Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said on Wednesday that the students belong in classrooms, not in protests at D-Chowk.
Addressing at the Punjab University scholarship programme ceremony, CM Maryam had strongly criticised the embattled Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and emphasised the importance of education.
CM Maryam questioned the image of Pakistan presented internationally due to political unrest. "What impression would the Belarusian president have carried about our country? If arson and chaos are seen as positive acts, then bring your children to participate as well," she stated.
The chief minister stated: "The students' primary duty is their commitment to the nation, and warned of severe consequences if the country's progress is harmed. If the country suffers, none of us will leave a mark behind," she said.
She criticised the practice of protecting one's children while putting others at risk. "One cannot seat their own children in safe places and bring the nation’s children to face harm. If someone cannot speak without abuse, their degree is nothing more than a piece of paper," she asserted.
CM Maryam also took responsibility for the education of students, saying, "From today, the higher education of students is more my responsibility than their parents."
She urged leaders to prioritise the betterment of future generations.
"Nations thrive when their youth focus on education rather than chaos. It is the duty of leaders to work for a brighter future for the upcoming generations," she concluded.
"The future of Pakistan lies in their education, not in weapons or stones," he said.
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