Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has inaugurated Phase-II of the Hunarmand (Merit) Scholarship and Laptop Scheme, announcing 80,000 scholarships and the distribution of 118,000 Core i7 laptops for deserving students across Pakistan. She emphasized that merit will be the only selection criterion.
The Punjab government has been focusing on student empowerment through education and technology. This second phase extends the scheme beyond Punjab, covering students from Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Maryam Nawaz highlighted that over 27,000 applications for laptops have already been received from KP and Balochistan. She also announced the establishment of 6,000 STEAM laboratories, Schools of Eminence, and new Centers of Excellence across Punjab. Additionally, electric buses will soon be launched in Chakwal to improve urban transport.
The Chief Minister said her government’s vision is to invest in education and the youth, ensuring transparency and equal opportunities without favoritism.