Multan (Web Desk/Agencies): Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced an ambitious Rs100 billion scholarship programme alongside other transformative measures to support education, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.
Addressing an event organized to distribute scholarship cheques to students under the ‘Honahaar Scholarship Programm’e at Bahauddin Zakaria University (BZU) in Multan on Monday, the Punjab CM said that the move was a major step towards addressing the challenges young Pakistanis face in accessing education and establishing their careers.
Under this new initiative, Maryam Nawaz pledged that Rs100 billion would be allocated for scholarships, designed to ensure that no student is deprived of education due to financial limitations.
The programme, which is entirely merit-based, will offer 20,000 new scholarships annually, with a significant focus on gender parity—60% of these scholarships will be reserved for female students.
The scholarships will cover tuition fees for deserving students, and, in an effort to further support their educational journey, laptops will be distributed, with the first batch already being rolled out.
The Punjab CM also revealed plans to launch international scholarships, opening avenues for students to pursue higher education abroad.
Beyond academic support, Maryam Nawaz highlighted plans to foster the spirit of entrepreneurship among Pakistan's youth.
She added that interest-free loans of up to Rs3 million will be made available to young entrepreneurs to help them start their own businesses.
“Alongside financial assistance, the government will offer market-based training programmes across key sectors such as agriculture, technology, and the environment,” the Punjab CM said, adding that this comprehensive approach aims to equip the youth with the necessary skills and resources to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.
To further support mobility and education, CM Maryam Nawaz also announced the distribution of 100,000 e-bikes to students, which will contribute to making transport more affordable and environmentally friendly.
She announced that charging stations for these e-bikes will be established in educational institutions, promoting green practices and making sustainable transport more accessible.
Additionally, the Punjab government is taking bold steps to transition the province’s transport system to electric vehicles, with the aim of reducing pollution and improving air quality.
The initiative will also prioritize the development of practical skills, especially in fields like artificial intelligence, robotics, and modern IT, which are rapidly shaping the future of work.
Maryam Nawaz emphasized the importance of equipping young people with cutting-edge skills to ensure they are competitive in the global market.
She drew inspiration from the success of technological innovations in countries like China and expressed her determination to position Pakistani students at the forefront of these advancements.
Acknowledging the central role of women in this transformative vision, the Maryam Nawaz emphasized that transportation support for female students would be provided through the introduction of buses, making it easier and safer for them to access education.
She said that the scholarship programme is particularly geared towards bridging the gender gap in education, aiming to empower young women to become leaders in their respective fields.
Calling the youth the backbone of Pakistan, the Punjab CM urged them to remain focused on their studies and avoid becoming entangled in divisive political or destructive agendas. She underscored the importance of upholding moral values and respect for women, two core principles she believes are essential for building a strong, progressive society.
The Punjab CM reaffirmed her commitment to continue supporting the youth, saying, “with your dedication, no one can stop the country from achieving unparalleled progress.”
