BAHAWALPUR: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz has declared 2026 as the ‘Year of Youth’ and announced the distribution of 100,000 electric bikes, an equal number of laptops, and scholarships for students across Punjab next year.
She made these announcements while addressing a ceremony in Lodhran, where several major initiatives aimed at empowering youth and students were unveiled. The event was attended by thousands of university and college students from the Multan and Bahawalpur divisions.
The chief minister announced the establishment of IT cities across Punjab and the creation of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Centre in Lahore. She also introduced the ‘Parwaz Card’ for skilled youth to support their professional development and employment opportunities.
Addressing political matters, Maryam Nawaz said that the narrative of chaos, confusion, and attacks on police and Rangers personnel would no longer be tolerated. She stated that performance, rather than disruptive politics, would determine future electoral outcomes, adding that such narratives had caused significant harm to the country.
The chief minister reaffirmed that the Punjab government would take all possible measures for the welfare of students and youth. She also sought a pledge from students to remain committed to the country and not become part of any conspiracy against the motherland. She further said that Punjab was utilizing its share from the NFC Award to improve public welfare and invest in the future of the youth.