PU VC announces quota, stipend for martyrs’ children on Defence Day

Free education and accommodation to be provided to children of martyred Pakistan Army and police personnel

LAHORE: Punjab University Vice Chancellor Niaz Ahmad has announced an admission quota, free education and hostel accommodation, along with a stipend, for the children of martyrs of the Pakistan Army and police department.

He made the announcement while addressing a press conference on Friday at the committee room of his office on Defence Day. Speaking to the media, the VC said that the university had allocated two seats at each department and around 225 children of martyrs will be admitted, every year, on the quota.

He added that the children of martyrs, admitted on the quota, as well as on merit, will be provided free education and a stipend of Rs5,000 per month.  “The university will provide free hostel accommodation to the children of martyrs. We could not pay back to the martyrs, but we must make maximum efforts to help their families.”

The VC maintained that martyrs are people’s assets and the country is safe due to their sacrifices. “Nations who forget their martyrs do not survive. The Pakistan Army is defending our boundaries with valour and has made great sacrifices while safeguarding the country.”

He expressed that none of Pakistan’s soldiers were exceptionally brave. “The spirit of sacrifice among Pakistani soldiers is unique and makes them different to the rest of the armies in the world. The Pakistan Army has defeated enemies in the war on terror successfully.”

He further said that other universities and institutions should also take such initiatives for the families of martyrs.

Earlier, the VC led a massive rally to mark Defence Day and pay tribute to martyrs and express solidarity with the people of Kashmir. Thousands of teachers, employees and students took part in the rally. Pakistan and Kashmir’s national anthems were played on the occasion. The participants held flags of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir along with placards and banners. The protestors chanted slogans against Indian atrocities in Occupied Kashmir.

Addressing the rally, the VC said that the United Nations must implement its resolutions on Kashmir otherwise the intergovernmental organisation is of no use. “The whole world should come forward and support Kashmiris who are facing Indian brutalities in the occupied region. He stressed that India was committing serious violations of human rights in the occupied area and denying basic rights to the Kashmiri people by imposing a curfew that has lasted more than a month.

He concluded that the Pakistani nation stood united with the army, the incumbent government and the people of Kashmir. “We will fight till our last breath for the freedom of Kashmir from India occupation.

Defence Day Pakistan celebrations

Defence Day Pakistan was celebrated with zeal throughout the city to express solidarity with Kashmiris’ ongoing struggle for independence.

A number of events were held at educational institutions, government departments, police and armed forces.

A ceremony was held at Pakistan Air Force (PAF) airbase Lahore in which Punjab Governor Chaudhry Muhammad Sarwar was the chief guest. Senior serving and retired PAF officers were also present on the occasion. Display of weapons and combat airshows were also displayed in which a large number of people participated.

Speaking to senior police officers on Defence Day, the Inspector General of Punjab Police, Captain (retd) Arif Nawaz Khan, said appreciated the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces to protect the soil. “Punjab police will always stand with families of the national heroes.”

He also directed all DPOs to ensure every possibility for the families of martyrs of Pakistan armed forces. He added if they faced any problems related to the police, it should be resolved on a priority basis.

CCPO Lahore BA Nasir visited Yadgar-e-Shuhda at Lahore Cantt and laid a floral wreath. He also met with relatives of the martyrs of the armed forces and extended his sentiments.

He spent a couple of minutes with the children of martyrs and said thousands of military officers and soldiers laid downed their lives during the war with the enemy and the fight against terrorism. “I am here today to show solidarity with the families of martyrs of armed forces. We will always stand with them" pledged the CCPO.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 7^th, 2019.