Maryam Nawaz Vows to End Deprivation in Punjab, Urges People to Recognize Friends and Foes

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has urged people not to fall prey to propaganda and to differentiate between friends and foes, promising to end the sense of deprivation in the province.

Speaking at a ceremony honoring position-holders of educational boards, Maryam Nawaz said that over 50,000 schools are educating millions of children across Punjab and the government is providing laptops to talented students. She revealed that she personally interviews commissioners, deputy commissioners, and other officers before appointments, adding that even the education minister’s son is enrolled in a government school.

Highlighting education reforms, she said 80,000 students are currently studying on scholarships, while the government has shifted focus from food security to education security. She vowed to bridge the gap between public and private schools, introducing Google and AI classrooms, providing Chromebooks, and ensuring free travel for students on green and electric buses equipped with Wi-Fi and CCTV.

The CM stated that nepotism and corruption in postings have been eradicated, harassment cases are acted upon within 24 hours, and several cities have witnessed weeks without any reported crimes. She also announced the release of Rs. 80 billion for basic school facilities including fans, water, and bathrooms, stressing that technology has now become as essential as books and pencils.

Maryam Nawaz highlighted that “ghost schools” and “ghost students” have been eliminated, teachers’ shortages resolved, and subject specialists recruited. She introduced the new “Matric Tech” program with 60,000 enrolled students and a free uniform scheme worth Rs. 8 billion to ease parents’ financial burden.

Warning against misinformation, she said, “Social media propaganda is meant to mislead people. Those inciting youth towards violence are their enemies, not friends.” Referring to the May 9 incidents, she noted that those who followed violent agitators are in jail while their leaders’ children remain safe abroad.

Maryam Nawaz emphasized that the state is like a mother and must treat all citizens equally, urging parents to educate their daughters. She also noted that Punjab offers bread at Rs. 13 compared to Rs. 20 in other provinces, despite inheriting an empty treasury.

Promising a prosperous future, she said: *“If Allah grants me five years, I will turn Punjab into such a developed province that people from across the country will come to witness its progress.”*