Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced laptops for position-holding students and five buses for Kinnaird College for Women in Lahore. The announcements were made during the college’s 89th convocation, where the chief minister highlighted her government’s plans to improve educational opportunities and support women across Punjab.
Addressing the graduating students, Maryam Nawaz congratulated them on completing their academic journeys. She described every girl attending the ceremony as “a complete story of success” and encouraged women to continue working towards their goals.
The chief minister said the provincial government was committed to expanding access to education so that every child could study regardless of their family’s financial circumstances.
Maryam Nawaz Highlights Women’s Education
During her speech, Maryam Nawaz spoke about the additional challenges women often face when pursuing education, careers and personal ambitions. She said society sometimes views the efforts of men and women differently.
“When a boy works hard, people say he wants to get ahead. When a girl works hard, they say she is only concerned about herself,” she said.
The chief minister urged women not to lose confidence because of social pressure. She encouraged them to remain determined and demonstrate their abilities through education, dedication and hard work.
Her address focused on the importance of creating an environment where women can pursue their ambitions and participate more actively in professional and public life.
Five Buses Announced for Kinnaird College
One of the key announcements was the provision of five buses for Kinnaird College for Women. The transport facility is expected to support the college community by improving access to transportation for students.
Maryam Nawaz also announced laptops for students who have secured top positions. The initiative is aimed at recognising academic achievement and helping deserving students access digital learning resources.
Laptops can support students in research, online learning, assignments and the development of technical skills. The announcement adds to the provincial government’s wider education initiatives.
However, further details about the laptop distribution process and the delivery schedule for the buses were not provided in the announcement.
Honhaar Scholarships and Other Education Initiatives
The chief minister highlighted several educational programmes introduced by the Punjab government, including the Honhaar Scholarship Programme, laptop distribution initiatives and Nawaz Sharif Schools of Eminence.
She said the government wanted to help students who could not continue their education because of financial difficulties. These initiatives are intended to improve access to educational resources and create more opportunities for students from different economic backgrounds.
Maryam Nawaz also revealed that 22 universities were without vice chancellors when she assumed office. She said appointments had since been made on merit to address the situation.
The appointments are important for university administration, as vice chancellors play a key role in academic planning, institutional management and policy implementation.
Women’s Safety and Electric Bike Facilities
Maryam Nawaz also addressed concerns about women’s safety in public spaces and transport. She said harassment and violence against women would not be tolerated in Punjab.
According to the chief minister, CCTV cameras and panic buttons have been installed on electric buses to help authorities respond quickly to incidents of harassment.
She also announced plans to make electric bikes more accessible to women through easy instalment arrangements. The initiative is intended to help women travel more independently for education, employment and other daily activities.
Affordable personal transport can be particularly important for female students and working women who face difficulties commuting between home, educational institutions and workplaces.
Gold Medals Awarded at Convocation
Earlier in the ceremony, Kinnaird College Board of Governors Chairman Bishop Alexander John Malik formally opened the event and described Maryam Nawaz as a role model for women.
During the convocation, the chief minister awarded gold medals and degrees to position-holding BS and MPhil students. She also presented awards to faculty members in recognition of their teaching and research contributions.
The ceremony celebrated the academic achievements of graduating students while highlighting the importance of women’s education, safety and access to employment opportunities.
The announcements of laptops and five buses are part of the broader measures discussed during the event. Further official details will clarify the implementation timelines and arrangements for the announced facilities.
Also read: Maryam Nawaz Inaugurates Jinnah Institute of Cardiology
