RAWALPINDI/LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif officially launched the “Honhaar Scholarship Scheme” by distributing cheques to students.
As per report, the ceremony at Punjab University began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthem and a poem by Allama Iqbal, presented by GC University’s musical society.
She announced that 70,000 applications have been received for scholarships, of which 30,000 will be awarded—18,000 to male students and 12,000 to female students.
Maryam also announced a new scheme offering loans of up to millions of rupees to help students start their businesses and reduce the financial burden on their families. “The loans will be interest-free and provided in easy instalments, allowing students to work with peace of mind.”
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Punjab CM also revealed the launch of the next phase of the laptop scheme in January 2025, assuring that scholarships will be distributed without discrimination, regardless of political affiliation. “This merit-based scholarship program will turn the dreams of underprivileged students into reality,” she added.
Speaking at the inauguration of the scholarship scheme, CM Maryam Nawaz said that the education of talented students is her responsibility, and true politicians are those who invest in the future generation.
Maryam added that weapons, slingshots, stones, and spiked sticks do not represent Pakistan’s identity. Instead, Pakistan’s identity is its students, who are better seen pursuing education in colleges and universities rather than protesting at D-Chowk.
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“None of us would want to see students holding sticks and stones,” she remarked. Punjab CM Maryam criticized the past government, stating, “Previous governments had public funds too, but why didn’t they reach you? If they had, millions of children would be educated today.” She assured that the current government is working for the future of students.
The Chief Minister emphasized that all appointments in Punjab’s districts have been made based on merit.
During the event, CM Maryam Nawaz interacted warmly with GC University students. Scholarship recipients were presented with a guard of honour by a police contingent.
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On the other hand, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) government has decided to start a life insurance scheme from January 1 next year.
A meeting chaired by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur decided to pay compensation for the death of the head of the family at a government hospital or a hospital on the health card panel.
It was decided in the meeting that Rs 500,000 would be paid in case of death at the age of 60 years. The life insurance of citizens will cost Rs 4.5 billion annually.
