MUZAFFARABAD (Kashmir English): The Punjab Educational Endowment Fund (PEEF) has awarded scholarships to 77 talented students of the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK).
The awards were given in a ceremony held at the City Campus. Scholarships were distributed among students from various faculties.
Nadeem Haider Bukhari, Dean of Social Sciences; Dr. Muhammad Basharat, Financial Director; Sardar Mujeeeb Zafar, Director of Financial Aid; Additional Financial Director Syed Zulqarnain Kazmi; Israr Saeed Qadri and other PEEF, students and faculty members were in attendance.
Speaking on the occasion, Muzafar-ul-Haq highlighted that the PEEF 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.”
He said no child should be deprived of education due to financial constraints.
He further emphasized that obtaining an education is only a milestone, not final destination. He said that their aim is to empower students so that they, in turn, could contribute to society and help others in need.
Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences Prof. Dr. Nadeem Haider Bukhari expressed gratitude to the government of Pakistan, particularly the Punjab government, for including the AJK students in the list.
“In 2016, the first five students from Azad Kashmir received scholarships. Today, that number, under this program, has increased to 77, and we hope further expansion in the coming years,” he remarked.
Exceptional academic talent of AJK students
He also acknowledged the exceptional academic talent of students in AJK, adding that “Azad Kashmir is leading in education across Pakistan.
Despite a 2% quota in federal services, AJK students are securing positions due to their talent and dedication.
Director of Student Financial Aid Sardar Mujeeb Zafar called the scholarships a “gift” from the government of Punjab to the AJK students.
“This initiative has provided a great opportunity for hardworking students to complete their education. The scholarships will not only support their academic journey but also refine their capabilities,” he said.
The scholarship recipients also expressed their heartfelt gratitude to PEEF and the government of Punjab for their financial support.
