Punjab CM Expands Honhaar Scholarship Program for GB Students
On March 16, 2025, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif approved the expansion of the Honhaar Scholarship Program to include students from Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). This initiative aims to provide financial assistance to GB students pursuing professional education in Punjab, reflecting the government’s commitment to promoting educational opportunities across Pakistan.
Also Read : cm punjab laptop scheme eligible universities list
Quick Information Table
| Program Name | Start Date | End Date | Assistance Amount | Application Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honhaar Scholarship Program | October 15, 2024 | Ongoing | Tuition Fee Coverage | Online |
Overview of the Honhaar Scholarship Program
The Honhaar Scholarship Program is a significant initiative by the Punjab government, designed to support deserving students from public sector universities, graduate colleges, and medical colleges. The program plans to disburse approximately 30,000 scholarships annually across 68 different disciplines, ensuring equal access to higher education throughout the province. Over the next eight years, a total of 130 billion rupees is allocated for this purpose, with 120,000 students expected to benefit in the first four years.
Expansion to Gilgit-Baltistan Students
The recent approval to extend the Honhaar Scholarship Program to students from Gilgit-Baltistan underscores the Punjab government’s dedication to inclusive education. This expansion allows GB students enrolled in professional educational institutions in Punjab to apply for the scholarship, thereby reducing financial barriers and encouraging academic excellence.
Also read : New Schedule for Scholarship Distribution : Good News for Families Waiting for Funds
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Honhaar Scholarship Program, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Domicile
- Applicants must have a domicile from any district of Punjab.
Age Limit
- Applicants should not be more than 22 years old on the closing date of the application.
Family Income
- The monthly family income of the applicant must be less than PKR 300,000.
Academic Enrollment
- Applicants must be enrolled in selected disciplines at selected universities or colleges in the fall session of 2024.
- Students already enrolled in the first year of MBBS and BDS in 2024 are also eligible.
Academic Performance
- Public Sector Medical and Dental Colleges: ≥80%
- Federal and Private Universities: ≥70% for Sciences and ≥65% for Arts and Social Sciences
- Public Sector Universities: ≥70% for Sciences and ≥65% for Arts and Social Sciences
- Higher Education Department (HED) Colleges: ≥65% for Sciences and ≥60% for Arts and Social Sciences
Application Process
Interested students can apply for the Honhaar Scholarship Program through the official online portal. The application process involves filling out an online form and submitting the necessary documents to verify eligibility.
Support and Assistance
To facilitate applicants, the Punjab government has established the ‘Honhaar Scholarship Help Desk’ to provide guidance and promptly resolve complaints. The help desk operates from 9 am to 5 pm and can be contacted through the following channels:
- Landline: 042-99231903-4
- WhatsApp: 0303-4002777 and 0303-4002999
- Email: complainthonhaar@punjabhec.gov.pk and honhaar@punjabhec.gov.pk
Also Read : CM Punjab Laptop Scheme: Apply online here to get free Core i7
Chief Minister’s Message
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting talented students, stating that students should focus solely on their studies while the government takes responsibility for their fees. She expressed a maternal sentiment towards the students, considering each one as her own child.
Conclusion
The expansion of the Honhaar Scholarship Program to include students from Gilgit-Baltistan is a commendable step towards promoting educational equity in Pakistan. By alleviating financial burdens, this initiative enables students to pursue their academic goals without hindrance, contributing to the overall development and progress of the nation.
Read More