350 Afghan pupils have arrived in Pakistan to commence their academic journeys at leading Pakistani universities. This scholarship is facilitated by the HEC Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships, a program initiated under the Prime Minister’s directives. The Higher Education Commission (HEC) organized a welcoming reception at its Peshawar Regional Centre.
This educational undertaking signifies a crucial step in bolstering academic partnerships and interpersonal connections between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The incoming students will participate in a tailored preparatory program before formally enrolling in the fall semester. An additional cohort of 50 PhD and 100 Master”s candidates are expected to join them in September 2025.
The Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarship Program is a substantial Pakistani government initiative, offering 4,500 scholarships to Afghan learners.
Upon arrival, the undergraduates were greeted by Nasir Shah, In-charge of HEC”s Peshawar Regional Centre, and Jehanzeb Khan, Project Director of the scholarship program. Delegates from the National University of Technology (NUTECH) Islamabad and the National University of Computer and Emerging Sciences (NUCES-FAST) Faisalabad were also in attendance.
This scholarship program underscores the mutual dedication of Pakistan and Afghanistan to fostering educational ties, rooted in principles of Islamic camaraderie and regional cooperation.
Khan conveyed his excitement about hosting the scholars, remarking, “We are privileged to receive these youthful emissaries of Afghanistan. Their participation will enhance our educational establishments and reinforce the cultural and strategic alliance between our countries.”