GUJRAT:
A visit by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to the University of Gujrat drew mixed reactions on Monday, with several students terming the event “artificial” and tightly controlled.
The ceremony, arranged for more than 3,000 students from the Gujranwala Division districts of Sialkot, Narowal and Gujrat, was meant to mark the distribution of laptops and scholarships. However, according to students, the chief minister left without personally handing over the laptops and scholarship awards to the participants.
Sources said the event remained under the complete control of the chief minister’s team, led by Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat.
The university administration was largely sidelined during the proceedings.
Vice Chancellor Dr Zahoorul Haq was not permitted to deliver welcome remarks, present a commemorative shield, or read the traditional address of thanks. Only the provincial education minister and the chief minister addressed the gathering.
Although the University of Gujrat was formally designated as host, several members of the university syndicate and notable figures from the region were reportedly not invited, allegedly due to security concerns.
Leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League (N) in the division, including Divisional President Chaudhry Abid Raza and District President Nawabzada Tahirul Mulk, declined to attend after learning that lawmakers from the rival Pakistan Muslim League (Q) would be present.
According to sources within the university, dozens of names proposed by the administration for participation were removed by the chief minister’s team on the grounds of security clearance. University officials said they were assigned only the responsibility of providing the venue and logistical support.
During her speech, the chief minister outlined her government’s plans for students and youth development.
At one point, video clips related to former prime minister Imran Khan and past remarks concerning Begum Kulsoom Nawaz’s illness were played on screens at the venue, apparently to counter the narrative of the opposition Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf. However, students reacted enthusiastically to Imran Khan’s appearance on screen, prompting organisers to remove the footage shortly afterward.
Some students criticised the arrangements, saying it would have been better for the vice chancellor to hold separate ceremonies at universities and distribute laptops and scholarships directly, rather than organising what they described as a “staged” event.
“Future builders of the nation deserve respect,” one student remarked.
University spokesperson Dr Yousaf told The Express that the institution had no authority over invitations or program management.
“We were only responsible for hosting and providing the venue. Neither the vice chancellor nor the registrar had control over the arrangements from start to finish,” he said.
Strict security measures were in place during the visit. Instead of a traditional reception with flower petals, the route from the helipad to the venue was decorated with flowers.
The chief minister stayed for about an hour before departing by helicopter.
