MANDI BAHAUDDIN (Web Desk) – Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has warned that wealth, political influence and personal connections will not protect anyone from legal consequences, declaring that her government will not tolerate preferential treatment for individuals accused of criminal offences.
Addressing a ceremony at the University of Rasul in Mandi Bahauddin, where laptops and Honhaar Scholarship cheques were distributed among students, the chief minister said the law would apply equally to everyone, including influential individuals and members of her own political party.
Maryam stressed that people who use their wealth or authority to harm ordinary citizens must face legal accountability, adding that political recommendations should no longer provide protection from the law.
She issued a particular warning to those involved in violence against women and children, urging them to abandon criminal behaviour or face consequences under the law.
The chief minister also reiterated that the Punjab government stood with victims of injustice and would take action against individuals who believed their financial position or political connections placed them above ordinary citizens.
Maryam plans meeting with Lahore High Court chief justice
During her address, Maryam said she intended to meet the chief justice of the Lahore High Court to discuss cases in which accused individuals obtained bail shortly after their arrest.
She referred to a recent incident involving the alleged assault of a petrol pump employee, in which the accused was released following a settlement between the parties. The case had drawn public attention after footage of the alleged assault circulated on social media.
A Lahore court ordered the accused’s release after the complainant told the court that the matter had been settled and that he no longer wished to pursue the case.
Maryam’s remarks highlighted concerns about how cases involving alleged violence against ordinary citizens are handled. However, decisions concerning bail, settlements and criminal proceedings remain subject to judicial authority and the applicable law.
The chief minister maintained that accountability should not depend on a person’s status, stressing that victims deserved protection and fair treatment regardless of the circumstances.
Merit remains central to education programmes
Alongside her remarks on law enforcement, Maryam highlighted the Punjab government’s educational initiatives, emphasising that laptops and Honhaar Scholarships were being awarded strictly on merit.
She said students should receive opportunities based on their academic performance and ability rather than political connections, recommendations or personal influence.
The chief minister announced that the government would continue supporting young people through educational programmes involving laptops, electric buses, Chromebooks and scholarships.
These initiatives, she said, were intended to reduce barriers to education, improve access to modern technology and help students develop the skills needed to compete in an increasingly digital economy.
Maryam distributed laptops and scholarship cheques among college and university students during the ceremony, encouraging beneficiaries to make effective use of the opportunities available to them.
The Honhaar Scholarship programme is part of the provincial government’s broader effort to support students pursuing higher education. Earlier distributions have included students from universities and colleges across Punjab.
Chief minister expresses concern over violence
Maryam also referred to cases involving violence against women and children, including the reported death of an orphaned child in a car-related incident in Multan.
She described such incidents as deeply troubling and reiterated the need for stronger protection for vulnerable members of society.
Her comments reflected the government’s stated position that criminal conduct must be addressed through legal action and that victims should not be left without support.
Message to students
Addressing students directly, the chief minister said she wanted to provide them with every possible opportunity to succeed academically and professionally. In return, she called on them to remain committed to Pakistan and contribute to its future development.
The ceremony received a warm welcome, with residents reportedly showering flower petals on the chief minister’s vehicle during her visit to Mandi Bahauddin.
Maryam concluded by underscoring the importance of education, merit and equal accountability, presenting them as key priorities for the province’s future.
