Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced that 2,200 athletes who won divisional competitions of the Khelta Punjab Games 2025 will receive free e-bikes.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the games, she also revealed that the winning players would be allowed free entry to the Horse and Cattle Show.
Expressing her vision for sports in Punjab, she stated, “I want to see Punjab’s players winning laurels at the international level.”
During her speech, the chief minister emphasized the importance of young athletes remaining focused on their sporting careers and not being influenced by those who seek to create unrest.
She urged them to steer clear of individuals who incite violence and disrupt peace. “Champions have to focus only on their sports activities and should not be misled at the hands of miscreants for creating anarchy and unrest in the country,” she said.
She further advised the youth to reject anyone encouraging them to commit acts of destruction, saying, “If someone asks you to create anarchy in our country, the youth should not lend an ear to them.
If someone asks you to kill the Rangers, kill the police, burn the metro bus, or throw petrol bombs, you should flatly refuse.
If someone urges you to read, write, and study to make progress, then he is your friend. Those who indulge in anti-state activities and encourage you to become their part are not your friends but rather enemies.”
She added, “Whosoever induces you to set the country on fire, attack the institutions is your biggest enemy.
Only Pakistan should be ‘red line’ for everyone. No step should be taken against our dear motherland. Every step should be taken for the progress and development of Pakistan.”
In addition to her engagement with the athletes, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz also held discussions with a delegation led by European Union Special Representative for Human Rights, Olaf Skoog.
The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation in promoting fundamental human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
She acknowledged the European Union’s consistent partnership with Pakistan, particularly in Punjab, regarding human rights initiatives. The EU delegation, in turn, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Punjab government in protecting human rights.
The CM said, “Pakistan is fully conforming to the United Nations human rights mechanisms. We adhere to the promotion of democracy, the rule of law, and human rights in Punjab.
Practical steps are being undertaken for the welfare of minorities, women, children, differently-abled persons, and other vulnerable segments in the province.”
She said, “Pakistan recently participated in an important UN review meeting on human rights.
Pakistan successfully submitted its report under the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) in August 2024.”
Maryam Nawaz stated, “Cooperation with the European Union for the promotion of fundamental human rights will be strengthened.”