By Shabbir Hussain
ISLAMABAD, Sept 03 (Alliance News): A total of 93 Pakistani students have been awarded fully funded Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships to study at leading universities in the UK.
This year marks the 65th anniversary of the Commonwealth Scholarship program, with 46 Chevening and 47 Commonwealth scholarships given to Pakistani students.
These scholarships, funded by the British government, have fostered a strong network of over 1,500 Commonwealth and nearly 2,000 Chevening alumni in Pakistan. These alumni actively participate in discussions on key issues affecting the country.
The recipients come from all regions of Pakistan, including Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Administered Kashmir, and the Federal Capital Territory. Notably, over 60% of this year’s Chevening scholars are women, highlighting the British High Commission’s commitment to promoting diversity.
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott emphasized the importance of these scholarships in developing future Pakistani leaders.
She remarked, “The Chevening program helps shape a new generation of Pakistani leaders. Our alumni have achieved remarkable success back home, benefiting from both top-notch education and the unique experience of living in the UK.”
Fareeha Gull Hashmi, one of the upcoming Chevening scholars, shared her excitement about studying for an MA in Heritage and Museum Studies at the University of Essex. “This program is perfect for my goal of enhancing heritage and cultural preservation in Pakistan,” she said.
This year’s cohort includes students pursuing diverse fields, such as Football Science and Heritage and Museum Studies, with support from universities like Essex and Birmingham. The scholarships cover tuition, living expenses, and travel costs.
Additionally, the British High Commission recently launched “Chevening Connect” in Karachi, a debate series bringing together industry experts and Chevening alumni.
The first debate focused on climate change and the leadership needed to help Pakistan adapt to and mitigate its effects.