In a significant development benefiting students from Balochistan, the Oxford Pakistan Programme (OPP) has introduced scholarships specifically designed for pupils from the province.
During Oxford University’s annual May Dinner & Fundraiser at Lady Margaret Hall, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfraz Bugti unveiled a new graduate scholarship tailored to support a deserving student from Balochistan in pursuing STEM subjects at the university.
Bugti described this initiative as a testament to their commitment towards the educational advancement and empowerment of Balochistan’s youth. He emphasized its crucial role in promoting educational equity and nurturing the province’s future leaders.
The OPP, being the pioneering academic initiative of its kind, focuses on enhancing the representation of Pakistani students and scholars at a prestigious global institution. Established three years ago, it has emerged as the largest Pakistan-focused academic platform outside the country.
The event, attended by approximately 150 distinguished guests, featured prominent figures including Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti, Aamir Ibrahim, Mohammed Khaishgi, and Pro-Vice-Chancellor at the University of Cambridge, Farouq Sheikh OBE, among others. Discussions during the event revolved around the future trajectory of the OPP, covering scholarship opportunities, accessibility measures, and post-study employment prospects.
In a noteworthy development, a strategic advisory board meeting preceded the annual dinner, focusing on charting the future course of the OPP and exploring potential collaborations among stakeholders from the Pakistani and British Pakistani academic and business communities.
During the event, Sarwar Khawaja announced a generous donation of £100,000 to kickstart an endowment fund for the OPP, signaling a significant milestone for the program’s sustainability and growth.
Interestingly, this event also marks the occasion where education activist Malala announced scholarships for Palestinian students, underscoring the broader humanitarian ethos and global impact of educational initiatives like the OPP.
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