The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has announced the launch of the third phase of the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships Programme for Afghan Nationals. This initiative will provide 4500 scholarships to Afghan students over a span of three years, enabling them to pursue their studies in top-tier Pakistani universities.
This announcement was made by Mr. Madad Ali Sindhi, the Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training, during a graduation ceremony held at the HEC Secretariat. The event celebrated the achievements of 281 Afghan students who had completed their studies under the second phase of the programme. These students, having graduated from 25 different universities across Pakistan, received their Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in various disciplines such as Medicine, Engineering, Agriculture, Management, and Computer Science.
The minister emphasized the importance of this scholarship programme in fostering a new chapter in the lives of these students. He urged them to use their education to address the challenges facing Afghanistan and contribute to its development. The minister also acknowledged the crucial role of HEC in providing higher education opportunities for Afghan students through these scholarships.
Chairman HEC, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, congratulated the students on their achievements and commended their dedication and hard work. He particularly praised those who secured first positions in their respective degree programmes and acknowledged all the students for standing strong against numerous challenges.
HEC Announces 4500 Scholarships For Afghan Students 2023
The Chairman also highlighted the importance of networking in career development and encouraged the students to harness their potential. He reminded them that Pakistan is their second home and that they play a significant role in the transformation of Afghanistan into a developed nation.
Special Representative on Afghanistan (SRA), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Asif Durrani, reflected on the significant impact of the past, where many Afghan alumni who pursued higher education opportunities in Pakistan are now actively contributing to various sectors in Afghanistan. He expressed hope that the returning graduates would serve their nation effectively and take on diverse responsibilities.
HEC’s Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships Programme for Afghan Nationals is a significant initiative that not only strengthens the bond between Pakistan and Afghanistan but also contributes to the development of an educated society in Afghanistan. The programme has already benefited 6000 Afghan students in its first two phases, and with the launch of the third phase, it continues to foster informed decision-making and societal development in Afghanistan.
