Govt Committed to Empower Students of Deeni Madaris with Modern Skills: Bhutta

By Muhammad Shahzad | Lahore
Lahore: The Punjab government has reaffirmed its commitment to empowering students of Deeni Madaris by equipping them with modern, market-relevant skills alongside traditional Islamic education.
This was stated by Dr. Ehsan Bhutta, Secretary/Chief Administrator of the Auqaf Department Punjab, while addressing newly enrolled students at Jamia Masjid Hajveria, located within the premises of the shrine of Hazrat Mian Mir in Lahore.
Dr. Bhutta said a forward-looking framework is being introduced to ensure that madrasa students, upon completing their religious education, can lead dignified, self-reliant, and economically stable lives.
He announced that the Auqaf Department will award 10 scholarships to deserving students of Jamia Masjid Hajveria who cannot afford higher education, including six for MPhil and four for PhD programmes.
Highlighting the initiative, he said that in collaboration with the Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority, a structured programme has been launched. In its first phase, courses in Computer Literacy and Home Appliances (Electrician) have been introduced to provide practical skills aligned with market needs.
Dr. Bhutta emphasized that the initiative is in line with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who prioritizes the development of a skilled and self-reliant youth. He added that the programme is being fully supported administratively by Punjab Chief Secretary Zahid Akhtar Zaman.
He further noted that mosque infrastructure is being effectively utilized for educational purposes, with classes held from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. More than 300 students participate daily in morning prayers at the shrine, fostering spiritual discipline and unity.
Students from across Pakistan, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Layyah, and Sargodha, have enrolled in the programme. Residential facilities, along with three meals a day, are being provided with the support of donors.
In addition to academic training, students are also being encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities such as table tennis and badminton to promote physical well-being.
Dr. Bhutta said this initiative represents a broader effort to harmonize religious education with contemporary socio-economic demands, transforming madaris into institutions that combine spiritual learning with professional competence.
He expressed optimism that the programme will help nurture a generation that is both spiritually grounded and economically empowered.