LAHORE - Punjab Chief Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message on International Students’ Day, has said that the purpose of celebrating this day is to highlight the importance of students and education in the society.

He said that it is the students who determine the future of a nation. He said that education is essential for opening the minds of students who are a precious asset of a country. He said that Punjab government is giving top priority to provision of quality education to students and solid measures have been adopted for providing academic facilities to students.

He said that a programme is being implemented for providing quality education to students for securing their future. Shehbaz Sharif said that funds of billions of rupees have been allocated for promotion of education in the province.

He said that talented and brilliant students are being encouraged while Punjab Educational Endowment Fund has been set up to fulfill educational needs of students belonging to low-income segments of the society. He said that scholarship of crores of rupees have been given from this fund to poor but talented students of Punjab as well as other provinces.

He said that students winning top positions in examinations are given cash prizes and laptops besides they are also sent on study tour to foreign countries.

 He said that the first international standard Knowledge Park of South Asia is being set up in the provincial metropolis and it will be a milestone in the provision of quality educational facilities to students.

Meanwhile, a delegation of an international company led by its chairman met Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif, here yesterday and expressed keen interest in investment in the project of Theme Park in Punjab.

The chief minister said that Punjab government wants to give a practical shape to the project of Theme Park near Lahore as early as possible and investment by an international company in this project will be welcomed. He said that the project of Theme Park is of vital importance as it will promote tourist activities as well as provide recreational facilities to the citizens.

The chief minister said that all out facilities will be provided for the implementation of the project. Commissioner Lahore Division, Chief Executive Officer Punjab Investment Board and officers concerned were present on the occasion.