2011 Matric exams: First batch of position holders arrives in Murree

A batch of girls comprising position holders in the 2011 matriculation exams from boards across Punjab reached Murree for a four-day recreational tour on Friday. They will be staying in the Punjab House and were invited by Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif, said a Punjab government press release.

The first group consists of 29 female students. They were welcomed with a Guard of Honour by a contingent of police deputed at the Punjab House. In all, 104 position holders from boards across Punjab – Multan, Bahalpur, D G Khan and Rawalpindi -- will get to visit Murree.

During their stay, the students will visit Patriata, Bhurban and other tourist spots in Murree. The purpose of the visit, the press release said, is to recognise the hard work that these students put into their exams and their achievements.

Rawalpindi DCO Saqib Zafar, representing Punjab CM, said the government considers the youth an asset to the province and the country and wanted to move ahead towards a knowledge-based economy by promoting education.

The DCO added that the government is giving scholarships worth tens of millions of rupees to talented students to pursue higher education from renowned national and international universities.

The girls said the four-day trip has inspired them to work harder in the future and get better results.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 10^th, 2011.