Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz initiated the second phase of the ‘Honhaar Scholarship Programme’ on Monday, calling it the largest education initiative in Pakistan’s history. The programme aims to support 30,000 students annually, benefitting 120,000 students over four years. It is a huge step toward making higher education accessible to talented but financially struggling students.
Free Education for Deserving Students
Maryam Nawaz emphasised during her remarks at a ceremony at FAST National University that the programme will enable talented students to pursue higher education. For eligible students, the Punjab government will cover all educational expenses, allowing them to concentrate entirely on their studies.
Who Qualifies for the Programme?
To be eligible, students must be under 22 years old, hold a Punjab residence, and come from families with an income of less than Rs300,000 per month. The programme covers 65 universities, 12 medical and dental colleges, and 359 colleges across Punjab. There are 68 disciplines in total, offering a broad range of academic opportunities. Transparency is ensured by processing applications via an online portal. A committee headed by Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb oversees a multi-tiered review system used in the selection process.
The Programme’s Impact So Far
Maryam Nawaz detailed the programme’s achievements, noting that 2,473 students at the University of Punjab have already received scholarships. In addition to 1,886 students from UET Lahore, 2,570 scholarships were given out to students from the Rawalpindi Division during the ceremony. Funds were also allocated for both public and private universities, with the latter being the first in Pakistani history.
She also emphasised that the government has reserved 60% of the scholarships for female students, further empowering women. According to Maryam Nawaz, this is a step in the right direction for Punjab, enabling young women to pursue education and better futures.
Future Plans and Innovations
Looking ahead, the chief minister said she plans to give out laptops to students and e-bikes to 100,000 worthy young people by the end of the year. She also announced the opening of an AI-focused institution at Nawaz Sharif IT City in Lahore, which will provide education in cutting-edge fields.
Responding to Criticism
Maryam Nawaz responded to the opposition’s concerns regarding the programme’s funding by asking why prior administrations had not used public funds for comparable projects. She claimed that the students are entitled to these scholarships and that her government is dedicated to upholding its obligation.
The Honhaar Scholarship Programme represents a groundbreaking effort to empower the youth of Punjab. Maryam Nawaz’s government is paving the way for a brighter and more progressive future for Pakistan.
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