Recognizing education as the cornerstone of national progress, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has made several key decisions during an important meeting aimed at improving the educational system. Among these decisions, the most notable is the increase in the "Honhaar Scholarship" amount from PKR 30,000 to PKR 50,000 ensuring that students from all provinces, including Punjab, have equal access to financial support for their higher education.
Honhaar Scholarship Scheme Expanded Nationwide
Maryam Nawaz emphasized that the Honhaar Scholarship, which was initially designed for students in Punjab, will now be offered to the students of all provinces, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This move ensures that talented students from all regions of Pakistan can benefit from the scholarship program, regardless of their geographical location.
The Chief Minister stated, "Every child who qualifies on merit deserves a chance to study in good colleges, and we will ensure that financial constraints do not hinder their dreams. The same standards that apply to students in Punjab will now be extended to students from other provinces. We think of them as our own children, and it is our responsibility to uplift every student in the country."
Scholarship Amount Increased to PKR 50,000
In a significant boost to students pursuing higher education, the scholarship amount under the Honhaar Scholarship Scheme has been increased from PKR 30,000 to PKR 50,000. This increase will provide much-needed financial relief to students in their second, third, and fourth years of undergraduate studies. The scholarship aims to support students who demonstrate academic excellence but face financial difficulties in continuing their education.
Maryam Nawaz stressed that scholarships are not just a privilege but a right for every deserving student. She said, "Education is the real investment in our youth, and we want to ensure that no student is left behind due to financial constraints. Every child deserves an equal opportunity to succeed, and this scholarship is a step towards achieving that goal."
Laptop Scheme Expanded to Benefit More Students
In addition to the scholarship program, the Chief Minister also announced the expansion of the laptop distribution scheme. Under this initiative, the number of laptops available for students in Punjab has been increased to 110,000. Furthermore, the eligibility criterion for receiving a laptop has been set at a minimum of 65% marks, ensuring that only high-performing students benefit from this scheme.
Maryam Nawaz highlighted that the same eligibility criteria will apply to students from other provinces, promoting fairness and equality in the distribution of resources. She added, "We want every child to have access to modern technology, as laptops are essential tools for learning in today's digital age. Our goal is to provide laptops to as many students as possible, regardless of where they come from."
