Schoolboy acts as education minister on Children's Day

LAHORE:

Punjab School Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat marked World Children's Day by symbolically transferring his ministerial charge to a high-achieving matric student, Abuzar.

According to an official statement, the student arrived at the school education

department in the minister's official vehicle with protocol, where senior officials welcomed him.

In the absence of Rana Sikandar, all official engagements for the day were entrusted to Abuzar who chaired meetings and contributed to decisions alongside department officials.

During briefings, the young 'minister' reviewed Lahore's educational landscape and issued instructions to the relevant officers. He sought updates on the recruitment of School Teacher Interns (STIs) and directed that hardship transfer cases be addressed at the earliest.

Abuzar was also briefed on initiatives to improve basic facilities in schools. He held consultations with officials on enhancing various departmental processes. The young minister discussed scholarship schemes, fee waivers for underprivileged students, and transport facilities for teachers.

He also expressed a desire to ensure that deserving students in private institutions receive fee concessions, and highlighted the need to provide transport support to teachers serving in remote areas.

Later, the young education minister addressed a press conference, briefing the media on the day's decisions and his experience overseeing departmental affairs.

Speaking on the initiative, Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat said the purpose of such activities is to genuinely highlight children's creativity, broaden their thinking, and encourage them to take interest in governance and leadership.