Layyah to get Rs110bn for education, medical college: Maryam

DERA GHAZI KHAN/LAHORE: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Friday made a series of landmark announcements aimed at uplifting education and youth empowerment during a ceremony to distribute laptops and Honhaar scholarship cheques in Layyah.

She announced the establishment of a medical college in Layyah and pledged to begin classes shortly. In a major financial commitment, she unveiled Rs3 billion in funding for universities in Dera Ghazi Khan and Layyah, and announced the setting up of Nawaz Sharif Centres of Excellence for Early Childhood Education in both cities. Addressing a large gathering of students and parents, she revealed a massive Rs110 billion allocation to ensure that all schools in Punjab are equipped with classrooms, toilets, and other essential facilities within one year. “No school in Punjab will be deprived of basic amenities,” she declared.

Praising the perseverance of students who succeed despite limited resources, the CM announced an increase in the Honhaar scholarship from Rs30,000 to Rs50,000 and expansion of the laptop scheme from 40,000 to 100,000 devices.

She criticised political elements for misleading youth into violence, adding: “Those who incited youth are abroad while the misguided are in jail. Learn to distinguish between friends of Pakistan and its enemies.”

Separately, CM Maryam Nawaz met World Bank (WB) Country Director Najy Benhassine, and reaffirmed the commitment to deepen collaboration between the Punjab government and the global financial institution.

Both sides agreed to further strengthen the evolving partnership and accelerate implementation of ongoing and future development initiatives in Punjab.

Meanwhile, CM Maryam Nawaz congratulated the newly-elected office-bearers of the Rawalpindi-Islamabad Sports Journalists Association (RISJA). She congratulated Ayaz Akbar Khan on being elected as chairman, Faisal Sahi as president, Arif Khan as general secretary and Hasnain Liaquat as finance secretary. She also congratulated Ahmar Najeeb Satti on being elected as information secretary, Muhammad Shafique Raja as senior vice president, Naveed Khokhar as vice president and Ambreen Ali as vice president for women.