Punjab Govt awards scholarships to 77 meritorious & deserving students at UAJK
MUZAFFARABAD, Feb 25 (SABAH): The Punjab Educational Endowment Fund (PEEF) has awarded scholarships to 77 talented and deserving students of the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK). A ceremony was held at the City Campus, where scholarships were distributed among students from various faculties.
The event was attended by Muzafar-ul-Haq, Executive Officer of PEEF; Prof. Dr. Nadeem Haider Bukhari, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences; Prof. Dr. Muhammad Basharat, Director of Finance; Sardar Mujeeb Zafar, Director of Student Financial Aid; Syed Zulqarnain Kazmi, Additional Director of Finance; Israr Saeed Qadri, and other officials from PEEF, along with students and faculty members.
Speaking on the occasion, Muzafar-ul-Haq highlighted that the Punjab Educational Endowment Fund was established to bring a revolution in the education sector. “For the past 15 years, this fund has been yielding remarkable results. More than 500,000 students have benefited from scholarships, with financial assistance exceeding Rs. 31 billion. We believe that no child should be deprived of education due to financial constraints,” he stated.
He further emphasized that obtaining an education is only a milestone, not the final destination. “Scholarships are awarded transparently, ensuring that students continue their educational journey with dedication and perseverance. Our aim is to empower students so that they, in turn, can contribute to society and help others in need,” he added.
Prof. Dr. Nadeem Haider Bukhari, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, expressed gratitude to the Government of Pakistan, particularly the Government of Punjab, for including the students of Azad Jammu and Kashmir in this noble initiative. “In 2016, the first five students from AJK received scholarships under this program. Today, that number has increased to 77, and we hope to see further expansion in the coming years,” he remarked.
He also acknowledged the exceptional academic progress of students in AJK, stating, “Azad Kashmir is leading in education across Pakistan. Despite a 2% quota in federal services, students from AJK are excelling and securing positions due to their talent and dedication.”
Sardar Mujeeb Zafar, Director of Student Financial Aid, called the scholarships a “gift” from the Punjab Government to the students of AJK. “This initiative has provided a great opportunity for hardworking and deserving students to complete their education and enhance their skills. The scholarships will not only support their academic journey but also refine their capabilities,” he said.
The scholarship recipients expressed their heartfelt gratitude to PEEF and the Government of Punjab for their generous financial support, which will enable them to pursue their education without financial hurdles.