Lahore: Prime Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif officially inaugurated Pakistan’s largest scholarship program by distributing checks to students at a ceremony held at Punjab University. The initiative, aimed at fostering educational opportunities, comes with the launch of an e-portal to streamline the scholarship distribution process.

According to Chief Minister of Punjab, the scholarship program, known as the Honahar Scholarship, will benefit 30,000 students from both public and private universities across the country. During the ceremony, Prime Minister Sharif emphasized the importance of education, stating that it is a government priority to ensure that no child in Punjab is deprived of education due to financial constraints. The event also saw the announcement of additional initiatives such as an upcoming laptop scheme and the provision of e-bikes for students.

Prime Minister Sharif addressed the students, highlighting the program as a step towards a brighter future. She noted that the scholarship is not a favor but a right for students, asserting that the government’s responsibility is to ease the financial burden on parents. The initiative also extends to supporting students’ foreign education, covering the cost for those admitted to international universities.

The ceremony included participation from provincial ministers, members of the assembly, and educational officials, with a cultural display by students from GC University. The launch signifies a commitment to educational development and empowerment, as stated by both the Prime Minister and other officials in attendance.