By Adnan Hameed
TWA
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British High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott, extended a warm welcome to the accomplished 2022-2023 cohort of Chevening and Commonwealth scholars, marking the successful completion of their postgraduate studies in the UK. The group, comprised of 47 Chevening and 46 Commonwealth scholars, gathered to reconnect and solidify relationships forged during their transformative academic journeys.
Representing every province in Pakistan, the scholars, who pursued fully-funded studies in fields such as development, public health, climate change, and business, had the privilege of attending renowned institutions like the University of Oxford and the London School of Economics.
The event served as a platform for these scholars to integrate into an esteemed community of high-profile alumni across diverse fields. Notable individuals include Amna Zamir Shah, the first female judge of the Gilgit-Baltistan High Court, disability activist Abia Akram, and Jalila Haider, the pioneering first woman lawyer from the Hazara minority.
British High Commissioner Jane Marriott CMG OBE emphasized the significance of Chevening and Commonwealth scholarships, stating, “Our scholarships are at the forefront of the UK’s educational offerings to Pakistanis. These returning scholars not only received education at world-class universities but also expanded their professional networks and experienced life in the UK. They carry these valuable experiences as they return to contribute to their respective careers and fields.”
Aurangzeb Kasi, a scholar from Baluchistan, expressed his gratitude, saying, “Chevening was a transformative experience, enriching me both academically and culturally. I can’t wait to use the global perspective I’ve gained to pioneer positive change in my community.
Commonwealth Scholarships are highly competitive scholarships provided by the UK government to provide financial assistance to talented international students from across the Commonwealth nations who wish to pursue a postgraduate degree in the UK. In Pakistan, there are over 1,500 Commonwealth alumni to date. The scholarships have been available to Pakistani students since 1960.
Chevening Scholarships are the UK government’s global scholarships programme. Established in 1983, these scholarships support study at UK universities – mostly one-year Masters’ degrees – for students with demonstrable potential to become future leaders, decision-makers and opinion formers. In Pakistan, there are over 1,700 alumni to date.
Applications for Commonwealth Scholarships will open in September 2024. To learn more, visit the [Commonwealth Scholarship Commission website]. Additionally, Chevening scholarship applications will open in August 2024. Interested candidates can register for alerts on the [Chevening official website].
