CM Maryam vows ‘unstoppable progress’ as nation stands united ‘like Bunyanum Marsoos’

• Punjab CM says no force can derail Pakistan if leadership stays committed, hailing national unity

• Recalls her countless memories attached to LCWU, congratulating graduating students, parents and faculty members on their achievements

• Emphasizes women proving their strength in every field, says first woman CM of Punjab

• Announces Rs600m grant, hostel, Tech Tower for LCWU, announcing expanding student welfare initiatives

 LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Monday said that no force in the world could stop Pakistan from progressing if the country’s political and military leadership remained steadfast in their commitment to stability, development and national unity.

Addressing the 21st convocation ceremony of Lahore College for Women University, the chief minister said the entire nation had stood united “like Bunyanum Marsoos,” proving to the world that Pakistanis across every walk of life stood like a solid wall in defence of every inch of the motherland.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif attended the 21st Convocation of Lahore College for Women University as the Chief Guest. pic.twitter.com/PTpuxwIgaa

— PMLN (@pmln_org) May 12, 2026

She said Pakistan had undergone a remarkable transformation in the eyes of the world.

“There was a time when Pakistan was associated with terrorism and the Taliban, but today the same Pakistan is playing the role of a mediator among major nations,” she said.

اسے کہتے ہیں اصل تبدیلی

میں ایک ایسی فیملی سے آئی ہوں جہاں خواتین کو عزت دی جاتی ہے مگر زیادہ تر گھر کے دائرے تک محدود رکھا جاتا تھا۔ میں ایک ایسی جماعت سے ہوں جہاں کبھی فرنٹ رو میں خواتین کم دکھائی دیتی تھیں۔
آج میں آپ کے سامنے کھڑی ہوں۔ پنجاب کی کابینہ میں خواتین موجود ہیں،… pic.twitter.com/vjUsxwPDVJ

— Azma Zahid Bokhari (@AzmaBokhariPMLN) May 12, 2026

The Punjab CM said countries once unwilling to even engage with each other were now reaching understandings through Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts, adding that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, through his foresight and leadership, had helped the country avert a potential petroleum crisis.

Calling her participation in the convocation an emotional and proud moment, Maryam Nawaz recalled her own association with LCWU, where she completed her master’s degree in English.

یہ ہے یوتھ کا سال! 🇵🇰💚 pic.twitter.com/19IeyOm5HQ

— Zahra Bilal (@ZahraBilal099) May 12, 2026

“I have countless memories attached to Lahore College for Women University,” she said while congratulating graduating students, parents and faculty members on their achievements.

She told students that earning a degree was not the end of their journey but the beginning of a new chapter filled with responsibilities and opportunities.

“No society can move forward without women,” she remarked, adding that women were now serving prominently as commissioners, deputy commissioners and senior police officers across Punjab.

Referring to her own position, she said Punjab had elected its first woman chief minister and noted that female ministers in her cabinet were among the most hardworking members of the government.

She recalled that even within her own political party, questions had once been raised about whether a woman could effectively manage policing, counterterrorism and governance affairs.

یونیورسٹی کی VC مریم نواز کو انکی یونیورسٹی دور کی تصویر تحفے میں دے رہی ہیں۔ pic.twitter.com/wjGpMuDOzx

— Saif Awan (@saifullahawan40) May 12, 2026

“I have complete confidence in the strength and abilities of the daughters of this nation,” she said. “Women are not less capable than men in any field.”

Maryam Nawaz reiterated her government’s zero-tolerance policy against harassment of women and vowed that perpetrators would be brought to justice at all costs.

She said panic buttons were being installed at multiple locations for women’s safety, while virtual police stations had also been established. A dedicated digital mechanism was additionally being developed to curb online harassment and cyber abuse targeting women.

Addressing parents directly, the chief minister urged them to stand firmly by their daughters in cases of harassment and intimidation.

She said her government was simultaneously focusing on infrastructure development, law and order, economic growth and youth welfare across Punjab.

“As a mother, when I look at students, I wish I could solve all their problems in the blink of an eye,” she remarked emotionally.

Highlighting public welfare initiatives, she expressed satisfaction over the completion of 100,000 houses under the “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” programme.

Referring to education reforms, she said many talented students in the past had been deprived of higher education due to financial hardships.

“In today’s age of technology and artificial intelligence, education without laptops is impossible,” she said, adding, “Children should hold laptops in their hands instead of petrol bombs and slingshots.”

The chief minister said nearly 100,000 students had received Honhaar scholarships, while 30,000 electric bikes had already been distributed among students across Punjab.

She announced that another 100,000 electric bikes would be provided to students next year and added that the network of green buses was also being expanded to colleges and universities for students’ convenience.

“This country belongs to all of us, not to any one political party,” she said. “Celebrating Pakistan’s success and protecting its future is the responsibility of every citizen.”

“The future of Pakistan and its flag now rests in the hands of the youth,” she concluded.

CM returns to alma mater amid emotional scenes

Meanwhile, emotional scenes unfolded as Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz returned to her alma mater, Lahore College for Women University, to attend the university’s 21st Convocation as chief guest.

The Punjab CM received a warm and enthusiastic welcome upon her arrival. LCWU student Mah Noor presented her with a handmade portrait, while photographs from her student days were displayed, reviving old memories and creating heartfelt moments during the ceremony.

Degrees were awarded to 4,609 students and scholars enrolled in BS, MS, MPhil and PhD programmes, while 716 students received VC Gold Medals, Academic Gold Medals, Dilawar Medals and Bronze Medals in recognition of their academic excellence.

The ceremony began with recitation from the Holy Quran and the national anthem. Vice Chancellor Dr Uzma Qureshi delivered the welcome address, while Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat also addressed the gathering.

میں روز دفتر آتی ہوں تو ایک ماں اور ایک بیٹی کے احساس کے ساتھ ہر مسئلہ دیکھتی ہوں۔ دل چاہتا ہے سب کچھ فوراً ٹھیک ہو جائے، مگر نظام وقت لیتا ہے۔ اپنا گھر سکیم کے تحت ایک لاکھ گھر مکمل ہوئے۔ کوئی گھر غیر مستحق کو نہیں ملا۔ ہونہار سکالرشپس سے ایک لاکھ طلبہ فائدہ اٹھا چکے ہیں۔ بچوں… pic.twitter.com/7ST1ICsK3h

— PMLN (@pmln_org) May 12, 2026

Head Girl Syeda Zainab Abbas presented a special anthem themed around women empowerment to welcome the chief minister.

Thousands of LCWU students, the ceremony was informed, had benefited from the Punjab government’s Honhaar Scholarship Programme, laptop distribution scheme and IT training initiatives.

Addressing the convocation, Maryam Nawaz announced an increase in the university’s grant to Rs600 million. She also announced the establishment of a state-of-the-art girls hostel, an indoor sports gymnasium and an Advanced Tech Tower at LCWU.

Degrees were awarded to 4,609 students and scholars of BS, MS, MPhil, and PhD programs.

A total of 716 students received VC Gold Medals, Academic Gold Medals, Silver Medals, and Bronze Medals in recognition of their outstanding achievements. pic.twitter.com/HRrRHd6L1A

— PMLN (@pmln_org) May 12, 2026

The chief minister further announced that the Punjab government would soon launch a modern digital system aimed at curbing cybercrime and cyber blackmailing.

She assured the university administration and students that LCWU would always find support from “its daughter and student” whenever needed.

Maryam Nawaz formally declared the convocation open and congratulated graduating students on their academic accomplishments and future aspirations.