ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has launched 4,500 scholarships for Afghan students aiming to study social and natural sciences at local universities. This initiative comes amid ongoing security tensions between the two countries, which led Islamabad to initiate a deportation drive against unregistered Afghans last year.
The Allama Iqbal Scholarship program, introduced in 2009 to enhance bilateral ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan, provides comprehensive support, covering tuition fees, accommodation, and a monthly stipend for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral studies at Pakistani universities.
The third phase of these scholarships was launched on the same day the federal cabinet approved a one-year extension of registration cards for 1.5 million Afghan refugees. Asif Durrani, Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, announced the launch via social media, stating, “In the coming five years, 4500 Afghan students will pursue studies in social and natural sciences in various universities of Pakistan.”
Glad to launch the third phase of Allama Iqbal scholarships for Afghan students. In the coming five years, 4500 Afghan students will pursue studies in social and natural sciences in various universities of Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/MOmSntrkaB
— Asif Durrani (@AsifDurrani20) July 10, 2024
Pakistan has experienced a rise in militant attacks in its western provinces bordering Afghanistan since November 2022, following the collapse of its tenuous truce with the banned armed group, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Islamabad has accused the Afghan government of harboring TTP militants and providing them safe havens to launch attacks in Pakistan, allegations that Kabul denies.
In November of last year, Pakistan initiated a deportation drive against Afghan nationals, accusing them of involvement in militant activities and other crimes across the country. Recently, however, representatives from both nations have engaged in discussions in Doha to address and resolve bilateral issues.
Earlier this week, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar informed the Senate Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs that maintaining relations with Afghanistan is a high priority for Pakistan. He also mentioned his upcoming visit to Kabul to meet with officials from the interim Afghan administration.
Pakistan on Wednesday also extended the stay of Afghan refugees for one year.
