The University of Health Sciences (UHS) is set to broaden the scope of its adolescent health initiative, Pyari Beti, by reaching out to schoolgirls across Punjab and equipping them with practical skills, including self-defence training.
UHS Vice Chancellor Prof Ahsan Waheed Rathore has directed his team to collaborate with the School Education Department, Higher Education Department, and Social Welfare Department to extend the initiative’s reach to girls aged 10 to 19 years. Prof Rathore emphasised that the expansion will begin with a pilot project in Lahore, Bahawalpur, and Sialkot, targeting schools in both low- and high-income areas. UHS teams will visit these schools, gathering data on the challenges faced by girls. This data will serve as the foundation for a comprehensive support strategy focusing on three key areas: education, health and psychological well-being, and self-defence training.
‘This initiative is about more than just awareness—it’s about empowering girls to navigate adolescence with confidence,’ said Prof Rathore. ‘By reaching out to schools across Punjab, we will ensure that every girl, regardless of her background, has access to the guidance and support she needs’, he added. The initiative will also include national and international collaborations to bring in the best expertise for the programme. Additionally, a network of health volunteers will be formed in hospitals to provide girls with easy access to healthcare services. ‘In addition to providing health education, we want young girls to feel safe and empowered,’ Prof Rathore said. ‘Self-defense training will help them to build confidence and learn how to protect themselves.’
The representational image shows the Punjab Assembly building in Lahore. — State Media/File LAHORE:The Punjab...
Participants pose for a group photo during an awareness session Chief Minister Punjab Green Credit Programme on...
This representational image shows workers busy in the construction work of the Orange Line Metro Train Project. —...
This screengrab taken on November 28, 2024, shows the main gate of a sealed property by the LDA. —...
Group photo of Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq , Speaker Punjab Assembly Malik Ahmed Khan along with the...
Martyred Assistant Sub-Inspector M Shahid seen in this image released on February 11, 2025. —...