Maryam Nawaz University of Gujrat visit sparks student criticism

The Maryam Nawaz University of Gujrat visit on Monday drew mixed reactions from students, with several calling the ceremony tightly managed and lacking student engagement. The Punjab chief minister had arrived to attend a laptop and scholarship distribution event for students from across the Gujranwala Division.

The ceremony brought together more than 3,000 students from Gujrat, Sialkot, and Narowal districts. The event aimed to support students through government-funded laptops and scholarships. However, according to students present at the venue, the chief minister did not personally hand over the awards before leaving.

Sources said the entire program was managed by the chief minister’s team. Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat played a central role in conducting the event. University officials reportedly had limited involvement in planning or managing the ceremony.

University of Gujrat Vice Chancellor Dr Zahoorul Haq was not given the opportunity to deliver the welcome speech. He also did not present the traditional commemorative shield or address the audience. Only the education minister and the chief minister spoke during the gathering.

Several university syndicate members and local academic figures were also not invited. Officials said security considerations influenced the guest list. Some political leaders from the Pakistan Muslim League-N reportedly chose not to attend after learning that members of the Pakistan Muslim League-Q would be present.

University sources added that names recommended by the administration were removed from the final invitation list due to security clearance decisions. The university’s role remained limited to providing the venue and logistical arrangements.

During the speech, the chief minister spoke about her government’s initiatives for youth and education. At one point, organisers played video clips related to former prime minister Imran Khan. Students responded strongly to his appearance on the screen, after which the clips were quickly removed.

Some students expressed disappointment with the arrangements. They said separate ceremonies at universities would have allowed better interaction and proper distribution of laptops and scholarships.

A university spokesperson confirmed that the institution had no control over invitations or event management. He said the administration was only responsible for hosting the ceremony.

Strict security measures were visible throughout the Maryam Nawaz University of Gujrat visit. The chief minister stayed for about an hour and later departed by helicopter after completing her address.