Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has unveiled a sweeping initiative to uplift and empower students across Pakistan. Through the launch of the Hunarmand (Merit) Scholarship and Laptop Scheme Phase-II, she announced the award of 80,000 scholarships next year alongside the distribution of 118,000 Core i7 laptops. The initiative seeks to open doors of opportunity, ensuring merit remains the only guiding principle for selection.
Equal Opportunities Across All Regions
During the ceremony, the chief minister highlighted that the benefits of these programs would not be confined to Punjab alone. Students from Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are equally eligible. By extending inclusion to marginalized regions, Maryam Nawaz emphasized her vision of a united educational front where talent and dedication outweigh geographic limitations, ensuring no hardworking student is left behind in this journey of progress.
Merit Over Recommendations and Favoritism
Maryam Nawaz categorically stated that favoritism, personal recommendations, and political influence would have no place in the scheme’s implementation. She revealed that more than 27,000 applications had already been received from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, reflecting the trust and eagerness of students. This strict adherence to merit strengthens the credibility of the program, assuring students that their hard work alone will determine their path toward receiving a scholarship or laptop.
Expansion of Educational Infrastructure
Beyond scholarships and laptops, Maryam Nawaz announced far-reaching measures to enhance educational infrastructure. Plans include the establishment of 6,000 STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) laboratories and the creation of Schools of Eminence across Punjab. New Centers of Excellence will also be launched, nurturing innovation and critical thinking. These steps signal a deliberate move toward equipping students with modern knowledge and preparing them for the global challenges of the future.
Also Read: Punjab Govt to Hire 25,000 School Teacher Interns
Introduction of Modern Urban Transport
In addition to educational initiatives, the chief minister declared that electric buses would soon be launched in Chakwal, transforming local transportation. This move reflects her government’s broader vision to integrate technology, sustainability, and student-friendly facilities into everyday life. By connecting urban development with educational empowerment, the leadership of Punjab aims to foster an environment where students can study, commute, and thrive with greater convenience and modern resources.
Maryam Nawaz’s Personal Reflections
Addressing the gathering, Maryam Nawaz shared her personal journey, recalling her entry into politics in 2011 and her first electoral contest in 2024. She reflected on enduring imprisonment despite, in her words, committing “no crime or wrongdoing.” She expressed how these struggles had deepened her determination to invest in the youth and education sector. Her reflections underscored a leadership narrative shaped by resilience and a heartfelt commitment to public service.
A Vision Rooted in Hope and Progress
The Hunarmand Scholarship and Laptop Scheme Phase-II stands as more than just a government program—it represents a vision of national upliftment. By prioritizing merit, inclusivity, and modernization, the Punjab government seeks to empower a generation ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges. With scholarships, laptops, and modern institutions, Maryam Nawaz is laying the foundation of an educated and confident youth, whose achievements will define Pakistan’s future.
