LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif urged young people to safeguard the country, refrain from violence and protect public property, saying the nation’s future rested in the hands of its youth.
Addressing a ceremony in Gujrat for distribution of Honhaar scholarships and laptops, she said the students were the “real heroes and chief guests” of the event, adding that their enthusiasm and confidence reflected a bright future for the country.
She said the scholarship and laptop programme was not a routine ceremony but a celebration of students’ achievements, assuring that no child would be deprived of education due to lack of resources and that all awards had been granted purely on merit without any political consideration.
The chief minister said 2026 had been declared the “year of youth”, adding that students would lead the country in the future as doctors, engineers and scientists. She urged them to dream big and said the government would stand behind them “like a rock”.
Referring to national unity, she said citizens must protect every inch of the country, avoid riots and refrain from setting public property or green belts on fire. She stressed that political differences should not be turned into personal hostility and advised students never to mock anyone’s illness or personal hardships.
She also called for removing hatred, misinformation and divisive politics from public life, saying prayers should be offered for the recovery of the sick regardless of political differences.
Highlighting youth initiatives, she said students in Punjab are being provided scholarships, laptops, transport facilities and skills support to improve education and employment opportunities.
The chief minister said is was proud of the passion shown by students at the ceremony, adding that their spirit strengthened her belief that the future of every son and daughter of Pakistan was bright.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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