HEC launches 3rd phase of scholarships for Afghan students
Pakistan
HEC launches 3rd phase of scholarships for Afghan students
ISLAMABAD (APP) – The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has launched the third phase of the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships Programme for Afghan nationals, Federal caretaker Minister for Education and Professional Training Madad Ali Sindhi said on Thursday.
The minister was addressing a ceremony at the HEC Secretariat.
About 281 Afghan students have completed graduation under the phase-II of the Programme. The students have graduated from 25 universities across Pakistan and received their Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in various disciplines, including Medicine, Engineering, Agriculture, Management and Computer Science.
As many as 6,000 Afghan students have been awarded scholarships so far during the first two phases of the project.
Addressing the event, the minister said that under this new phase, 4,500 scholarships would be awarded to Afghan students over a period of three years to study in top-ranking Pakistani universities.
The minister emphasised that this moment was the start of a new chapter in their lives, as he asked them to embrace an increased sense of responsibility upon their return to Afghanistan.
He urged them to identify the challenges faced by Afghanistan and utilise their intellectual capabilities to seek solutions.
The minister also emphasised the vital need for capacity building of Afghan students and faculty. He acknowledged the crucial role of the HEC in the provision of higher education opportunities for Afghan students via scholarships in Pakistan.
In his welcome address, HEC Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed congratulated the students on their achievements, commending them for their hard work and dedication.
He specifically appreciated the Afghan students who secured first positions in their respective degree programmes and acknowledged all the students for standing strong against numerous challenges as well.
