ISLAMABAD: The Higher Education Commission has partnered with the German Academic Exchange Service through an MoU inked for HEC’s scholarship program “Empower Future Female Afghan Leaders – EFFAL Pakistan track initiative.”
The MoU, signed by Aayesha Ikram, Director General (Scholarships) HEC, and Muhammad Khaskeia, Head of DAAD Government Scholarship Programs, MENA Region, has 2 components. It includes 150 scholarships for Afghan refugees for 2-year Master’s studies in HEC-recognized universities in Pakistan, and fifty need-based scholarships for socio-economic marginalized areas of Pakistan.
The signing ceremony was attended by German Ambassador to Pakistan Alfred Grannas, Chairman HEC, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, representatives from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), a delegation from DAA, and senior HEC officials.
In his welcome note, Dr Mukhtar Ahmed appreciated the transformative initiative aimed at providing crucial help to Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
He highlighted the longstanding history of collaboration between Pakistan and Germany, emphasizing the need for further partnerships in different domains as well.
He stressed the necessity for increased collaborations, particularly in the fields of climate change, research, technology, and scholarships, recognizing these partnerships as essential for peaceful coexistence.
He deemed the 2-year program under the scholarship a great opportunity to foster positive developments in marginalized areas.
HEC Provides Different Opportunities to Afghan Students
Dr Mukhtar added that HEC was already actively involved in providing professional and academic opportunities for Afghan students, along with offering technical training to students and bureaucrats from Afghanistan.
German Ambassador Alfred Grannas, while underlining the substantial impact on academic pursuits in the region, stressed that beyond the celebratory aspect, the true significance lies in the effective implementation of the program.
He highlighted the mutual trust that forms the foundation of this collaboration, stressing the shared commitment to academic excellence and opportunities for marginalized individuals in Pakistan.
