The Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi, in collaboration with Ihsan Trust and Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL), hosted an orientation ceremony for the 2024 Talent Hunt Program students. The event welcomed over 300 students from various regions, including Baluchistan, KP & FATA, Gilgit-Baltistan, Punjab, and Sindh, to the IBA Main Campus.

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The Talent Hunt Program is a joint effort aimed at fostering educational opportunities for gifted students from underserved communities across Pakistan. This year, students began their training under the IBA-IHSAN TRUST National Talent Hunt Program and the IBA-OGDCL Talent Hunt Program. The program includes intensive orientation and training sessions designed to equip students with the skills needed to gain admission to IBA and other prestigious institutions in Pakistan. Successful candidates receive scholarships covering up to 100% of their four-year undergraduate program costs, including accommodation, meals, and other educational expenses.

In his welcome note, Dr Junaid Alam Khan, Director of the Talent Hunt Program (THP), emphasized IBA’s commitment to setting high standards for quality education while making it accessible and affordable for deserving students. He thanked THP’s partners, Ihsan Trust and OGDCL, and expressed the program’s mission to achieve new heights through partnerships with like-minded organizations and individuals.

Assistant Manager of THP, Syed Rizwan Ali Bukhari, highlighted the program’s impact, noting that over 300 students from 67 districts across Pakistan are participating, with a gender distribution of 65.23% males and 34.76% females.

Dr Shakeel Khoja, Acting Executive Director and Dean SMCS, shared the inspiring success story of Nadeem, a student from the first Talent Hunt Program batch, who, after graduating from IBA, held prominent positions, authored books, and is now pursuing a PhD at Boston University. Dr Khoja emphasized that IBA produces graduates who are adept at solving real-world problems.

Program participants from various regions, including Hunza, Gilgit & Baltistan, Lasbela-Baluchistan, Layyah, Lakki Marwat, Tando Allahyaar, and underprivileged areas of Karachi, shared their experiences and aspirations to uplift their communities through the program.

Aien Shah, Head of Education at Agha Khan Education Service, Pakistan, expressed gratitude for the event and praised IBA’s role in transforming lives and nurturing talent in inaccessible areas.

General Manager of Ihsan Trust, Mr Fayyaz Ur Rehman, encouraged students to cherish their roots and the support of their parents. He emphasized that their journey at IBA should be a steppingstone towards greater achievements for themselves and the country. He stressed the importance of honesty, dedication, and striving for excellence while staying grounded in their principles.

General Manager of OGDCL, Mr Abdur Raziq Khattak, commended IBA for providing state-of-the-art facilities and empowering youth to lead with integrity and compassion. He highlighted the program’s goal of nurturing leaders who remain connected to their roots and embrace their responsibilities with humility.

Guest speakers from PAF Masroor Base, Dil Amna College, Kiran Foundation, and TCF also addressed the audience, contributing to the event’s inspirational atmosphere. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Junaid Alam Khan, who also presented mementos to the guests.

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