By Zain Khan Watozai
In a bid to connect with the youth and steer them away from rival political ideologies, Maryam Nawaz, the chief minister of Punjab, has launched an initiative to provide scholarships and laptops to university students across the province. Her latest stop was at Bahauddin Zakariya University, where she distributed scholarships and announced plans to offer laptops and fully fund students’ educational expenses.
While addressing the students, Maryam infused a political touch into her message, urging them to choose leaders wisely. “Don’t follow those who incite you to violence, to burn public property, or to attack law enforcement. You deserve leadership that empowers you, not one that misguides you,” she said, indirectly pointing towards rival Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and its leader Imran Khan.
This initiative is part of a broader strategy by Maryam Nawaz to attract young voters and weaken PTI’s influence among the youth—a demographic that has been a stronghold for Imran Khan’s party in recent years. The move began earlier this month with Punjab University, where she launched the scholarship program and pledged similar promises to the students.
Political observers believe this outreach is not just about education but also an attempt to realign loyalties among the youth, who have often been vocal in their support for PTI. By focusing on education and incentives like laptops, Maryam aims to position her party as one that prioritizes progress and opportunity over protest and disruption.
The campaign comes at a critical time when political divisions in Pakistan remain stark, and the youth’s alignment is seen as pivotal to shaping the country’s political future.
