https://twitter.com/home https://www.facebook.com/Shabbir.Hussain191By Shabbir Hussain
ISLAMABAD, Aug 28 (Alliance News): The United Kingdom has awarded prestigious scholarships to 80 outstanding Pakistani students, enabling them to pursue higher education at leading universities in Britain, as part of efforts to strengthen educational, cultural, and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Chosen for their leadership potential and dedication to driving positive change in Pakistan, the recipients will join a dynamic network of nearly 2,000 Chevening alumni and 1,500 Commonwealth alumni who are already making significant contributions across diverse fields including education, governance, public health, climate action, technology, and social development.
This year’s cohort includes 32 Chevening Scholars who will undertake fully funded master’s degrees at top UK universities. The group, comprising over 60 percent women, represents almost all provinces of Pakistan, reflecting the country’s diversity and inclusivity.
One of the selected scholars has been funded by Mansion House to study MSc Business Analytics at University College London, highlighting the role of public-private partnerships in educational opportunities.
In addition to the Chevening Scholars, 48 Commonwealth Scholars have been chosen to study through shared scholarships, master’s programs, and doctoral research at British universities.
Fully funded by the UK government, the Commonwealth Scholarship initiative continues to provide transformative opportunities for young leaders from Pakistan to pursue higher studies in critical fields such as science, technology, international development, and public policy.
To celebrate the achievements of the scholars and mark the beginning of their academic journeys, the British High Commission in Islamabad hosted a reception, where diplomats, educationists, alumni, and family members gathered to honor the new cohort.
Speaking on the occasion, British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott CMG, OBE, congratulated the scholars for securing highly competitive awards and urged them to make the most of their time in the UK.
“These scholars are embarking on a journey of a lifetime,” Marriott said. “They will have access to world-class institutions, leading academics, and opportunities to connect with some of the brightest minds globally.
What’s more, when they return, they will join a powerful global network of accomplished Chevening and Commonwealth alumni who are creating real change worldwide.”
The High Commissioner stressed that education has always been a cornerstone of UK–Pakistan relations, adding that these scholarships represent not just academic opportunities but also investments in the future of Pakistan.
Among the awardees, Rida Tariq, an incoming Chevening Scholar, shared her personal motivation for applying to the program.
“For me Chevening is not just a scholarship, it’s a platform for collaboration and a chance to connect with a global community of leaders dedicated to making a real difference,” she said.
“I am eager to learn from diverse perspectives, build lasting relationships, and gain the knowledge and skills needed to bring meaningful change in Pakistan.”
The Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships have long been recognized for their role in shaping Pakistan’s intellectual and professional landscape.
Alumni of these programs occupy leadership positions in government, business, academia, and civil society, often spearheading reforms, innovation, and initiatives that contribute to Pakistan’s progress.
Education experts at the event noted that many former Chevening and Commonwealth scholars have gone on to hold senior positions in ministries, diplomatic services, universities, and the private sector, underscoring the long-term impact of such scholarships.
The programs are not merely academic in nature but serve as incubators for leadership, fostering skills in governance, negotiation, problem-solving, and policy development.
The scholarships also come at a time when Pakistan faces pressing challenges such as climate change, poverty reduction, digital transformation, and healthcare reforms.
By studying in the UK, the scholars are expected to bring back innovative solutions, global best practices, and research insights that can be applied in Pakistan’s local context.
The event also highlighted the Chevening Fellowship programs, which are currently open for applications.
These include the two-month long South Asia Journalism Programme (SAJP), designed to strengthen professional standards of reporting and promote cross-border dialogue, and the five-month long Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies Fellowship (OCIS), which focuses on the role of Islam in the modern world.
Encouraging aspiring leaders to apply, the High Commission reminded that applications for Chevening Scholarships and Fellowships will close on October 7, 2025, while Commonwealth Scholarship applications are expected to open later this year.
The growing participation of Pakistani women in these prestigious scholarships was also celebrated. With more than 60 percent of this year’s Chevening cohort being women, the program is contributing to greater gender representation in leadership roles.
Officials from the High Commission said this was a vital step toward empowering women to play leading roles in Pakistan’s development across various sectors.
The scholars, who will soon depart for universities across the UK, expressed optimism about their upcoming journeys. Many noted that studying abroad would not only give them world-class education but also help them build networks that could serve Pakistan in the long term.
British Council officials attending the ceremony emphasized that education and cultural exchange programs form one of the strongest pillars of UK–Pakistan relations.
They said the UK remains committed to offering opportunities for young Pakistanis to gain exposure to international learning environments, exchange ideas, and return with knowledge that strengthens local institutions.
Parents and family members of the scholars present at the reception expressed pride and hope, viewing the scholarships as opportunities for their children to contribute to Pakistan’s prosperity and global standing.
In her concluding remarks, High Commissioner Jane Marriott reminded the scholars that they were ambassadors of Pakistan in the UK.
“The friendships you make, the perspectives you share, and the experiences you gain will not only benefit you personally but also enrich the partnership between our two countries,” she said.
As the 80 Pakistani scholars prepare to begin their studies at prestigious UK institutions, their selection underscores a shared vision of investing in human capital to foster resilience, prosperity, and global cooperation.
For Pakistan, their success stories will serve as both an inspiration and a testament to the transformative power of education.
