Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, today introduced the Maritime Educational Endowment Fund (MEEF), a scholarship initiative designed to support deserving students from over 70 coastal and fishing communities in Sindh and Balochistan.
The fund aims to foster education-driven empowerment, addressing high dropout rates and promoting a skilled maritime workforce essential for Pakistan”s future.
Minister Chaudhry explained that the MEEF emerged from the recommendations of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Maritime Affairs, reflecting the government”s commitment to inclusive development in coastal regions. He emphasized that by investing in coastal youth, the initiative lays a foundation for a resilient maritime sector.
To finance the fund, the Ministry will redirect Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions from organizations under its jurisdiction, creating a sustainable funding mechanism. An oversight committee will ensure transparency and equitable scholarship distribution.
Initially, the MEEF will focus on coastal regions with plans to expand nationally. Minister Chaudhry highlighted the urgent need for intervention, noting dropout rates over 40% in these areas due to financial constraints and inadequate infrastructure. He stressed that the MEEF is a strategic investment in Pakistan”s maritime future, ensuring no capable student is left behind due to economic hardship.