Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced scholarships worth more than Rs60 million for around 500 students from Gilgit-Baltistan. The initiative aims to support students pursuing education at seven institutions across Gilgit-Baltistan. Officials said the scholarships will be distributed on the chief minister’s instructions.
The announcement adds another step to Punjab’s efforts to expand educational support beyond the province. It also highlights the government’s focus on providing financial assistance to students from different regions.
Scholarships to Benefit 500 Gilgit-Baltistan Students
Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat said the scholarships will be distributed among students on Tuesday.
Around 500 students from seven educational institutions in Gilgit-Baltistan will benefit from the initiative. The total value of the scholarships exceeds Rs60 million.
The minister described the scholarships as a gift from the Punjab government for students in Gilgit-Baltistan.
He said the Honhaar Scholarship Program includes reserved quotas for students from all provinces. According to the minister, the policy aims to provide equal access to educational opportunities.
The initiative therefore extends Punjab’s scholarship support to students outside the province. It could also help deserving students continue their studies despite financial challenges.
Honhaar Scholarship Program Expands Support
Rana Sikandar Hayat said students from Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are also benefiting from Punjab’s scholarship program.
The program seeks to provide financial assistance to talented students regardless of their province. The government says this approach supports equal educational opportunities without discrimination.
The minister also announced plans to introduce a similar initiative for students from Azad Jammu and Kashmir.
That expansion could provide additional financial support to students in the region. Officials are expected to announce further details in the coming days.
Maryam Nawaz Focuses on Youth Education
The scholarship initiative reflects Maryam Nawaz’s stated focus on improving educational opportunities for young people across Pakistan.
The Punjab government has increasingly promoted scholarship programs as a way to help students pursue higher education. Such financial assistance can reduce the burden of tuition and other education-related expenses.
Rana Sikandar Hayat said Maryam Nawaz remains committed to supporting young people across the country. He added that she would also fulfil her commitments to the youth of Azad Kashmir.
The scholarships for Gilgit-Baltistan students therefore represent more than financial assistance from Punjab. They also signal an effort to connect students from different regions with wider educational opportunities.
As the government prepares to distribute the scholarships, hundreds of students from Gilgit-Baltistan are set to receive support for their education. The planned expansion to Azad Jammu and Kashmir could further broaden the program’s reach in the coming days.
