ISLAMABAD: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Monday inaugurated phase-II of Pakistan’s largest educational initiative, the ‘Honhaar Scholarship Programme’, covering expenses of 30,000 students annually and 120,000 students over the next four years, marking a historic step in the country’s educational landscape.

Speaking at a ceremony held at FAST National University of Computer and Engineering Sciences, the chief minister said under this programme, talented students could pursue higher education at top Pakistani institutions without financial worries, adding that the Punjab government will cover 100pc of the educational expenses for qualified students.

The programme benefits students from “65 universities, 12 medical and dental colleges, and 359 colleges in Punjab”, covering 68 disciplines. Students under 22 years of age with a Punjab domicile and a parental income below Rs300,000 per month are eligible to apply.

120,000 students to benefit over the next four years

To ensure transparency, all applications were processed through an online portal. A multi-tiered scrutiny process involving institutional, provincial, and steering committees led by Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb oversees the programme.

Highlighting the initiative’s scope, Maryam Nawaz said scholarships had already been awarded to 2,473 students at the University of Punjab, and today, 2,570 students from Rawalpindi Division are being awarded scholarships at this ceremony.

She further said: “1,886 students from UET Lahore have benefited, 1,660 scholarships are allocated for students from public-sector universities, while 637 scholarships are for federal universities which will be distributed among the students of private-sector universities, a first in the country’s history.”

The chief minister said in line with her vision to empower women, 60pc of the scholarships have been reserved for female students, adding that this is the real change the people of Punjab are witnessing.

Maryam Nawaz also announced the establishment of an “AI institution in Nawaz Sharif IT City Lahore”, aiming to provide students with education in cutting-edge fields like Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity.

She expressed her optimism for the country’s future, stating that these brilliant students will lead Pakistan to prosperity through their hard work.

While our opponents resort to criticism, we are working for the peoples progress, she added.

The chief minister revealed plans to award 50,000 scholarships by next year, and provide laptops to students.

“It is my wish to offer e-bikes at no cost to 100,000 deserving students,” she said.

Responding to opposition’s allegations about the programme’s funding, Maryam Nawaz questioned if these resources are from the public treasury, why didn’t the previous government use them for scholarships? “These scholarships are the students’ right, and I am merely fulfilling my duty,” she added.

The Punjab chief minister urged students to respect their parents and appreciate Pakistan as a blessing.

Always honour women, regardless of their political affiliations, she said, emphasising her commitment to 100pc merit-based systems.

Reflecting on her personal struggles, she said facing jail and baseless cases had only strengthened her resolve to serve Pakistan.

“I am proud to see our students receiving guard-of-honour, as they symbolise the bright future of our nation,” she said.

Pakistan’s economy is stabilising after being on the verge of default, and the government remains focused on empowering the youth and securing the nations progress, she concluded.

Published in Dawn, December 24th, 2024