LAHORE: The Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture, Multan, has announced the establishment of a scholarship in memory of Manahil, a 21-year-old student who tragically lost her life in a campus bus accident last month.

The Manahil Shaheed Scholarship was unveiled on Friday, alongside the renaming of the site of the incident as “Manahil Shaheed Square”.

Manahil was fatally injured on Sept 23 when a university bus collided with her motorcycle inside the campus.

MNSUAM Vice-Chancellor Prof. Ishtiaq Ahmed Rajwana briefed Additional Chief Secretary of South Punjab Fuad Hashim Rabbani on the measures being implemented in the university.

During the meeting, the vice-chancellor informed Mr Rabbani that a syndicate session has been convened to officially approve the scholarship and the square’s renaming.

He also announced the university’s decision to designate a separate gate and parking area for students who commute by motorcycle, as part of its efforts to prevent similar tragedies in future.

Mr Rabbani expressed deep sorrow over the accident, describing it as a tragedy that would forever leave its mark on the university community.

He said female students, like Manahil, who commuted by motorcycle, highlight their role in advancing female empowerment. “The scholarship will serve as a lasting tribute to Manahil, keeping alive the flame of knowledge in her name,” said Rabbani.

He suggested constructing shelters at campus bus stops to improve student safety and directed educational institutions across the region to reassess their campus traffic routes to prevent similar incidents.

Published in Dawn, October 19th, 2024