Punjab Chief Minister (CM) Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced a major expansion in student welfare initiatives, approving the Honhaar Scholarship program for students from other provinces. The initiative aims to ensure equal educational opportunities for students across Pakistan, reflecting the government’s commitment to youth empowerment.
Presiding over a high-level meeting, CM Punjab directed an increase in the number of laptops allocated to students in the province, raising the total to 110,000. In addition, she instructed officials to establish a dedicated helpline to assist scholarship recipients, ensuring a smooth application process and timely support.
Equal Eligibility Criteria for All Provinces
Students from Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will now be eligible for the scholarship under the same criteria as Punjab students. To qualify for a free laptop, students must secure at least 65% marks. This move is aimed at bridging the digital divide and ensuring that students from all regions have access to modern technology to aid their education.
Maryam Nawaz emphasized that education and youth are the nation’s most valuable investment, reaffirming that scholarships and laptops are not a privilege but a right. She expressed her determination to provide laptops to as many deserving students as possible, empowering them with the tools needed for academic excellence.
Government to Cover Fees for Merit-Based Students
In a significant step towards making higher education more accessible, CM Punjab assured that merit-based students who gain admission to top colleges and universities will have their fees covered by the government. This initiative aims to support bright students who may face financial constraints, ensuring that talent is not wasted due to economic barriers.
She also made it clear that funding would not be a hurdle for student welfare programs. The Punjab government is committed to expanding educational opportunities and ensuring that students from all backgrounds receive equal access to resources and financial support.
Upcoming Vice-Chancellors’ Conference & Tech Expo
To further strengthen the education sector, the meeting also approved the organization of a one-day Vice-Chancellors’ Conference and a Tech Expo in Punjab. These events will serve as platforms for academic leaders and industry experts to discuss education policies, technological advancements, and future collaborations to enhance learning opportunities for students.
With these initiatives, the Punjab government under Maryam Nawaz Sharif is taking bold steps toward a more inclusive, technology-driven, and merit-based education system, ensuring that no student is left behind due to financial or regional constraints.