Maryam Nawaz announces increase in international scholarships to 50,000 annually
CM Punjab announces 100,000 e-bikes for students. Chief Minister of Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced the distribution of one lakh e-bikes among students, here on Monday.
She made the announcement while launching the second phase of the Honhar Scholarship Program at Fast University in Islamabad.
Addressing the ceremony, the Chief Minister urged the students to pledge not to do anything against Pakistan and dedicate themselves to serving the nation.
Maryam Nawaz also said that international scholarships will be provided to students, announcing an increase in the number of scholarships from 30,000 to 50,000 annually.
She also announced the establishment of an Education City in Lahore where top universities from around the world will be invited to set up their campuses.
Furthermore, Chief Minister Maryam also revealed plans to offer international scholarships to help Punjabi children pursue higher education in renowned global universities.
Speaking on the country’s economic situation, she noted that Pakistan’s economic indicators are on a positive track, with the rising stock exchange and falling inflation reflecting the government’s dedication and hard work.
In response to ongoing political criticism, Maryam Nawaz said, “I am a mother, and as a mother, no one would ever say, ‘burn, hit, or let your children suffer while others remain in comfort.'” She added that her political opponents are primarily focused on spreading criticism and propaganda, but that such attacks have only made her stronger.
On Sunday, Maryam Nawaz launched Phase-II of the Honhar Scholarship Programme, which will cover the educational expenses of 30,000 students annually over the next four years. The scholarships will pay 100% of educational expenses for successful applicants, allowing students from Punjab to pursue higher education without financial concerns.
The programme will benefit students from 65 universities, 12 medical and dental colleges, and 359 colleges in Punjab, covering 68 subjects. To qualify, students must be under 22 years old, have a Punjab domicile, and have parents with a monthly income of less than Rs 300,000.
To ensure transparency, the application process was managed through an online portal, with scrutiny by committees at both the institutional and provincial levels, overseen by Senior Provincial Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb.
The scholarship distribution has already begun, with 2,473 students receiving scholarships at the University of Punjab, and 2,570 students receiving scholarships at FAST University Islamabad, with a focus on students from the Rawalpindi Division. Additionally, 1,886 scholarships were awarded to students at UET Lahore, including 1,660 for public sector university students and 637 for private sector university students.
With these initiatives, the Punjab government is taking significant steps to support education, empower students, and create opportunities for the next generation of leaders.
