In a significant move to support higher education in Punjab, Punjab Minister for Higher Education, Rana Sikandar Hayat Khan, has inaugurated the country’s largest financial aid scheme for talented students, as directed by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. The Honhaar Undergraduate Scholarship Program was officially launched at a ceremony held at Punjab University (PU) on Friday.

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The event was attended by key stakeholders in the education sector, including Punjab University Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Ali, Secretary Higher Education Dr Farrukh Naveed, and Punjab Higher Education Commission Chief Operating Officer Dr Mansoor Ahmed Baloch, along with faculty members and a large number of students.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Hayat emphasized that the new scholarship initiative is set to benefit 30,000 academically talented students from both public and private universities across the province. He added that the scheme will cover the full tuition fees for a four-year Bachelor of Science (BS) degree program, ensuring continuous financial support throughout their education. Each year, new students meeting the eligibility criteria will be included in the program.

“The Honhaar Undergraduate Scholarship Program is a historic initiative, aiming to support the higher education journey of thousands of deserving students,” said Minister Hayat. “This initiative is backed by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, who is committed to advancing educational opportunities for the youth of Punjab. The program will target upper-middle-class families, with a maximum monthly income cap of Rs 300,000, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder the education of bright students.”

In addition to covering BS degree programs, the scheme will also extend to students in government medical colleges and provide scholarships in 67 high-demand disciplines. Minister Hayat stressed that the program is designed to develop the best human resource for the province, enhancing the skills and employability of students in key sectors.

Punjab University Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Ali lauded the scholarship program as a “revolutionary step” in the field of higher education, stating that it would not only support meritorious students but also strengthen the overall education sector in the province. “The Honhaar Scholarship Program will contribute significantly to producing skilled and quality graduates, making Punjab a hub of educational excellence,” he remarked.

Minister Hayat also announced that, under Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz’s initiatives for youth welfare, 40,000 laptops would soon be distributed to intelligent students in Punjab as part of an effort to promote digital literacy and facilitate academic research.

The inauguration ceremony concluded with an interactive session, where the minister addressed questions from students regarding the scholarship scheme and its implementation.

This landmark financial aid program marks a new chapter for higher education in Punjab, ensuring that talented students have the resources they need to pursue their academic goals without financial burden.

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