Maryam to jack up Honhar Scholarship Programme up to Rs100bn

LAHORE/MULTAN: Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz announced to increase the amount of Honhar Scholarship Program up to Rs100 billion at the Honhar Scholarship ceremony held at Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan.

She announced to increase additional 20,000 Honhar Scholarships from next year along with the provision of interest-free loans up to Rs30 million for new businesses and startups for the youth.

She also announced provision of one lakh e-bikes to the students from next year along with establishing e-bike charging stations in the universities and colleges of Punjab. She while addressing the Honhar Scholarship Program ceremony said, “If we look after affairs of the youth, we can change the destiny of Pakistan. We will remove all obstacles in the path of our youth to ensure a better future for them. I was surprised to see young children learning artificial intelligence in China. We will teach our children artificial intelligence, robotics and other modern IT sciences. Many market-based training programs have also been launched for the youth. Internship programs in agriculture, environment and other fields have been started for the students.”

She said, “The Punjab government will give loans to the children so that they do not become a burden on their parents by studying and doing business. We are shifting the transport culture towards e-vehicles so that the people of Punjab can breathe clean air. If any child remains deprived of education, I will deem it my failure. Students, especially girls, are being provided buses for their transportation. It is a matter of immense pleasure that girls are getting sixty percent Honhar scholarships. Taking admission is a duty of the children, paying their fees is my responsibility.”

She added, “The Punjab government is introducing laptop scheme for the children soon. The first batch of laptops has arrived. We will also give International scholarships to the youth according to their wishes. I urge the children to study with a peace of mind, paying their fees is my responsibility. The Honhar Scholarships are given 100 percent on merit, no one was asked which party they belong to.”

CM Punjab said, “All children are equal for a mother. Unfortunately, one child can study in a good university and the other cannot study due to lack of fees. I did not pay from my own pocket for Honhar Scholarship Program. Funds were available in the past but why they were not spent on children education. The children should receive scholarships with pride as it is their due right. As a mother, I know how much happy parents feel when their children receive a scholarship. The youth should pledge not to fight against their country.”

She added, “Youth who set public properties on fire, shoot, and torture the police cannot be friends of the state. I am talking to the children as a mother, the youth should not be misled or be exploited by anyone. The youth are guardians of Pakistan’s stability and progress. The children involved in vandalism came out of prison after apologizing, which is deeply regrettable. Having a dissenting view in a democracy is not forbidden, but one should not abandon the path of morality.”

She said, “Disrespecting mothers, sisters and daughters does not suit anyone. Societies are recognized by their moral values and behaviour. I am confident that no one can stop this country from progressing ahead among the comity of nations by looking at the zeal and spirit of our talented students. I salute hard work and talent of our promising students. Muhammad Nawaz Sharif also sent his message of felicitation to the students. Our dear homeland will progress by leaps and bounds.”

She attended the Honhar scholarship ceremony at Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, where she donned a shawl gifted by the students, mingled with female participants, and warmly greeted them, including a visually impaired student who performed the national anthem on the flute, whom the Chief Minister personally escorted to her seat.

The Chief Minister expressed affection to the female students who recited the Holy Quran and Naat Sharif. She distributed cheques among the students who received Honhar scholarships. A contingent of Punjab Police saluted the recipients of the scholarship during a ceremony where a documentary on the program was shown. Two students from Jhang and Muzaffargarh thanked the CM Punjab. Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat addressed the ceremony. At the end, Maryam mingled among the female students, took selfies and interacted with them.

Maryam Nawaz Sharif appreciated Saudi Arabia’s all-time brotherly cooperation with Pakistan and said, “Saudi Arabia is like Pakistan’s elder brother, hearts of people of both the countries beat together.” She held a meeting with the former Governor of Hafr Al-Batin Province of Saudi Arabia H.E. Prince Mansoor to discuss cooperation. Potential investment opportunities in various fields in Punjab were also discussed. She invited Saudi investment in infrastructure, health, education, and religious tourism in Punjab, and ensured Saudi investors of her Government’s full cooperation and incentives under a special package. She highlighted, “Punjab Government has ensured foolproof security and a rule of merit to improve business environment.” Prince Mansoor said, “Pakistan-Saudi Arabia relations are vital for the stability and prosperity of the entire region.” He added, “Saudi Arabia will always stand by Pakistan.”

Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif strongly condemned firing on the police personnel by terrorists near Lakki Marwat. She paid tribute to the two police personnel for embracing martyrdom. She expressed heartfelt sympathies and condolence with the heirs of the martyred police personnel.