- Maryam Nawaz distributes laptops at University of Chakwal, highlighting focus on youth empowerment
- Rs640m Centre of Excellence for Boys inaugurated with modern labs, stadium, and free textbooks
CHAKWAL/LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Tuesday said that despite criticism from other provinces, her government remained steadfast in addressing the post-flood challenges, as ministers stayed on the ground to help affected people rather than engage in political point-scoring.
Speaking at a ceremony at the University of Chakwal where laptops were distributed among students, the chief minister said that if the floods were unprecedented in Punjab’s history, then the government’s response too was unprecedented. “We ensured mass evacuation, saving not only countless human lives but also over two million animals,” she remarked. Maryam vowed not to rest until all flood victims were fully rehabilitated.
Urging people to hold their governments accountable, she asked: “If your province lacks metro buses or laptop schemes, then why not question your government?”
Reflecting on the security situation, she said that when she assumed office, Punjab faced serious law and order problems with frequent incidents of murder, robbery, and rape. “Now the crime rate has come down significantly,” she claimed, adding that all new recruitments were being made strictly on merit.
Commenting on foreign relations, CM Maryam Nawaz referred to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia, saying it showed that Pakistan was no longer isolated as it had been four years ago. “Look at the warm welcome our prime minister received in the holy land,” she said, adding that the national exchequer, once empty, now showed signs of stability.
Highlighting progress in education, she praised female students in Rawalpindi for outperforming boys in recent exams but stressed that male students also had immense potential. She announced plans to extend scholarships beyond Punjab to other provinces as well. She noted that dozens of schools in Punjab had been revamped, artificial intelligence (AI) introduced in the curriculum, and modern facilities provided.
Centre of Excellence for Boys in Chakwal
Earlier, CM Maryam was given a rousing welcome in Chakwal as crowds lined the roads, showered her with flowers, and waved party flags. Women, children, and even supporters on decorated horses gathered to greet her.
She inaugurated the new Centre of Excellence for Boys in Chakwal, established on 40 kanals of land at a cost of Rs640 million. Equipped with IT and science labs, a multipurpose hall, a stadium, clean water, hygienic washrooms, and free textbooks, the campus represents a modern model of schooling.
The Punjab CM expressed her desire to build 10–15 such Centres of Excellence in every city of Punjab. She mingled with students, encouraged them to study with dedication, posed for photographs, and launched a plantation drive by planting a tree at the campus.
