ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC) held a graduation ceremony at the Institute of Management Sciences (IMSciences), Peshawar, to honour 300 Afghan students who completed their studies under the ‘Allama Muhammad Iqbal 3000 Scholarships – Phase II’, reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to regional educational cooperation.
The initiative, launched under the Prime Minister’s directive and approved in 2018 with a budget of Rs. 7.3 billion, aims to educate 3,000 Afghan students by 2027.
In his welcome address, Dr. Ghani congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to carry forward the spirit of knowledge and unity into their communities. Adviser HRD, Engr. Chohan, provided an overview of the scholarship’s far-reaching impact, highlighting its alignment with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 and 17, through inclusive education and cross-border partnerships.
He also emphasized the pivotal role of Afghan women in transforming their communities, praising the initiative’s inclusive approach, which extends to the training of Afghan faculty and government officials, fostering long-term institutional development.
Addressing the graduates, Ambassador (R) Mohammad Sadiq described the event as a new chapter in their lives and a testament to Pakistan’s enduring commitment to regional stability. “Despite economic hardships, Pakistan continues to invest in Afghanistan’s future through education,” he said, calling it a gesture of goodwill and brotherhood between the two nations.
Dr. Jamil Ahmad echoed similar sentiments, noting that the graduates are now ambassadors of peace and progress. He also commended the IMSciences faculty for providing a supportive environment, particularly for female students, who were active participants in academic and extracurricular programs.
Project Director Mr. Zeeshan Khan applauded the efforts of the host institution and called for strengthening academic collaboration, especially through ongoing training for Afghan faculty and officials, to bolster Afghanistan’s higher education capacity.
The ceremony concluded with the distribution of certificates and awards, followed by a group photo session and refreshments.
The graduation marks not just the completion of a degree, but a bridge built through education, offering hope for a more peaceful and prosperous future in Afghanistan and the region.
