HEC Initiates 4500 Scholarships for Afghan Students

Phase 3 of Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships Program

The Higher Education Commission HEC has launched the third phase of the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships Program, designed for Afghan Nationals. Under this latest phase, a total of 4500 scholarships are to be granted to Afghan students over a span of three years, allowing them to pursue higher education in prestigious Pakistani universities. The students can get the latest updates that HEC Initiates 4500 Scholarships for Afghan Students.

Minister for Federal Education Announces Scholarships

The Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training, Mr. Madad Ali Sindhi, revealed this initiative at the HEC Secretariat during the graduation ceremony for 281 Afghan students who successfully completed their studies under Phase II of the Program. These students graduated from 25 universities across Pakistan, obtaining Bachelors and Masters degrees across various disciplines, including Medicine, Engineering, Agriculture, Management, and Computer Science. The Scholarship Project has already awarded scholarships to a substantial 6000 Afghan students during the initial two phases.

A New Chapter for Afghan Students

In his address to the Afghan students, Minister Sindhi emphasized that this moment marks the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. He urged them to embrace a heightened sense of responsibility upon their return to Afghanistan, encouraging them to identify and address the challenges their country faces using their intellectual capabilities. The Minister emphasized the critical need for capacity building among Afghan students and faculty and acknowledged the pivotal role played by HEC in providing higher education opportunities for Afghan students in Pakistan.

Chairman HEC Commends Afghan Graduates

Chairman of the HEC, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, congratulated the students on their achievements during his welcome address. He commended them for their hard work and dedication, particularly praising those Afghan students who secured the first positions in their respective degree programs. Dr. Ahmed recognized the close ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan as neighboring nations, highlighting Pakistans role in supporting and assisting Afghanistan as "brothers." He encouraged the students to consider themselves as Pakistani ambassadors and catalysts for their home countrys development and prosperity. Dr. Ahmed stressed the importance of networking in career development, reminding the students that Pakistan is their second home, and that they have a significant role to play in Afghanistans transformation into a developed nation.

Special Representative on Afghanistans Perspective

Mr. Asif Durrani, the Special Representative on Afghanistan SRA at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reflected on the substantial impact of Afghan alumni who pursued higher education opportunities in Pakistan, actively contributing to various sectors in Afghanistan. He extended his congratulations to the Afghan graduates and expressed hope that their return to Afghanistan would enable them to serve their nation effectively and take on diverse responsibilities. Mr. Durrani emphasized that the knowledge and expertise acquired by these individuals would not only benefit their families but also facilitate informed decision-making in their professional and personal lives. He underlined the importance of an educated society in promoting societal development and concluded by highlighting the symbiotic relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan, underscoring the cherished bond and the positive impact it would have on their shared future.