CM Punjab HONHAAR SCHOLARSHIPS Phase 2 – 2025

Lahore, Pakistan – August 2025: The Government of Punjab has officially launched CM Punjab HONHAAR Scholarships Phase 2, a landmark initiative under the leadership of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz. Building on the success of Phase 1, this program aims to empower bright but financially challenged students by offering expanded financial aid, inclusivity, and digital support.

From 20,000 to 80,000 Scholarships

Launched first in 2024, Phase 1 benefited over 20,000 students from public sector universities. Encouraged by its success, the Punjab government has now scaled up the program. Phase 2 targets 80,000 students across Punjab and other provinces, making it one of the largest scholarship schemes in Punjab’s history.

What is the HONHAAR Scholarship?

The HONHAAR Scholarship is a merit-cum-need-based program that ensures talented students do not drop out due to financial hardships. Unlike Phase 1, which focused only on universities, Phase 2 includes government colleges, TEVTA institutes, diploma programs, and technical education centers—broadening its reach to intermediate and vocational learners.

Key Features of Phase 2

• Scholarship Expansion: 35,000 new awards, targeting 80,000 beneficiaries overall.
• Financial Aid: Monthly stipend increased to Rs. 10,000 (previously Rs. 4,000).
• Digital Support: Laptops and internet stipends for top-performing students.
• Inclusivity: Quotas for orphans (5%), students with disabilities (5%), and rural female students (10%).
• Technology: Real-time updates via SMS, WhatsApp, and a dedicated online portal launched in July 2025.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be domiciled in Punjab, Azad Kashmir, Gilgit-Baltistan, Balochistan, or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
• Be enrolled in a public university, intermediate college, or TEVTA-registered technical institute.
• Have scored at least 70% marks in the last academic year.
• Belong to families with a monthly income of Rs. 60,000 or less.
• Not be availing any other scholarship.

Application Process

The entire process is online through the Punjab Government Scholarship Portal. Applicants must register using CNIC, mobile number, and email, then upload documents including:

• CNIC/B-Form & domicile
• Recent photograph
• Last academic marksheet
• Admission letter
• Parent/guardian income certificate

Each applicant receives a tracking ID to monitor application progress. The deadline is September 15, 2025.

Selection and Disbursement

The Higher Education Department (HED) Punjab will finalize the merit list after document verification. Stipends will be transferred directly into student bank accounts. Additionally, the top 1,000 students will receive laptops and leadership training opportunities.

Official Statement by CM Maryam Nawaz

At the launch event in Lahore, CM Maryam Nawaz emphasized that “no student should abandon education due to financial issues.” She highlighted the program as both financial aid and an investment in Punjab’s intellectual capital, ensuring youth contribute meaningfully to Pakistan’s progress.

Latest Updates (August 2025)

• August 5: Online portal went live; over 120,000 applications received within 72 hours.
• August 10: CM Maryam Nawaz directed awareness campaigns in remote districts via mobile information vans.
• End of August: Launch of a dedicated HONHAAR mobile app to improve accessibility.

Conclusion

With increased stipends, expanded eligibility, and digital integration, the CM Punjab HONHAAR Scholarships Phase 2 is set to transform opportunities for 80,000+ students. This initiative is not just a scholarship—it’s a pathway to empowerment, skill development, and social mobility for the next generation of Pakistan.