Mother tongue education positively impacts children’s mental development: Punjab CM

• CM Maryam Nawaz calls language strongest marker of national identity, underscoring mother-tongue education boosts children’s mental growth

• Punjab to further activate language, culture promotion institutions

• Hails philanthropists for embodying spirit of brotherhood in Ramazan, saying over 300 Nigehban Dastarkhwans set up across province

• Pays tribute to martyred officers, lauds forces for foiling Bannu attack

 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Friday said language is not merely a means of expression but the most visible marker of a nation’s identity, stressing that the importance of mother tongues cannot be diminished even in the digital age, as they embody a nation’s culture, heritage and traditions.

In her message on International Mother Language Day, the chief minister said education imparted in the mother tongue positively influences children’s mental development and learning abilities. She observed that mother languages enjoy an established status as a source of national identity and a treasured civilisational and cultural heritage. Language, she added, is a social asset transmitted from one generation to another and plays a vital role in promoting awareness of cultural, historical and social traditions across the world.

Maryam Nawaz emphasised that the protection of mother tongues is, in essence, a guarantee of cultural autonomy and intellectual freedom. She said the Punjab government has further activated the Punjab Institute of Language, Art and Culture to safeguard and promote mother languages.

Reaffirming her government’s commitment, the chief minister said sustained efforts are underway to develop and promote mother tongues, which form an essential part of collective identity. She noted that initiatives are being taken to connect the younger generation with their mother languages so they remain conscious of their culture and history. She added that concrete measures are being introduced through the educational curriculum to support the growth, research and promotion of languages, and the government would continue to play its full role in protecting and advancing mother tongues.

Over 300 ‘Nigehban Dastarkhwans’ set up across Punjab on CM’s directives

More than 300 ‘Nigehban Dastarkhwans’ were established across Punjab, with the support of philanthropists and organisations, on the directions of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, as thousands of people gathered to break their fast on the first day of Ramazan.

The chief minister expressed gratitude to donors and institutions for their cooperation and paid tribute to their spirit of generosity, saying the initiative reflected the true essence of compassion and brotherhood.

Large numbers of fasting citizens attended the dastarkhwans in Lahore, Gujranwala, Sialkot, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Bahawalnagar and Bahawalpur, while similar arrangements also witnessed heavy participation in Chiniot, DG Khan, Gujrat, Jhang, Attock, Jhelum, Kasur and Khanewal.

In Kot Addu, Layyah, Mandi Bahauddin, Murree, Muzaffargarh, Okara and Narowal, senior officials joined citizens at the communal iftar arrangements. Thousands were also served in Pakpattan, Rajanpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Sahiwal, Vehari, Toba Tek Singh, Sheikhupura, Bhalwal and Sargodha.

A variety of food items were served at the dastarkhwans, with millions of people across the province benefiting from the iftar arrangements.

The chief minister said Ramazan is a month of compassion and collective responsibility, adding that caring for the needs of every deserving person remains a fundamental duty.

CM condemns cowardly attack on security forces convoy in Bannu

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz strongly condemned the cowardly attack by “Fitna-al-Khawarij” on a security forces convoy in Bannu.

She paid tribute to the professionalism and bravery of the security forces for foiling the major attack and eliminating five terrorists.

The chief minister also honoured the supreme sacrifice of Lieutenant Colonel Shehzada Gul Faraz and Sepoy Karamat Shah, who embraced martyrdom in the line of duty. She expressed heartfelt sympathy and condolences to the bereaved families and paid glowing tribute to their great sacrifice for the homeland.