The third phase of the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships Program for Afghan citizens has been inaugurated by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), according to caretaker Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Madad Ali Sindhi, who announced on Thursday.
He stated that 4,500 scholarships will be given to Afghan students over three years to attend highly regarded Pakistani universities as part of this new phase.
At the HEC Secretariate, he spoke as the chief guest at the graduation ceremony for 281 Afghan students who completed Phase II of the program.
The students obtained their Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in a variety of fields, including computer science, engineering, medicine, agriculture, and management, from 25 universities located around Pakistan.
Through the Scholarship Project’s first two phases, scholarships have been provided to up to 6000 Afghan students.
The minister underlined that a new chapter in their lives is beginning at this very moment. Upon their return to Afghanistan, he urged them to adopt a greater sense of responsibility.
He urged them to understand the challenges Afghanistan has and use their skills to find answers.
He highlighted the significance it is to increase Afghan faculty and student ability. Additionally, he recognized the critical role that HEC plays in giving Afghan students access to higher education in Pakistan through scholarships.
Chairman of the HEC, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, praised the students’ efforts and hard work while congratulating them on their accomplishments in his welcoming speech.
He extended thanks in particular to the Afghan students who placed first in their degree programs and recognized all of the students for persevering through numerous challenges.
He described Pakistan and Afghanistan as brothers and emphasized Pakistan’s responsibility to support and assist its neighbor, Afghanistan, given their close relationship.
He encouraged the students, whom he praised for their intelligence and care, to regard themselves as Pakistani ambassadors and as agents for change and success for their nation.
In addition, the chairman emphasized the value of networking for career advancement, urged the students to realize their full potential, and emphasized that Pakistan is their second home.
He emphasized that Afghanistan deserves to prosper and develop into a developed country and that the students in attendance are essential to this process. He praised the Vice Chancellors for creating an atmosphere that develops intelligent minds, preparing them to make valuable contributions to their country when they return.
Speaking on the occasion, Asif Durrani, Special Representative on Afghanistan for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, considered the historical significance of the many Afghan graduates who explored possibilities for higher study in Pakistan.
