Rana Sikandar Hayat announces student events for Maryam Nawaz’s birthday

LAHORE: Students from 20 girls’ colleges across Lahore took part in a live painting competition celebrating Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s birthday, while a separate blood donation camp at MAO College attracted more than 700 student donors.

The activities were organised on the directions of Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat as part of special birthday celebrations honouring the chief minister. The events brought together students, provincial ministers and education officials for activities focused on artistic expression, women’s empowerment and public service.

The painting competition challenged female students to create live portraits of Maryam Nawaz. Participants also used poster painting to highlight women’s empowerment and portray their views of the chief minister’s leadership and development vision for Punjab.

According to Rana Sikandar Hayat, the students’ participation reflected their enthusiasm for the chief minister and their appreciation of initiatives aimed at improving opportunities for women and young people.

He said the paintings expressed the students’ affection for Maryam Nawaz and paid tribute to her role in promoting women’s empowerment. The artworks also reflected the vision of a developed and prosperous Punjab, as presented by the provincial government.

The education minister said Maryam Nawaz’s leadership had created opportunities for women to become more empowered and develop their abilities. He added that her government had undertaken significant initiatives for the overall development of the province.

Selected participants in the painting competition were also awarded cash prizes in recognition of their artistic efforts.

More than 700 students donate blood

Alongside the artistic celebrations, a blood donation camp was established at MAO College on the education minister’s instructions. More than 700 students reportedly donated blood during the activity, adding a public-service dimension to the birthday events.

The initiative highlighted the role educational institutions can play in encouraging students to participate in humanitarian activities and contribute to community welfare.

Provincial ministers also joined the celebrations, cutting a birthday cake for Maryam Nawaz and offering prayers for her long life.

Rana Sikandar Hayat said the enthusiasm shown by students during the celebrations reflected the chief minister’s popularity among young people. He also praised the female participants for using their artwork to express their views on leadership, development and women’s empowerment.

The celebrations combined cultural activities with a blood donation drive, bringing together creative expression and community service across Lahore’s educational institutions.

The events were organised as a tribute to the chief minister’s birthday, with the education minister highlighting the importance of youth participation and opportunities for women in Punjab’s development.