Islamabad: Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, has introduced the Maritime Educational Endowment Fund (MEEF) to provide scholarships for deserving students from coastal communities in Pakistan. The initiative aims to improve educational access for youth in over 70 coastal areas, especially in Sindh and Balochistan.

The MEEF was created based on recommendations from the National Assembly Standing Committee on Maritime Affairs. Minister Chaudhry emphasized the government’s commitment to using education as a tool for empowerment in these regions. He highlighted the importance of developing a skilled maritime workforce for the nation’s future.

Funding for the MEEF will come from restructuring Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions of organizations under the ministry’s jurisdiction. This approach aims to create a steady and sustainable funding source for long-term educational support.

An oversight committee will be established to ensure transparency and fair distribution of scholarships. Initially, the fund will focus on coastal regions, with plans to expand nationwide, enabling more students to benefit.

Minister Chaudhry pointed to high school dropout rates in coastal areas, driven by financial challenges and inadequate educational resources, as a critical issue the MEEF intends to address. The initiative is positioned as both a scholarship program and a strategic investment in the maritime sector’s future.

The launch of the MEEF is part of a broader strategy to uplift coastal communities through improved education and targeted investments, aiming to bolster Pakistan’s maritime capabilities.