In a significant effort to support higher education, the Punjab Educational Endowment Fund (PEEF) has awarded scholarships to 77 talented and deserving students at the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK). The scholarships were distributed at a special ceremony held at the City Campus, attended by university faculty, PEEF officials, and students.
The event was graced by the presence of Mr. Muzafar-ul-Haq, Executive Officer of PEEF; Prof Dr Nadeem Haider Bukhari, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences; Prof Dr Muhammad Basharat, Director of Finance; Sardar Mujeeb Zafar, Director of Student Financial Aid; Syed Zulqarnain Kazmi, Additional Director of Finance; and Israr Saeed Qadri, along with other dignitaries and students.
During his address, Mr Muzafar-ul-Haq highlighted the impact of PEEF in transforming the education sector over the past 15 years. “This fund has changed the lives of over 500,000 students, providing financial assistance exceeding Rs 31 billion. Our vision is to ensure that no student is deprived of education due to financial constraints,” he stated.
He further emphasized that scholarships serve as a stepping stone rather than a final destination. “We ensure a transparent selection process so that deserving students can pursue their academic goals with dedication and perseverance. Our objective is to empower these students so they can contribute to society and uplift others in need,” he added.
Prof Dr Nadeem Haider Bukhari expressed gratitude to the Punjab Government for its continued support of AJK students. “The initiative started in 2016 with just five scholarships for AJK students. Today, we are awarding 77 scholarships, and we hope to see this number increase in the future,” he remarked.
He also lauded the academic excellence of students from AJK, stating that they are making remarkable progress in education despite limited representation in federal services. “With only a 2% quota, AJK students are excelling in various fields due to their talent and commitment,” he noted.
Sardar Mujeeb Zafar, Director of Student Financial Aid, described the scholarships as a “gift” from the Punjab Government to the students of AJK. “This initiative provides a golden opportunity for hardworking and deserving students to complete their education and enhance their skills. The financial assistance will not only ease their academic journey but also help them refine their potential,” he said.
The recipients expressed deep appreciation for the scholarships, acknowledging the crucial financial support provided by PEEF and the Punjab Government. They emphasized that the scholarships would enable them to pursue their studies without financial hardships, allowing them to focus on academic excellence and future aspirations.
This initiative reflects the commitment of the Punjab Government toward promoting education and providing equal opportunities to students across Pakistan, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir.