Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz inaugurated the “Honhar Scholarship Program” for the Gujranwala Division at Government College University Sialkot, aiming to support talented students from remote areas and promote higher education across the province.
Maryam Nawaz expressed her affection for the students, took selfies with them, and praised their talent and passion.
During the ceremony, she emphasized the program’s transparency and merit-based selection, saying: “Not a single scholarship has been awarded on recommendation but on 100% merit. This is your trust, and I am answerable to Allah and the people of Punjab.”
She further mentioned that during her 11-month tenure as CM, no appointments had been made on recommendation.
On Maryam Nawaz’s instructions, a Punjab Police contingent presented a guard of honor to deserving students. Heartfelt moments unfolded as students shared their personal struggles. Nayab Fatima, a student whose mother is battling cancer, received a hug and a promise from the CM to cover her mother’s medical expenses.
Maryam reiterated her dedication to youth empowerment, stating that 65% of Pakistan’s population consists of young people. She announced plans to increase scholarships from 30,000 to 50,000 in the upcoming budget, with scholarships currently awarded to first-year students being expanded to second- and third-year students in the future.
Additionally, she unveiled initiatives such as free laptops for students scoring above 65% and the distribution of 100,000 electric bikes to support education and mobility.
“My confidence in the power of girls has grown even stronger,” she remarked. She encouraged parents to trust and believe in their daughters, who will make them immensely proud. “If intermediate education is insufficient for boys, why should it be for girls? With adequate support, girls can achieve extraordinary milestones.”
Maryam also highlighted improvements in economic indicators, a reduction in inflation, and the government’s commitment to rebuilding Pakistan’s economy.
Maryam Nawaz’s interaction with students and her commitment to education left a lasting impression. “This love is the greatest wealth of my life,” she said, reaffirming her pledge to uplift the youth and pave the way for a brighter future in Punjab.
