Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced on Thursday the establishment of Nawaz Sharif Schools of Eminence in every tehsil, alongside the distribution of 100,000 free electric bikes to students. Speaking at a ceremony in Arifwala, she highlighted the provincial government’s efforts to transform government schools into modern educational institutions where children from all backgrounds will have equal access to quality education and facilities.
In addition to the electric bikes, Maryam Nawaz revealed plans to provide 100,000 laptops and award 50,000 scholarships to meritorious students. She emphasized that the law and order situation in Punjab has improved, ensuring the safety of daughters, and stressed that education is a powerful tool to bridge social divides.
The chief minister urged parents to avoid sending their children to unsafe locations during the rainy season, expressing deep sorrow over the recent deaths of 14 children caused by the collapse of an under-construction house roof. She reiterated the government’s responsibility towards Punjab’s 130 million residents and millions of students, prioritizing their education and safety.
Maryam Nawaz also mentioned the ongoing expansion of green electric bus services aimed at providing safe and comfortable transportation for children lacking quality travel options. She encouraged students to take pride in attending government schools, assuring that these institutions will soon offer facilities comparable to those of expensive private schools.
Highlighting education as the greatest equalizer, the chief minister noted that higher education opens new avenues for human development. She pointed out the overwhelming response to admissions at the Nawaz Sharif School of Eminence, where 5,000 students competed for 1,000 seats.
The government is investing Rs40 billion to address the lack of basic amenities in government schools across Punjab, including the construction of new classrooms, provision of furniture, bathrooms, clean water, fans, and other essential facilities. Furthermore, science, technology, mathematics, computer, and IT labs are being established, with artificial intelligence labs introduced for the first time to equip Punjab’s students with cutting-edge knowledge comparable to their peers in developed countries.
Maryam Nawaz urged students to acquire skills in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and robotics, describing these as key to future success. She concluded by stating that this initiative marks the beginning of a transformative era in Punjab’s education sector, with plans to establish 300 modern schools throughout the province in the near future.
