Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif officially launched the “Honhaar Scholarship Scheme” on Wednesday by distributing cheques to deserving students at a ceremony held at Punjab University.
The event began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthem and a rendition of an Allama Iqbal poem by GC University’s musical society.
Key Highlights of the Scheme:
- CM Maryam Nawaz revealed that 70,000 applications were received for the scholarships, of which 30,000 will be awarded. Male students will receive 18,000 scholarships, while female students will be granted 12,000.
- She announced a new interest-free loan program to help students start their businesses and alleviate financial pressures on their families. “These loans, amounting to millions of rupees, will be repayable in easy installments, enabling students to work with peace of mind,” she stated.
- The next phase of the laptop distribution scheme will begin in January, assuring that scholarships and resources will be distributed fairly, irrespective of political affiliations. “This merit-based scholarship program will turn the dreams of underprivileged students into reality,” she added.
Education and Pakistan’s Identity:
- Emphasizing the importance of education, CM Maryam Nawaz stated, “The education of talented students is my responsibility. True politicians invest in the next generation.” She highlighted the need for students to focus on education rather than engaging in protests, saying, “Weapons, slingshots, stones, and spiked sticks are not the identity of Pakistan. Our identity lies in students pursuing education in colleges and universities.”
- She criticized previous governments for failing to prioritize education despite having public funds. “Had those funds reached you, millions more children would be educated today,” she remarked while assuring that the current government is committed to securing students’ futures.
Merit-Based Opportunities:
- The Chief Minister stressed that all appointments in Punjab’s districts have been made on merit. She also highlighted that, for the first time, students from 15 private universities and matric and intermediate position holders will be eligible for the scholarships.
Warm Interaction with Students:
- During the event, CM Maryam Nawaz engaged warmly with GC University students and awarded scholarship recipients, who were honored with a guard of honor by a police contingent.
Dr. Farukh Naveed, Secretary of Higher Education, elaborated on the scheme’s details, emphasizing its inclusivity and focus on supporting talented students across the province.