By Shabbir Hussain
ISLAMABAD, Aug 30 (Alliance News): A total of 93 Pakistani students have been awarded fully funded Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships to pursue higher education at prestigious universities in the United Kingdom.
This year marks the 65th anniversary of the Commonwealth Scholarship program, with 47 Commonwealth and 46 Chevening scholarships awarded to students from across Pakistan, including Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Administered Kashmir, and the Federal Capital Territory.
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott CMG OBE, provided top tips to the scholars on living in the UK and encouraged them to make the most of their educational experience. She highlighted the importance of these scholarship programs in developing future leaders and changemakers in Pakistan, noting that many alumni have gone on to make significant contributions in their fields.
This year’s Chevening cohort is notable for its diversity, with over 60% of the scholars being women. Scholars come from various academic and professional backgrounds, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of Pakistan.
Jane Marriott remarked, “The Chevening program helps develop a new generation of Pakistani leaders and changemakers. Not only do they benefit from studying at some of the best universities in the world, but they also get to experience the best of living in the UK. From climate studies to football coaching, I am looking forward to seeing what they achieve, and encourage all those interested to apply early.”
Among this year’s Chevening scholars is Fareeha Gull Hashmi, Assistant Manager of the Oral History Project at the Citizens Archive of Pakistan, who will be pursuing an MA in Heritage and Museum Studies at the University of Essex. She expressed her excitement, saying, “This program is exactly what I was looking for to help me on my journey to improve heritage and cultural preservation in Pakistan.”
This year’s cohort also includes scholarships in specialized fields such as Football Science, supported by Swindon Town Football Club, and Heritage and Museum Studies, backed by the University of Essex. These scholarships cover tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
The British High Commission recently launched Chevening Connect in Karachi, a new debate series that brings together industry experts and Chevening alumni. The first debate, focused on climate, discussed the technical, economic, and political leadership needed to support Pakistan’s adaptation and resilience efforts.