Islamabad: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) in Pakistan convened the first meeting of its Project Steering Committee for the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarship Programme. The meeting, held at the Commission Secretariat, focused on discussions to expand the scholarship initiative to Central Asian and other friendly countries.
According to Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, the gathering was chaired by Chairman HEC Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar and included participation from various stakeholders such as Executive Director HEC Dr. Zia Ul Haq and Vice Chancellor of Beaconhouse National University Mr. Moeed Yusuf. Former Ambassador Mansoor Ahmed Khan and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Economic Affairs Division, and Planning Commission were also present.
During the meeting, Project Director Mr. Jahanzeb Khan provided an overview of the project’s progress, highlighting that the first phase, aimed at Bangladesh under the Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor, commenced in November 2025. The committee reviewed plans to launch the second phase, which aims to extend scholarships to Central Asian and friendly countries. Discussions included the allocation of scholarships, organizing education expos, and introducing MS level scholarships along with executive leadership training nominations.
The Chairman instructed that the scholarship scheme should be made available online for Central Asian and friendly countries, with scholarship numbers contingent on application volume. It was decided that education expos would take place in selected countries within these regions. The committee endorsed the ongoing Pakistan-Bangladesh Knowledge Corridor and supported the introduction of MS level scholarships and increased scholarships for Bangladeshi students. Additionally, an executive leadership training programme, coordinated through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was approved.
Dr. Akhtar emphasized the importance of facilitating international students and addressing their concerns through appropriate channels.