Islamabad, Feb 6: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has approved the Honhaar Scholarship program for students from other provinces, ensuring equal access to educational opportunities across Pakistan. In a meeting where she presided over key decisions, Maryam Nawaz directed that the number of laptops provided to students in Punjab be increased to 110,000. She also ordered the establishment of a dedicated helpline to assist scholarship recipients.
The Chief Minister emphasized that the eligibility criteria for students from other provinces would mirror those for students within Punjab, with a minimum requirement of 65% marks to qualify for receiving a laptop. She reiterated that providing scholarships and laptops to students is both a right and a responsibility of the government.
Highlighting the importance of education and the youth for Pakistan’s future, Maryam Nawaz expressed her commitment to ensuring that as many students as possible benefit from the program. She further assured that students from Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will have equal access to these opportunities, acknowledging the significance of these regions in the country’s educational landscape.
In addition, the Chief Minister confirmed that merit-based students applying to reputable colleges will have their fees fully covered by the government. She emphasized that funding will not be a barrier to student welfare programs, and the same high standards applied in Punjab will be maintained for students from other regions.
The meeting also saw the approval of two major initiatives: a one-day Vice-Chancellors’ Conference and a Tech Expo, both of which will be held in Punjab. These events are aimed at enhancing collaboration and showcasing advancements in education and technology.
