Türkiye has welcomed a record number of Pakistani students this year through its prestigious Türkiye Scholarships program. The initiative highlights the growing educational cooperation between the two countries and emphasizes education as a key driver of stronger bilateral relations.
During an orientation session at the Turkish Embassy in Islamabad, Ambassador Irfan Neziroğlu stressed that education builds bridges between nations. He pointed out that this year’s intake marked a historic milestone, with 166 Pakistani students selected to pursue undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral studies in Türkiye.
According to the ambassador, nearly 30,000 students from around the world apply for Türkiye Scholarships annually. From Pakistan alone, a record group has been selected, showing the program’s appeal and impact. Currently, around 5,000 Pakistani students are studying in Türkiye, but this figure does not reflect the full potential of the relationship. Ambassador Neziroğlu expressed his commitment to increasing these numbers rapidly in the coming years.
He further explained that in addition to Türkiye Scholarships offered by YTB, Pakistani students also benefit from opportunities provided by organizations such as TÜBİTAK, the Presidency of Religious Affairs (Diyanet), and IHH. This diverse range of programs ensures that Pakistani students gain access to a wide spectrum of academic and cultural fields.
Ambassador Neziroğlu described education as an investment in the shared future of Türkiye and Pakistan. He emphasized that supporting Pakistani students aligns with Türkiye’s vision of long-term cooperation. He also highlighted an upcoming cultural exchange, where 200 outstanding Pakistani students will visit Türkiye in October and November, following instructions from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Education Counsellor Mehmet Toyran also addressed the event, reaffirming Türkiye’s commitment to Pakistan’s youth. He stated that Türkiye considers Pakistan’s success as its own and will continue to support initiatives that expand literacy and academic opportunities.
The orientation program concluded with an interactive presentation led by Dr. Tahir Shah, Secretary of the Education Counsellor’s Office. He guided the selected students through essential preparations for their academic journey, answering their queries and ensuring they are well-equipped for life in Türkiye.
The record intake of Pakistani students not only strengthens academic ties but also deepens cultural understanding between the two nations. Both governments continue to view education as a critical foundation for advancing their brotherly relations and building future partnerships across diverse sectors.
