Pakistan offers over 4,000 scholarships to Afghan students, Supporting a Peaceful Afghanistan
— October 29, 2024
ISLAMABAD (AIA) The Pakistani government has announced 4,000 scholarships to Afghan students in fields like medicine, engineering, agriculture, management, and computer science, aiming to empower Afghan youth with quality education and foster closer ties between the two nations.
At the 47th Annual Forum of Parliamentarians for Global Action (PGA), hosted by Pakistan on Tuesday, Member of the National Assembly Sher Ali Arbab announced that at least one-third of these scholarships would be designated for Afghan female students.
During a session titled “Situation in Afghanistan: Navigating Justice, Human Rights, and International Accountability,” Arbab explained that the scholarship programme seeks to build professional networks between educational institutions in both countries, enhance Afghanistan’s human resources for post-conflict reconstruction, and promote deeper cultural and social integration.
Arbab also highlighted Pakistan’s liberal visa policy, allowing Afghan nationals to open bank accounts and obtain driving licenses in Pakistan, further supporting integration efforts.
He stressed that a peaceful and stable Afghanistan aligns with Pakistan’s interests, opening pathways to Afghan and Central Asian markets.
Other speakers included Claudia Cruz Santos, Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Constitutional Affairs, Rights, Freedoms, and Guarantees from Portugal, who praised Pakistan’s hospitality, and Afghan Members of Parliament Zohar Nawrozi and Fawzia Koofi, who voiced concerns over educational restrictions on Afghan girls. Christine Chung from the United Nations and Dr. Ewelina U Ochab from the International Bar Association highlighted the critical human rights challenges faced by Afghan women.