NAROWAL: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday distributed cheques among the students under Punjab government`s `Honhaar Scholarship Programme` at a ceremony held at the Government College Women University, Sialkot.

Addressing the students on the occasion, she said scholarships worth Rs72 million were being given to 30,000 first-year students in Punjab under the biggest scheme of the country on merit and without recommendation of any MNA, MPA or minister.

She reiterated that laptops and electric bikes would also be given to the students free of cost.

She said under the scheme, the Punjab government would soon award scholarships to secondand third-year students as well.

Ms Nawaz said funds would be allocated in the next budget to awards scholarships to 50,000 more stu-dents. She said the first shipment of laptops for students has arrived and those scoring65 present marks would be given these laptops.

She announcedthatsoon 100,000 electric bikes would be distributed among the students to facilitate their independent travel to their educational institutions.

She urged the parents to trust their daughters, so they could bring glory to them and the country.

The CM lauded a University of Narowal student, Aliza Riaz, for her academic performance while giving her the scholarship cheque. She said during her 11 months as chief minister she did not order transfer and posting of any officer on anyone`s recommendation.

Federal Minister for Defence Khwaja Asif and Punjab Higher Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat were also present. Correspondent