By ABDULLAH 
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has officially launched the second phase of the Honhaar Scholarship Programme, opening the doors for thousands of students to receive financial assistance and skill-development opportunities across the province.
Announcing the initiative via her official account on X (formerly Twitter), the CM described the youth as “the heartbeat of Punjab’s future”, encouraging students to apply with confidence and pursue their education with passion.
Since its inception in 2024, the Honhaar Scholarship Programme has already benefited 80,000 students, with 50,000 currently receiving scholarships and 30,000 more set to join through the latest cycle. The programme covers 67 “future-proof” disciplines, equipping students with both academic knowledge and practical skills for emerging careers.
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The 2025 cycle introduces expanded benefits, higher stipends, and greater inclusivity:
- Increased Scholarships – 35,000 new awards, up from 20,000 in Phase 1, with special focus on remote and underdeveloped districts.
- Expanded Eligibility – Now open to intermediate, college, technical, and DAE (Diploma of Associate Engineering) students in addition to university students.
- Higher Financial Support – Monthly stipend increased from Rs. 4,000 to Rs. 10,000; laptops and internet packages for top performers.
- Digital Application Portal – A fully functional online portal (https://honhaarscholarship.punjabhec.gov.pk) allows hassle-free registration, with SMS and WhatsApp updates.
- Special Quotas – 5% reserved for orphans, 5% for disabled students, and 10% for female students from rural areas.
My dear students of Punjab!
— Maryam Nawaz Sharif (@MaryamNSharif) August 10, 2025
Your dreams are the heartbeat of Punjab’s future.
Through the HONAHAR Scholarship Program, Alhamdolillah, 80,000 young minds have been given the wings to thrive, 50,000 already receiving their scholarships, 30,000 more on the way, and many more to…
Applicants must:
- Hold Punjab domicile (students from AJK, GB, Balochistan, and KP also eligible under special inclusion).
- Be enrolled in an undergraduate programme, FA/FSc college, or technical/vocational institute registered with TEVTA.
- Have at least 70% marks in sciences or 65% in arts/social sciences (different criteria for medical/dental colleges).
- Belong to a family with a monthly income below Rs. 60,000.
- Not be receiving any other scholarship.
- Register at the official portal with CNIC, mobile number, and email.
- Fill in academic and financial details.
- Upload required documents, including CNIC/B-Form, domicile, photograph, last marksheet, income certificate, and admission letter.
- Submit and track your application using the assigned ID.
Deadline: September 15, 2025.
The Higher Education Department (HED) Punjab will prepare a merit list, with scholarships disbursed directly into students’ bank accounts. The top 1,000 performers will also receive laptops and leadership training opportunities.
During the launch ceremony at Punjab House Lahore, CM Maryam Nawaz reaffirmed her commitment:
“No student in Punjab should drop out due to financial constraints. Scholarships through Honhaar are not just financial aid—they are an investment in our province’s intellectual capital.”
Within the first 72 hours of opening, the programme received over 120,000 applications, with mobile information vans being deployed in rural areas to raise awareness. A mobile app for easier application is expected to launch by the end of August.
The Honhaar Scholarship Programme is more than just a funding initiative—it’s a strategic move to build a skilled, future-ready Punjab. By targeting financial need, academic merit, and skill diversification, the programme ensures that deserving students can focus on learning instead of worrying about tuition and expenses.
For more details and to apply, visit: Honhaar Scholarship Official Portal