Islamabad: The Government of Pakistan and the United States have renewed their longstanding partnership in higher education through a new five-year agreement between the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP). This agreement reaffirms both nations’ commitment to academic excellence, human capital development, and international educational cooperation.

According to Press Information Department, the renewed partnership reflects the efforts of Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training, Ms. Wajiha Qamar, who has led initiatives to strengthen Pakistan-United States educational cooperation. A notable achievement under her leadership has been the revival of the Pakistan-U.S. Higher Education Working Group after a 14-year gap, providing a platform for engagement in scholarships, academic mobility, and research collaboration.

The new five-year agreement, covering Financial Year 2026-27 through Financial Year 2031-32, encompasses various Fulbright programs and aims to support 66 PhD scholars. The initiative will enable Pakistani scholars to pursue advanced education and contribute to the country’s socio-economic development. HEC will fund at least USD 4.54 million annually, with a total commitment capped at PKR 6.48 billion. The selection process will be merit-based, and a Joint Review Committee will oversee the program’s effectiveness.

The partnership also aims to broaden cooperation beyond scholarships, with joint initiatives to raise awareness of academic opportunities and explore future collaborations in faculty and administrator exchanges. The renewed agreement builds upon the original Fulbright-HEC PhD partnership from 2016, which supported 125 Pakistani scholars.

The signing ceremony for the renewed agreement was rescheduled due to the passing of Dr. Peter Moran’s father, Executive Director of USEFP. The Government of Pakistan and all stakeholders extend their condolences to Dr. Moran. Minister of State Ms. Wajiha Qamar emphasized the importance of education as a bridge between Pakistan and the United States, affirming both countries’ commitment to tangible outcomes for students and scholars.

The renewed Fulbright-HEC agreement underscores the value of educational diplomacy in promoting mutual understanding and shared progress between Pakistan and the United States.