CM Maryam Nawaz’s Youth Empowerment Programs in Punjab || Scholarships, Loans & Business Support

In an inspiring move to empower the youth of Punjab, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has launched a series of groundbreaking initiatives aimed at enhancing educational opportunities, promoting entrepreneurship, and enabling long-term economic independence for the younger generation. These programs reflect her commitment to creating a progressive and self-reliant society where talented individuals from all backgrounds can thrive.

From fully funded scholarships and free laptops to interest-free business loans, the initiatives launched under her leadership mark a new chapter in youth development in Pakistan. Here is a comprehensive overview of the youth-focused programs under CM Maryam Nawaz’s vision.

Table of Contents

🎓 1. Honhaar Scholarship Program – Making Education Accessible

The Honhaar Scholarship Program is a flagship initiative of CM Maryam Nawaz, offering financial aid and academic support to thousands of high-achieving students across Punjab.

Key Features:

Launched in October 2024, this program is considered Pakistan’s largest merit-based scholarship initiative for undergraduate students.
Students from both public and private universities are eligible.
The program covers 100% of tuition fees for students in high-demand fields like medicine, engineering, IT, and social sciences.
Priority is given to students from low-income families with a monthly household income of less than PKR 300,000.
More than 30,000 students are expected to benefit from this scheme annually.

The scholarship doesn’t just focus on financial relief; it is a strategic investment in Pakistan’s future workforce. By ensuring that no deserving student is left behind due to financial constraints, the government is promoting inclusive and accessible education.

💻 2. Laptop Distribution Scheme – Bridging the Digital Divide

In line with the modern demands of the education system, the Laptop Scheme was reintroduced and expanded by CM Maryam Nawaz in early 2025. This initiative aims to empower students with digital tools necessary for online learning, research, and skill development.

Highlights:

A total of 110,000 laptops are being distributed in 2025.
Eligible students must have scored at least 65% marks or the equivalent GPA in their recent examinations.
Students enrolled in government universities and colleges are prioritized.
The laptops are pre-installed with useful educational software and tools.

This scheme not only supports academic growth but also prepares students for the digital economy, encouraging freelancing, remote work, and access to global opportunities.

💼 3. Asaan Karobar Scheme – Promoting Youth Entrepreneurship

To address youth unemployment and promote economic independence, CM Maryam Nawaz launched the Asaan Karobar Scheme, a revolutionary loan initiative designed for young entrepreneurs across Punjab.

Program Overview:

Loans of PKR 1 million to PKR 30 million are available.
These loans are either interest-free or offered at very low interest rates, depending on the business size and category.
The loan tenure ranges up to 5 years.
Because the application process is easier, first-time entrepreneurs are urged to start their own business.

A notable feature of the Asaan Karobar Scheme is the Business Finance Card, a digital tool that enables easy transactions, record-keeping, and access to government-supported services for registered entrepreneurs.

Who Can Apply?

For this job, you need to be between the ages of 21 and 55.
A valid CNIC and domicile of Punjab are mandatory.
Applicants must submit a business plan or proposal.
Preference is given to women, persons with disabilities, minorities, and individuals from underdeveloped areas.
Selected applicants are required to undergo basic entrepreneurship training.

The scheme has already received overwhelming interest from young people looking to start or grow businesses in retail, services, manufacturing, agriculture, and IT.

📊 4. Financial Commitment and Scale

The government has backed these initiatives with massive financial support to ensure their sustainability and impact:

Over PKR 84 billion has been allocated to the Business Loan Program.
An additional PKR 48 billion supports the Business Finance Card scheme.
More billions have been given to Punjab kids’ scholarships and laptops so they can always go to school.

These numbers reflect a strong financial commitment by the provincial government to invest in its future—the youth.

🧠 5. Skill Development and Training

Apart from direct financial assistance, the youth-focused programs under CM Maryam Nawaz also emphasize skill-building and capacity development. Several institutions in Punjab have partnered with government bodies to offer free training programs in business management, IT, digital marketing, agricultural innovation, and vocational trades.

This added layer of training ensures that beneficiaries of scholarships or business loans are equipped not only with funding but also with the knowledge required to succeed.

✅ 6. Transparency, Inclusiveness, and Technology Integration

One of the most praised aspects of these programs is the transparent and merit-based selection process. All applications are reviewed digitally through official government platforms, minimizing human interference and corruption.

Applicants are encouraged to use the following platforms:

For youth schemes and scholarships.

dgpr.punjab.gov.pk—For public announcements and detailed program information.

For details on business loan products and application requirements.

With technology integration, the application process is smooth, efficient, and accessible even to those in remote areas.

🌟 Conclusion: A Brighter Future for Punjab’s Youth

Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the Chief Minister, envisions a prosperous Punjab rooted in the empowerment of its young population. Her dynamic youth-focused policies aim to eliminate barriers to education, encourage innovation, and enable financial independence through inclusive and well-structured programs.

For More Information Click Here