University of Rasul expands as Punjab announces new medical college and hospital

MANDI BAHAUDDIN: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the University of Rasul and Rasul Medical College on Monday announcing plans for a modern teaching hospital and confirming that admissions to the medical college would begin in January 2027.

MANDI BAHAUDDIN: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the University of Rasul and Rasul Medical College on Monday announcing plans for a modern teaching hospital and confirming that admissions to the medical college would begin in January 2027.

During her visit to Mandi Bahauddin the chief minister distributed laptops and Honhaar Scholarship cheques among students under provincial education initiatives. She also announced development projects aimed at improving public transport healthcare and educational facilities in the region.

Addressing the ceremony at the University of Rasul, Maryam Nawaz said the institution had been under development for two decades. According to her enrolment had increased from 149 students when she became chief minister to approximately 3,000. She said billions of rupees had been invested in establishing departments covering social sciences, life sciences and business management enabling students to pursue higher education closer to home.

The chief minister announced that a state-of-the-art teaching hospital would be established in Rasul alongside the development of its medical college. The projects are expected to expand access to healthcare and medical education for residents of the surrounding areas.

Maryam Nawaz also highlighted the provincial government’s laptop and scholarship programmes saying educational assistance should be awarded according to merit rather than personal recommendations. She said 50,000 Honhaar scholarships were being offered during the year across 70 academic disciplines while 5,069 scholarships had been allocated to students from other provinces.

According to figures shared at the event 5,531 students in Mandi Bahauddin and Gujrat had received laptops under the provincial scheme. Scholarship recipients included students enrolled in universities, medical colleges and other educational institutions across the two districts.

The chief minister also announced that electric bikes would begin reaching students on November 5. The initiative is intended to make commuting easier particularly for female students who face difficulties accessing reliable transport.

Discussing local development, she referred to green buses, improved roads, new markets, a food street and parks in Mandi Bahauddin. She said more than 35,000 kilometres of roads had been constructed or repaired across Punjab.

Maryam Nawaz also addressed women’s safety and access to justice pledging action against individuals accused of violence and stressing that wealth or influence should not place anyone above the law. She urged young people to prioritise education, peaceful activities and national development.

The chief minister encouraged students to recognise their parents’ sacrifices and use their education to contribute to Pakistan’s future.

The planned teaching hospital, medical college admissions and continued investment in educational facilities are expected to strengthen higher education and healthcare services in the Mandi Bahauddin region.