Rs. 100 Billion Funds Announced for Honhaar Scholarship

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced a Rs100 billion increase in funding for the ‘Honhaar Scholarship Programme’ and an additional 20,000 scholarships starting next year. She also unveiled plans to provide interest-free loans of up to Rs30 million for new businesses and start-ups targeting the youth. These announcements were made during her address at Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, on Monday.

She further revealed that 100,000 e-bikes would be distributed to students from next year, alongside the establishment of e-bike charging stations in universities and colleges across Punjab.

“If we focus on empowering our youth, we can transform the destiny of Pakistan,” she stated. “We will remove all obstacles in their path to ensure a brighter future. In China, I saw young children learning Artificial Intelligence, which inspired me. We will equip our children with knowledge of AI, robotics, and other advanced IT fields. Several market-driven training programs and internships in agriculture, environment, and other sectors have also been initiated for students.”

Maryam Nawaz emphasized the Punjab government’s commitment to providing financial support to students, enabling them to pursue education and entrepreneurship without becoming a burden on their families. She announced efforts to transition the province’s transport system toward e-vehicles to promote cleaner air.

She expressed particular pride in the 60% allocation of Honhaar Scholarships to female students and highlighted the government’s initiatives, including providing buses for girls’ transportation. “If any child is deprived of education, I will consider it my failure,” she said.

The Chief Minister also announced the introduction of a laptop distribution scheme, with the first batch of laptops already arrived, and plans to offer international scholarships for youth. She reiterated that the Honhaar Scholarships are awarded entirely on merit.

Addressing the opposition, Maryam Nawaz criticized Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) for engaging in what she termed as “politics of destruction.” She condemned youth involvement in violence, stating, “Those who set public property on fire and attacked policemen are not friends of the state. While dissent is a democratic right, it must not compromise morality.” She expressed regret over individuals apologizing to secure release after acts of vandalism and urged youth not to be misled by anyone.