America announces hundreds of scholarships for Pakistani students in 2023

by our web desk

The US government has announced 500 scholarships for Pakistani university students from flood-affected areas to help them complete their studies.

US Ambassador Donald Blome announced the scholarships at an event celebrating the achievements of women scientists in honor of International Women's Day at the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in Islamabad.

Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, HEC Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Lt. Gen. Inam Haider Malik, Executive Director HEC Dr. Shaista Sohail, USAID Mission Director Reed Aeschliman, university vice chancellors, students and alumni. The US, through USAID, has supported scholarships for deserving but financially disadvantaged students to study in top Pakistani universities.

In partnership with HEC, the US government has awarded more than 6,000 scholarships through the merit-based and need-based scholarship program. 60% of these scholarships were awarded to women as part of the US government's support for women's higher education.

"International Women's Day serves not only as a day to celebrate the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of our mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts and daughters. It is also a call to action to accelerate gender parity and eliminate gender stereotypes,” said Ambassador Blome.

HEC Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed noted, “The US government's support to strategic sectors in Pakistan, especially the higher education sector, is commendable. Not only have these scholarships helped provide higher education to many underprivileged students and lift themselves and their families out of poverty, they have also helped Pakistan provide key skills and knowledge that drive the economy.

Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal said, “Pakistan has suffered from catastrophic floods in which millions of people have lost their homes and livelihoods. The humanitarian response of the United States and other donors is commendable. We welcome US support for students affected by the floods.

Jennifer Andleeb, a scholarship graduate, shared the challenges she faced in getting her college education and how the scholarship changed the trajectory of her life. She emphasized that positive changes in society can only come about through investment in education and that educated women are essential to ensure a better future for Pakistan. For more information on US support for education in Pakistan, visit the official USAID website.