CM expands scholarship scheme

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has increased the amount of Honhar Scholarship Programme to Rs100 billion.

Addressing a ceremony at Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, she announced additional 20,000 scholarships from next year along with the provision of interest-free loans of up to Rs30million for new businesses and startups for the youth.

She also announced provision of 100,000 e-bikes to students from next year along with the establishment of charging stations in the universities and colleges of Punjab.

Addressing the Honhar Scholarship ceremony, the chief minister said, "If we look after the youth, we can change the destiny of Pakistan. We will remove all obstacles in the way of our youth to ensure a better future for them."

She said, "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 programmes have also been launched for the youth. Internship programmes in agriculture, environment and other fields have been started for the students."

She said the Punjab government would give loans to the youth so that they could do business and not become a burden on their parents after studying.

Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said, "We are shifting the transport culture towards e-vehicles so that the people of Punjab can breathe in 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 per cent Honhar scholarships. Taking admission is a duty of the children, paying their fees is my responsibility."

She added, "The Punjab government is introducing a 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 per cent on merit."

The CM 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 Programme. Funds were available in the past but they were not spent on education.

The children should receive scholarships with pride as it is their right. As a mother, I know how happy parents feel when their children receive a scholarship."

The chief minister said 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 apologising, 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 recognised 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."

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif distributed cheques among the female student recipients of the Honhar Scholarship Programme at Bahauddin Zakariya University in Multan.

A contingent of Punjab Police presented a salute to the selected students.

Two students from Jhang and Muzaffargarh expressed their gratitude to the CM in Seraiki language.

Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat also spoke.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz condemned an incident of firing on police personnel near Lakki Marwat. She paid tribute to the two personnel who embraced martyrdom and expressed sympathies with their families.