scholarship Programme, targeting the distribution of laptops to students within 90 days. Students across Punjab will receive Core-i7, 13th-generation laptops, with 32% allocated to South Punjab students. The programme also includes provisions for 2,000 minority students and top-performing matriculation and F.Sc. students. A total of 50,000 laptops will be distributed by February 20, benefiting students from universities, colleges, technical institutions, and medical colleges. Additionally, 18,000 female students will benefit from the Chief Minister Honhaar Scholarship Programme, which covers full tuition fees for up to five years. The programme has already processed 68,329 applications, with 34,290 verified.

Also, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz condemned the terrorist attack on a security check-post in Bannu Malikhel, paying tribute to the sacrifices of security forces. She expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and reaffirmed the government’s resolve against terrorism, saying, “Terrorists cannot obstruct the path of development.”