Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said that if the political and military leadership remained committed to the country’s progress and stability, no force could stop Pakistan from moving forward.
Addressing the 21st convocation ceremony of Lahore College for Women University, the chief minister said the world had once labelled Pakistan as a country associated with terrorism and the Taliban, but today the country was playing the role of a mediator among major nations.
“Countries that were once unwilling to talk to each other are now reaching agreements through Pakistan,” she said, adding that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s foresight had helped the country avoid any petroleum crisis.
CM Punjab said participating in the convocation of LCWU was a matter of pride for her as she herself had obtained a master’s degree in English from the institution.
“I have many memories attached to Lahore College for Women University,” she said while congratulating graduating students, their parents and teachers.
She told the students that obtaining a degree was not the end of their journey but the beginning of a new phase in life.
“No society can progress without women,” she remarked, adding that women were now serving in key positions as commissioners, deputy commissioners and senior police officers across Punjab.
The chief minister said that for the first time in Punjab’s history, a woman had been elected chief minister, adding that female ministers in her cabinet were among the most hardworking members of the government.
She recalled that even members of her own party had questioned whether a woman could handle policing, counterterrorism and administrative affairs.
“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.”
CM Punjab Maryam Nawaz said the provincial government had adopted a zero-tolerance policy against harassment of women and vowed not to rest until perpetrators were brought to justice.
She said panic buttons were being installed at various locations for women’s protection and virtual police stations had also been established. A dedicated system was also being developed to curb online harassment against women.
Addressing parents, the chief minister urged them to support their daughters in cases of harassment.
She said her government was working on infrastructure, law and order, and economic development in 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.
She further said she was especially happy over the completion of 100,000 houses under the “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” programme.
Referring to educational initiatives, she said many deserving students had been deprived of education due to lack of financial support.
“In today’s era of technology and artificial intelligence, education without laptops is impossible,” she said.
“Children should have laptops in their hands instead of petrol bombs and slingshots.”
She said around 100,000 students had received Honhaar scholarships, while 30,000 electric bikes had already been distributed among students in Punjab.
The chief minister announced that one hundred thousand electric bikes would be provided to students next year.
She also said the network of green buses was being expanded to colleges and universities for the convenience of students.
Recalling recent tensions with India, CM Punjab said the entire nation had stood united “like Bunyanum Marsoos”.
“This country belongs to all of us, not to any one political party,” she said, adding that celebrating the country’s success was the responsibility of every Pakistani.
“The future of this country and its flag are in the hands of the youth,” she concluded.