LAHORE: Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat on Tuesday awarded scholarships and cash prizes to 272 top-performing intermediate students of all educational boards of the province.

Speaking at a ceremony to honour high achievers, the minister emphasised merit-based scholarships for underprivileged students, stating that scholarships were being given “without political bias” to help them achieve their academic goals.

He underscored the government commitment to promoting technological skills among the youth to address global trends.

The minister, flanked by Higher Education Secretary Farrukh Naveed, CM’s Task Force on Education Chairman Muzamil Mahmood, Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Chairman Zaid bin Maqsood, and Lahore Board Secretary Rizwan Nazeer, lauded the students’ perseverance.

“Despite limited resources, Punjab youth are setting new benchmarks through hard work and excellence,” he remarked.

Rana Sikandar said the ongoing scholarship initiative would cover fees for 1,400 medical students. Additionally, over the next five years, 50 per cent of fees for all students enrolling in medical programmes would be subsidised through the scheme.

In the ceremony, the Punjab government and the Higher Education Department awarded cash prizes of Rs500,000, Rs300,000, and Rs100,000 to each first, second, and third-position holders, respectively.

Students participating in event activities also received Rs50,000 each.

The education minister further revealed plans to launch a laptop distribution scheme to enhance digital access for students.

During the event, he addressed grievances raised by attendees, issuing immediate directives for resolution.

He congratulated the students, their parents, and teachers, calling their achievements “a testament to resilience and ambition”.

Published in Dawn, February 5th, 2025