Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has asserted that she was committed to a transparent and equitable financial system.Sharing her message on International Day of Banks, Maryam Nawaz Sharif hailed every stakeholder of financial companies, experts and economic development commending the role of Bank of Punjab for development of the province.Punjab CM disclosed that innovative reforms were being introduced in the Bank of Punjab as banks had the status of backbone of the economy.Banks play pivotal role in economic stability, trade and investment opportunities, Maryam Nawaz stressed.The day celebrates institutions like multilateral development banks, international financial institutions and the national banking systems to fund projects that impact the global economy, reduce inequality and improve living standards.The theme for 2024 is 'Empowering Sustainable Development Through Finance." This theme focuses on the role of financial institutions in supporting the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It aims to eradicate poverty, tackle climate change and reduce inequality.Meanwhile Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Wednesday officially inaugurated the "Honhaar Scholarship Scheme" by distributing cheques to students.The ceremony at Punjab University began with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by a national anthem and an Allama Iqbal poem presented by GC University's musical society.She revealed that 70,000 applications have been received for scholarships, out of which 30,000 scholarships will be awarded-18,000 to male students and 12,000 to female students.She further announced a new scheme offering loans of up to millions of rupees to help students start their businesses and ease the financial burden on their families. "The loans will be interest-free and given in easy instalments so that students can work with peace of mind."Maryam Nawaz also announced the launch of the next phase of laptop scheme from January, assuring that regardless of political affiliation, scho larships will be distributed without discrimination. "This merit-based scholarship program will turn the dreams of underprivileged students into reality," she added.Speaking at the inauguration of scholarship scheme, CM Maryam Nawaz said that the education of talented students is her responsibility, and true politicians are those who invest in the next generation.She added that weapons, slingshots, stones, and spiked sticks are not the identity of Pakistan. Instead, the identity of Pakistan is its students, who look better pursuing education in colleges and universities rather than protesting at D-Chowk."None of us would want to see students holding sticks and stones," she said.Maryam Nawaz criticised past government, stating, "Previous governments had public funds too, but why didn't they reach you? If they had, millions of children would be educated today." She assured that the current government is working for the students' future.The Chief Minister emphasised that all appointments in Punjab's di stricts have been made on merit.During the event, CM Maryam Nawaz interacted warmly with GC University students. Scholarship recipients were honoured with a guard of honour by a police contingent.Dr. Farukh Naveed, Secretary of Higher Education, provided details of the scholarship scheme. He mentioned that, for the first time, students from 15 private universities in Pakistan will also be eligible for the scholarships. Additionally, matric and intermediate position holders will be included in the program.