Bahawalpur: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday distributed Honhaar Scholarship cheques to talented students from the Bahawalpur Division at Islamia University Bahawalpur’s Baghdad Al-Jadeed Campus. The event marked the distribution of 3,011 scholarships worth Rs. 17 crore 32 lac, aiming to bolster education in the region.

According to a statement by Chief Minister of Punjab, the ceremony was a celebratory affair as the CM interacted closely with students, making squash player Sohail Adnan, a British Junior Championship Under-13 winner, sit beside her and presenting him with a Rs. 50 lac cheque. Her engagement with students included participating in the national anthem and attending to emotional speeches, notably one in Seraiki that moved her to tears.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, who expressed their zeal through slogans and performances, including a special national song. Differently abled students were recognized, and a documentary on the Honhaar Scholarship Award was showcased.

Bahawalpur Division received the second-highest number of scholarships after Lahore, with 2,296 students from public universities and 315 from medical colleges benefiting from the scheme. The scholarships are part of a larger initiative that has awarded over Rs. 72 crore to more than 11,000 students across four divisions.

The Chief Minister also acknowledged the faculty of Islamia University and embraced local culture by wearing a traditional Chunri. She signed autographs and was presented gifts by students, who praised her speech delivery. The ceremony underscored the government’s commitment to supporting education and fostering a positive environment for the youth.