The Pakistan Africa Economic Council (PAEC) today announced a significant package of 100 scholarships and 100 internships for African nationals, alongside new measures to facilitate visas and business payments, in a major push to enhance economic and educational linkages with the African continent.
The initiatives were revealed during the oath-taking ceremony for the PAEC Federal Chapter”s new office bearers, held at the COMSTECH Secretariat. The event drew a notable audience of diplomats, university vice-chancellors, eminent professionals, and foreign delegates, particularly from Africa.
In addition to the educational opportunities, the council declared it would work to ease visa access and payment processes for businesses to foster greater commercial collaboration. Furthermore, a 30% discount for African citizens was announced at the Rawal Institute of Health Sciences and the Ujala Centre of Excellence.
Rana Ihsaan Afzal Khan, the Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce, attended as the Chief Guest. He congratulated the new leadership, stating the ceremony symbolized a renewed pledge to integrity and economic diplomacy. He described PAEC as a vital bridge between Pakistani and African economies, aligning with the government”s vision for export-led growth and South-South cooperation.
Mr. Khan underscored Africa’s significant trade potential and stressed the importance of expanding collaboration in commerce, investment, and education between the regions.
The ceremony commenced with a recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by the National Anthem. Dr. Shahbaz Ali Malik, Founder Chairman of PAEC, and Shaikh Rashid Alam, Secretary General, outlined the council”s future roadmap for strengthening bilateral relations.
The oath of office was administered to the newly elected officials by the Chief Guest.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Abdul Wajid, President of the PAEC Federal Chapter. The proceedings were conducted by Muhammad Murtaza Noor, Secretary General of the PAEC Islamabad Chapter, who reaffirmed the council”s resolve to advance Pakistan-Africa relations through sustained partnership.