Governor Punjab Chaudhary Muhammad Sarwar announced 20,000 scholarships for the students of Balochistan, Gilgit Baltistan, and ex-FATA. These scholarships will be awarded to the students enrolled in a four-year degree program in the universities of Punjab. Out of these, 3200 students will be given 100 percent scholarships while 16,852 students will be awarded a 50 percent scholarship in the universities of Punjab.
While addressing a press conference at Governor’s house, Chaudhry Muhallm Sarwar said that this is the largest ever program for students of these areas from Punjab. He said the students from Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, and erstwhile FATA would not be expelled from the universities of Punjab due to the non-payment of fees. The Punjab government has announced Rs20 million annually in the first phase in this regard. The amount will be increased to Rs 80 million in four years. The Punjab governor said all public universities of Punjab will provide 50 percent scholarships at their own expense and a 50 percent discount will also be given in hostel fee.
“I have also visited Balochistan on the issue of scholarships where I met with the Governor of Balochistan, chief minister of Balochistan and also the Minister of education of Balochistan and the students who will be given 50 percent scholarship in the universities of Punjab will be given the remaining 50 percent scholarship by the government of Balochistan and these students will not have to pay any money.
He said that out of private universities UMT will give 100 pc scholarships to 216 students annually and the University of Lahore will also give 100 pc scholarships to 216 students. Under the leadership of Dr. Amjad Saqib, the Akhuwat Foundation will give 100 pc scholarships to 400 students annually. He said Punjab University will also give 100pc scholarships to 100 students annually and give Rs 3,000 each per month. Other public universities, Friends of Lahore will give 100 pc scholarships to 3,200 students annually and 16,852 students will receive 50 percent scholarships. On the whole, almost 20,052 students will be given relief.
