In a heartwarming event at the University of Health Sciences (UHS) Lahore on Wednesday, cheques and certificates were awarded to the recipients of the prestigious Scotland-Pakistan Scholarships. The ceremony, attended by university officials and representatives from the British Council, celebrated the achievements of young women who have overcome significant barriers to pursue higher education.

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Presiding over the ceremony, UHS Vice-Chancellor Professor Ahsan Waheed Rathore congratulated the 12 undergraduate students selected from UHS out of a pool of 24,000 applicants nationwide. The recipients, who include Asmara Maham, Maryam Shaukat, Malaika Fajar, Isha Zulfiqar, Attia Sadiq, Misbah Khalid, Maheen Shoukat, Ayesha Malik, Syeda Marhaba Bukhari, Sajjal Ishaq, Tooba Ashraf, and Amna Ahmad, will receive funding for tuition fees, hostel charges, and travelling expenses for the entire duration of their degree programs.

The Scotland-Pakistan Scholarships, funded by the Scottish Government and administered by the British Council, aim to support young women from disadvantaged backgrounds in Pakistan, empowering them through education. Since their inception in 2013, these scholarships have transformed the lives of numerous women across the country, providing them with opportunities to excel academically and professionally.

In his address, Professor Rathore emphasized the importance of making the best use of this opportunity and urged the recipients to give back to society through their services. He shared insights from his experience in the UK, highlighting that UHS has integrated professionalism, ethics, research, and leadership into its undergraduate curricula, with mentoring playing a crucial role in student character-building.

Ms. Verda Dar, the British Council’s Program Manager for Higher Education Partnerships, spoke about the goals of the Scotland-Pakistan Scholarships. She explained that the program now supports undergraduate studies for a four-year bachelor’s degree in addition to funding graduate studies for Pakistani women in any HEC-recognized university across Pakistan. Ms. Dar congratulated the recipients and pledged a more proactive approach in sharing information with universities to ensure wider accessibility.

The ceremony was also attended by UHS Pro Vice Chancellor Professor Nadia Naseem, Registrar Ms. Kiran Fatima, Treasurer Mr. Mujahid Iqbal, and other notable figures. Hosted by UHS Assistant Registrar for Faculty and Student Affairs, Mr. Adil Naseem, the event highlighted the collaborative efforts to promote education and gender equality in Pakistan.

The Scotland-Pakistan Scholarships continue to be a beacon of hope for young women aspiring to achieve their dreams and contribute positively to society, reflecting a strong commitment to fostering educational equity and empowering future leaders.

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