Lahore: A new dawn for education in Punjab has arrived as Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif officially launches the second phase of the Honhar Scholarship Programme. This remarkable initiative promises to pay the educational expenses of 30,000 students annually for the next four years, ensuring that financial hurdles no longer obstruct the dreams of talented students.
The launch ceremony, held at the prestigious FAST National University of Computer and Engineering Sciences, Islamabad, marked a historic step in educational empowerment. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz stated, “Under this scholarship programme, talented students can pursue higher education from the best institutions without worrying about their financial situation.”
Key Features of the Honhar Scholarship Programme:
- Comprehensive Coverage:
The Punjab government will pay 100% of the educational expenses for deserving students. - Diverse Inclusion:
Students across 65 universities, 12 medical and dental colleges, and 359 colleges in Punjab will benefit. - Wide Range of Disciplines:
Scholarships are available for students pursuing 68 different subjects and disciplines. - Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be under 22 years old with a domicile in Punjab.
- Monthly household income should not exceed Rs300,000.
- Transparent Selection Process:
Applications are managed through an online portal, and the scrutiny process is monitored by a provincial-level committee under the leadership of Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb.
Inspiring Milestones Achieved:
- Scholarships were distributed among 2,473 students during the first ceremony at the University of Punjab.
- At FAST University Islamabad, 2,570 students from Rawalpindi Division were awarded scholarships.
- UET Lahore saw 1,886 students receiving support, alongside 1,660 students from public universities and 637 from private universities.
This programme stands as a testament to the Punjab government’s commitment to fostering education and enabling talented youth to shine bright.