Faisalabad: Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Chief Minister of Punjab, has announced significant expansions to the Honhaar Scholarship Program and the student laptop initiative, aimed at enhancing educational opportunities across the province. These initiatives include the addition of second and third-year students to the scholarship program and a substantial increase in the distribution of laptops to students.
According to a statement by Chief Minister of Punjab, during a ceremony at Government College Faisalabad, Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasized the government’s commitment to education, stating that the number of scholarships would be increased from 30,000 to 50,000 next year. She affirmed the government’s readiness to allocate substantial resources to support scholarships, even if it requires using the entire budget.
Addressing the students, the Chief Minister announced the construction of Punjab’s first Artificial Intelligence University, pledging free land and a loan of Rs. 3 crores to facilitate this project. She also confirmed the increase of student laptops from 40,000 to 100,000. Students achieving 65 percent or higher in their grades will be eligible for the laptops.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif spoke passionately about the need to guide students towards constructive paths, expressing a strong personal commitment to their success. She highlighted the importance of merit in the scholarship program, noting that all scholarships were awarded based on student merit without any political bias.
She underscored the government’s role in ensuring that no child in Punjab is deprived of educational opportunities due to financial constraints. The Chief Minister expressed pride in the achievements of the students and reiterated the state’s role as a supportive figure, akin to a mother caring for her children.
In addition, she announced plans for international universities to establish campuses in Nawaz Sharif IT City, and reiterated the importance of respecting parents and elders. Maryam Nawaz Sharif concluded by urging students to prioritize their education and the development of Pakistan over political affiliations, asserting that the future of the province’s youth depends on education and empowerment.