ISLAMABAD: The Oxford Pakistan Programme (OPP) announced scholarships for 12 Pakistani students at the prestigious university on Thursday a day after the country celebrated its 78th Independence Day, with the platform saying that the students will begin their education at the varsity this fall.
The OPP describes itself as the “first initiative of its kind” that seeks to create new opportunities for Pakistani scholars and support Pakistan-related activities at the University of Oxford.
It was founded by Pakistani academics and Oxford alumni, who say they want to address the underrepresentation of Pakistani students at Oxford and create opportunities for Pakistan-origin students who cannot afford its expensive education.
“On the occasion of Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day, we are pleased to announce our incoming cohort of 12 exceptional scholars who will join Oxford University this fall,” the publisher said in a social media post on X.
The scholars include students who hail from Pakistan’s southern Sindh and Balochistan provinces, as well as some high achievers.
They include Junaid Memon from Sindh’s Khairpur district, Anum Khan from Dadu district and Zainab Aziz from Balochistan’s Loralai district who is currently an officer at the National Counter Terrorism Authority.
It also includes Mohad Zulfiqar, a Lahore University of Management Sciences topper who secured a GPA of 3.9, British-Pakistani student Raiyan Haq and others.
“Oxford Pakistan is hugely grateful to the expanding and committed community of donors whose support was helping to create a pool of outstanding students who can become future leaders in their respective fields,” OPP said.
Oxford University is regarded as one of the most prestigious educational institutions worldwide. Six former Pakistani prime ministers and two former presidents have studied at Oxford, including Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan’s first and only female prime minister.
