The Pakistan Africa Economic Council (PAEC) has announced a significant new initiative offering 100 scholarships and 100 internships to African nationals, in a major push to deepen educational and people-to-people connections between Pakistan and the African continent.
The landmark announcement was a central feature of the PAEC Federal Chapter’s oath-taking ceremony for its new office bearers, held Wednesday at the COMSTECH Secretariat. The event underscored the growing importance of Pakistan-Africa engagement, drawing a distinguished audience of diplomats, university vice chancellors, and foreign guests.
Gracing the occasion as chief guest, Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce, congratulated the new leadership. He described PAEC as a “vital bridge” between Pakistani and African economies, perfectly aligned with the government’s vision for export-led growth, market diversification, and South-South cooperation.
Highlighting the continent’s vast trade potential, Mr. Khan stressed the need to expand collaboration in commerce, investment, and education. He noted that stronger Pakistan-Africa linkages could unlock fresh opportunities for mutual growth and prosperity.
In addition to the educational opportunities, PAEC leadership unveiled further measures to foster engagement. These include facilitating improved visa access, streamlining payment mechanisms for businesses, and offering a 30 percent discount for African citizens at the Rawal Institute of Health Sciences and the Ujala Centre of Excellence.
The ceremony, which began with a recitation from the Holy Quran, saw the chief guest administer the oath to the newly elected officials. In their remarks, Founder Chairman PAEC Dr. Shahbaz Ali Malik and Secretary General PAEC Shaikh Rashid Alam outlined the council’s future roadmap for enhancing bilateral relations.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Abdul Wajid, President of the PAEC Federal Chapter, who expressed his gratitude to all participants. Muhammad Murtaza Noor, who conducted the proceedings, reaffirmed the council’s resolve to further strengthen Pakistan-Africa relations through sustained partnership.