In a major step toward promoting education, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif launched the ‘Honhaar Scholarship Program’ at a ceremony held at Punjab University on Wednesday. The program aims to provide financial assistance to deserving students across the province, ensuring they have access to quality education.
The initiative, valued at Rs. 130 billion, is designed to benefit students from various districts of Punjab. During the launch event, CM Maryam Nawaz distributed scholarships to selected students and emphasized the government’s commitment to empowering youth through education.
To streamline the application process, an e-portal was also introduced, allowing students to easily apply and track their applications. The portal has already seen a strong response, with over 70,000 students applying for the program. Out of these, 30,000 students have been selected for scholarships this year.
Highlighting the program’s inclusivity, the Chief Minister noted that 32% of the recipients are from South Punjab, and 18,000 female students have also been granted scholarships. Students from 68 districts and 50 public sector universities, including 131 graduates in key disciplines, are among the beneficiaries.
The scholarships will cover 100% of tuition fees, reducing the financial burden on families with monthly incomes below Rs. 300,000. Eligible applicants must meet academic requirements and register through the official portal for the fall 2024 session.
The initiative underscores the Punjab government’s focus on higher education and its role in building a brighter future for the province.