Laptop and scholarship ceremony overshadowed by tight control, political messaging, and unexpected student response to Imran Khan footage
Gujrat, February 17, 2026:
A visit by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz to the University of Gujrat on Monday triggered mixed reactions among students, with many describing the ceremony as “overly managed” and politically influenced.
The event, organised for more than 3,000 students from Gujranwala Division districts including Sialkot, Narowal, and Gujrat, was officially held to distribute laptops and scholarships. However, several attendees noted that the chief minister departed without personally handing over the awards.
Event Control and Administrative Exclusion
According to university sources, the programme was tightly controlled by the chief minister’s team, led by Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat.
University officials were largely sidelined during the ceremony. Vice Chancellor Dr Zahoorul Haq was reportedly not allowed to deliver welcome remarks, present a commemorative shield, or offer the customary vote of thanks. Only the education minister and the chief minister addressed the gathering.
Although the University of Gujrat was formally listed as host, members of the university syndicate and prominent regional figures were allegedly not invited, reportedly due to security concerns.
A university spokesperson, Dr Yousaf, stated that the administration had no role in managing invitations or the event programme.
“We were only responsible for providing the venue and logistical support. Neither the vice chancellor nor the registrar had control over the arrangements,” he clarified.
Political Undertones Surface
Political tensions also surfaced around attendance. Leaders of Pakistan Muslim League (N) in the division, including Divisional President Chaudhry Abid Raza and District President Nawabzada Tahirul Mulk, reportedly declined to participate after learning that lawmakers from rival Pakistan Muslim League (Q) would attend.
In a moment that drew significant attention, video clips referencing former prime minister Imran Khan and past remarks about Begum Kulsoom Nawaz’s illness were played during the event. The footage appeared aimed at countering the narrative of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI).
However, students responded enthusiastically to Imran Khan’s appearance on screen, prompting organisers to remove the clips shortly afterward.
Student Reactions and Security Measures
Some students criticised the format of the ceremony, suggesting that smaller, university-level distributions led by vice chancellors would have been more meaningful.
“Future builders of the nation deserve respect,” one student remarked, calling the event “staged.” Security arrangements were strict throughout the visit. Instead of a traditional floral welcome, the route from the helipad to the venue was decorated with flowers. The chief minister remained at the venue for approximately one hour before departing by helicopter.