Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has taken decisive steps to revitalize the higher education sector, reinstating the laptop scheme for students after a hiatus of seven years. The move comes as part of a comprehensive strategy discussed during a meeting convened to address the challenges facing higher education in the province, as reported by 24News on Friday.
During the session, CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif was briefed extensively on the pressing issues confronting higher education and outlined her administration’s commitment to tackling them head-on. One of the key announcements made during the meeting was the revival of the laptop scheme, aimed at providing students with essential tools for their academic endeavors.
In addition to reinstating the laptop scheme, the Chief Minister pledged to prioritize the establishment of new universities and colleges, particularly in underdeveloped districts of Punjab. She emphasized the government’s ambition to ensure that each district houses internationally acclaimed universities and colleges at the tehsil level.
Echoing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s call for a nationwide “Educational Emergency,” CM Maryam Nawaz stressed the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in both the school and higher education systems. She reiterated her government’s commitment to fostering a knowledge-based economy and promoting IT education as integral components of Punjab’s development agenda.
Furthermore, in a bid to alleviate transportation challenges faced by students, CM Maryam Nawaz announced the distribution of 20,000 motorbikes across Punjab. This initiative aims to facilitate students’ access to educational institutions and enhance their overall learning experience.
The meeting also featured detailed discussions on enhancing higher education standards, improving laptop distribution mechanisms, and optimizing transportation services for students across Punjab. Officials highlighted that despite changing administrations, the budget allocation for higher education has remained substantial under the Pakistan Muslim League-N’s tenure.
It was revealed during the meeting that over 650,000 students are currently enrolled in private and public universities in Punjab, with a gender distribution of 44% boys and 56% girls. This statistic underscores the significant role of education in promoting gender equality and fostering social development in the province.
Senior Provincial Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat, Information Minister Uzma Zahid Bukhari, Chief Secretary, Secretary Higher Education, and other officials were present at the meeting, underscoring the collaborative approach adopted by the government to address the challenges facing the higher education sector.
CM Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s proactive stance towards revitalizing the higher education landscape in Punjab signals a renewed commitment to ensuring access to quality education and nurturing the next generation of skilled professionals in the province.
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