The Sindh government, in collaboration with the Oxford Pakistan Programme (OPP), has introduced two prestigious scholarships named after Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto.
These scholarships, part of OPP’s annual graduate scholarship programme, will support outstanding students from Sindh in pursuing graduate studies at the University of Oxford. The initiative aims to provide equal opportunities to talented individuals from underrepresented regions.
The announcement was made during an official visit to Oxford University by senior Sindh government officials. They were hosted for lunch by the Principal of Lady Margaret Hall, Professor Stephen Blyth, where discussions focused on OPP’s vision and ongoing initiatives.
Prominent attendees included Mrs. Sanam Bhutto, historian and LMH alumna Victoria Schofield, and senior representatives from Sindh and Balochistan. The OPP, led by Oxford academics and alumni, provides scholarships, hardship funds, an annual Iqbal Lecture, and a graduate access programme to support students of Pakistani origin.
Highlighting the programme’s impact, OPP representatives emphasized the importance of breaking barriers in access to world-class education. They noted that historically, elite institutions have been dominated by privileged students, leaving many deserving candidates from less privileged backgrounds without opportunities.
Last year, OPP awarded two scholarships to students from Sindh and one to a student from Balochistan. Moving forward, the programme is working closely with government institutions to ensure sustainable pathways for students from underserved communities.
Both Benazir Bhutto and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto studied at Oxford, and these scholarships honor their legacy by empowering Sindh’s youth with access to top-tier education.
Each year, up to six students from Sindh will receive financial support to study at Lady Margaret Hall, with three scholarships specifically allocated for female students under the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Scholarship and three under the Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Scholarship.
Speaking at the event, officials highlighted the transformative impact of these scholarships. They emphasized that students returning with world-class education and expertise would contribute to Sindh’s development. Additionally, Balochistan officials reiterated their province’s commitment to similar scholarship initiatives, aiming to create greater opportunities for talented students to excel at Oxford and beyond.
