Policy Launch and Leadership
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has unveiled a landmark program to provide free higher education at COMSATS University for the children of registered industrial and mine workers across the province . This initiative, funded through the Punjab Workers Welfare Fund, underscores the provincial government’s commitment to labor welfare and improving educational access.
Eligibility and Coverage
Under the scheme, eligible applicants include children of registered workers—as well as those whose parents are disabled or deceased—who are enrolled in industries or mines and possess valid Worker Welfare Fund registration . The program covers admissions across seven COMSATS campuses at Islamabad, Lahore, Abbottabad, Wah Cantt, Attock, Sahiwal, and Vehari, with the Punjab government covering full tuition costs .
Application Process and Deadlines
The application window is currently active via COMSATS’ online admissions portal. Key document requirements include:
- CNIC of the worker and student (or B-form)
- Worker’s registration certificate
- Social security or EOBI enrollment proof
Application deadlines are staggered by campus, with Islamabad closing on July 9, Lahore on July 17, Wah Cantt and Abbottabad on August 4, Attock and Vehari on July 11, and Sahiwal on August 15 .
Government Messaging
In announcing the initiative, CM Maryam Nawaz declared, “Workers are the pride of our province… No child in Punjab—regardless of their background—should be deprived of education” . She described the steps as both “historic” and “unprecedented,” emphasizing that education and health services would be extended to labor families in a manner not seen before in Punjab .
Broader Educational Infrastructure
The program builds on existing frameworks aimed at providing education to underprivileged children. The Punjab Workers Welfare Fund supports 69 workers’ welfare schools serving approximately 45,400 students from primary to higher secondary levels, offering free uniforms, books, transport, and utilities . Additionally, private-sector groups like the Punjab Group of Colleges, University of Central Punjab, and UBAS have announced parallel scholarships including free intermediate and university-level education, hostel accommodations, and transport for laborers’ children.
Implications for Labor Communities
This initiative addresses long-standing barriers to higher education for children of laborers, who often lack the financial means to attend university. By granting full scholarships, the government aims to reduce inequality and open opportunities for social mobility. It also builds capacity for skilled workforce development, aligning with Punjab’s growing technical and scientific sectors.
Next Steps and Administrative Coordination
The Worker Welfare Fund is overseeing the application process, in collaboration with COMSATS University’s admissions offices . To ensure equitable access, the program includes special consideration for disabled or deceased workers’ families. As awareness campaigns and application support are rolled out, authorities aim to reach all eligible households by the deadlines.
Challenges and Monitoring
The main challenges will involve ensuring effective outreach—particularly in rural and remote areas—accurate verification of worker credentials, and smooth coordination between government agencies and multiple university campuses. Tracking enrolment and academic progress of beneficiary students will be critical to measuring the program’s success and setting benchmarks for future expansion.
Strategic Significance
The free education initiative reflects Punjab’s growing investment in human capital and social welfare. It aligns with broader provincial educational priorities—a Rs17,975 crore allocation in the current budget (12 percent of total expenditure), supporting everything from schools of excellence to technical education programs . By prioritizing the children of laborers, Punjab continues to build an inclusive educational ecosystem aimed at reducing long-term inequality and reinforcing social cohesion.
