Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has reiterated that ensuring the safety and protection of women remains her government’s top priority, stressing that a zero-tolerance policy is being enforced against harassment in the province.
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Addressing the convocation ceremony at Lahore College for Women University, she said Punjab should become a place where every woman can step outside her home with confidence and without fear of harassment or intimidation.
She said it was a matter of pride for her that the first female chief minister of Punjab also belonged to the same educational institution, adding that she never imagined entering politics earlier in her life.
میں جانتی ہوں والدین کے خدشات ہوتے ہیں کہ بیٹیاں باہر نہ جائیں۔ میں بھی ایک ماں ہوں اور یہ احساس سمجھتی ہوں۔ اسی لیے پینک بٹن اور ورچوئل پولیس اسٹیشن متعارف کرایا گیا ہے۔ 15 کال پر فوری مدد ملتی ہے۔ کیمرے اور قریبی پولیس فورس ایکٹو ہو جاتی ہے۔ خواتین اب پڑھائی بھی کر رہی ہیں اور… pic.twitter.com/J8cA8Dzyuz
— PMLN (@pmln_org) May 12, 2026
Maryam Nawaz noted that women were previously not visible in the front ranks of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, but the situation has now changed significantly. She said she herself represents that transformation as the province’s chief executive.
She highlighted that several women, including senior politicians and ministers, are now playing active roles in governance and public administration, while many key institutions in Punjab are also being led by women.
مجھے دکھ ہوتا ہے کہ ہونہار اسکالرشپ سے پہلے کتنے بچے صرف فیس نہ دے سکنے کی وجہ سے تعلیم چھوڑ گئے ہوں گے۔ آج کے ڈیجیٹل دور میں لیپ ٹاپ اور ٹیکنالوجی کے بغیر تعلیم مکمل نہیں ہو سکتی۔ اسی لیے طلبہ کے لیے لیپ ٹاپ دیے جا رہے ہیں تاکہ وہ کسی پر بوجھ نہ بنیں بلکہ خود تحقیق اور سیکھنے… pic.twitter.com/y0GJIS1KbJ
— PMLN (@pmln_org) May 12, 2026
The chief minister encouraged students to view graduation not as the end of their journey but as the beginning of real life, emphasizing that no society can progress without the participation of women.
She said she prefers speaking from the heart instead of reading prepared speeches and is fully aware of the challenges faced by young people today.
Maryam Nawaz stressed that her government is focused on strengthening protection mechanisms for women and ensuring strict legal action against offenders.
She stated that in cases of harassment, assault, or any form of misconduct against women, she will not rest until those responsible are brought to justice and held accountable under the law.
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The chief minister reaffirmed her commitment to creating a safer environment for women across Punjab through institutional reforms and enforcement measures.