Maryam Nawaz Urges Students to Take Interest in Politics and Future Technologies
ARIFWALA: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has advised students and young people not to remain indifferent to politics, saying that political awareness is essential for making informed decisions about leadership and public policies.
Addressing the inauguration ceremony of 10 campuses of the Nawaz Sharif School of Eminence in Arifwala, she told students, “Children, I do not want to hear you say in the future that you know nothing about politics or have no interest in it. If you are not interested in politics, you will never know which leader or political party is working in your best interest.”
Maryam Nawaz highlighted the overwhelming response to admissions in the Nawaz Sharif School of Eminence, stating that more than 5,000 students competed for just 1,000 seats. She said the institutions are operating on merit without any VIP culture, allowing children from different socio-economic backgrounds to study together and enjoy equal educational opportunities.
بچو آئندہ میں کبھی آپکے منہ سے نہ سنوں کہ جی ہمیں تو سیاست کا کچھ پتہ نہیں ہے، ہمیں تو سیاست میں کوئی دلچسپی نہیں ہے۔ بچو اگر آپکو سیاست میں دلچسپی نہیں ہو گی تو آپکو کبھی پتہ نہیں چلے گا کہ کون سا انسان آپ کے لئے اچھا ہے اور کون سی جماعت آپ کے لئے اچھی ہے۔مریم نواز کا قوم کے… pic.twitter.com/T6hBqR3PzP
— Sehrish Maan (@SMunirMaan) July 16, 2026
The chief minister noted that, for the first time, Punjab’s Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat has enrolled his own son in a government school, which she described as a reflection of the government’s confidence in the public education system.
Announcing major educational reforms, Maryam Nawaz said the Punjab government has launched development projects worth Rs40 billion to address shortages of basic facilities in government schools across the province. These projects include the provision of clean drinking water, new classrooms, furniture, and ceiling fans.
She further announced that science, mathematics, and computer laboratories are being established in schools, while Artificial Intelligence (AI) laboratories are also being introduced for the first time. Encouraging students to prepare for future challenges, she urged them to learn AI, machine learning, and robotics, describing these skills as critical for future success.
The chief minister also announced the distribution of an additional 100,000 laptops and 50,000 new Honhaar Scholarships to support talented students and help them pursue their education without financial concerns.
Speaking on student safety, Maryam Nawaz said she bears the responsibility of ensuring the welfare of Punjab’s 130 million residents and millions of students. She urged parents to exercise extra caution during the monsoon season and avoid sending children to unsafe buildings or locations.
Referring to the recent tragedy in which 14 children lost their lives after the collapse of a roof at an under-construction building, she said the incident had deeply saddened her. She added that authorities have been instructed to ensure that open manholes are properly covered, while noting that theft of iron manhole covers by criminal elements continues to pose serious risks to public safety.
The chief minister reaffirmed the Punjab government’s commitment to improving educational standards, promoting technological advancement, and ensuring the safety and well-being of students across the province.
