Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif led the Honhaar Scholarship distribution ceremony at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Baghdad-ul-Jadeed Campus, on Monday. This event highlighted the government’s commitment to recognizing and supporting talented students in Bahawalpur Division.
Scholarship Distribution Ceremony Details
At the event, CM Maryam Nawaz distributed merit scholarship cheques to 3,011 deserving students from the Bahawalpur Division, with a total value of 173.2 million rupees. The scholarships were allocated as follows:
- Public Sector Universities: 2,296 students received 147.1 million rupees.
- Colleges: 400 students received 8 million rupees.
- Medical Colleges: 315 students received 18.1 million rupees.
After Lahore Division, Bahawalpur ranked second in receiving the highest number of merit scholarships under the program. Across Punjab, over 11,000 students from four divisions have been awarded scholarships worth 720 million rupees.
Highlights of the Ceremony
- Special Recognition: CM Maryam presented squash player Sohail Adnan, the Under-13 British Junior Champion, with a prize cheque of 5 million rupees and invited him to sit beside her during the event.
- Interaction with Students: The Chief Minister mingled with students, joined them in singing the national anthem, and sat among them to engage in conversations.
- Guard of Honor: Following her instructions, a disciplined police contingent presented a guard of honor to the students, acknowledging their achievements.
- Encouragement for Special Needs Students: CM Maryam also called over students with special needs who were singing to express their affection.
Honhaar Scholarships Allocation in Bahawalpur Division
| Category | No. of Students | Total Amount (Rs.) |
|---|---|---|
| Public Sector Universities | 2,296 | 147.1 million |
| Colleges | 400 | 8 million |
| Medical Colleges | 315 | 18.1 million |
| Total | 3,011 | 173.2 million |
Conclusion
The Honhaar Scholarship ceremony in Bahawalpur reflects the Punjab government’s dedication to empowering students through education and improving the quality of life for deserving families. Initiatives like scholarships, housing programs, and healthcare facilities are creating opportunities and transforming lives across the province.