Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Thursday announced that Nawaz Sharif Schools would be established in every tehsil across the province and that 100,000 free electric bikes would be distributed to students.
Addressing a ceremony in Arifwala, the chief minister said the law and order situation in Punjab had improved, women and girls were safer, and education remained the most effective tool for eliminating social discrimination and ensuring equal opportunities for all.
Punjab CM said that the provincial government is transforming public schools into modern educational institutions where children from both low-income and affluent families will have equal opportunities and access to quality facilities. She emphasised that education is the most powerful tool for eliminating social inequality and promoting development.
The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of child safety, urging parents not to send their children to unsafe places during the rainy season. Referring to a recent tragedy in which 14 children lost their lives after the roof of an under-construction building collapsed, she expressed deep sorrow and said that every incident involving a child falling into a drain, train track, or open manhole causes her great pain.
She said the government has repeatedly instructed commissioners and deputy commissioners to ensure that open manholes are covered. However, she noted that some individuals steal the manhole covers at night, putting the lives of citizens, particularly children, at serious risk.
Maryam Nawaz said that her government is responsible for the welfare of Punjab’s 130 million residents, including millions of students, which is why education and student safety remain top priorities. She added that the network of green electric buses is being expanded to provide safe and comfortable transportation for students who lack reliable travel facilities.
The Chief Minister encouraged students to take pride in studying at government schools, stating that the government is committed to providing the same standard of facilities available in expensive private institutions. She described education as the greatest equaliser and said that higher education creates new opportunities for personal and national development.
Highlighting the popularity of the Nawaz Sharif School of Eminence, she said that 5,000 students competed for just 1,000 available seats. She noted that children of both senior police officers and labourers study together in these schools, demonstrating that talent should never be determined by wealth.
Maryam Nawaz also announced that the government will distribute 100,000 laptops and award an additional 50,000 merit-based scholarships to students. She said that the Punjab government is investing Rs40 billion to improve basic facilities in public schools, including the construction of new classrooms, provision of furniture, clean drinking water, washrooms, fans, and other essential infrastructure.
She further announced the establishment of science, technology, mathematics, computer, and IT laboratories in schools. For the first time, artificial intelligence (AI) laboratories are also being introduced to equip students with modern skills comparable to those taught in developed countries. She urged students to learn artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics, describing these fields as essential for future success.
Read more: Punjab launches green electric bus service in five districts
