Overseas Pakistanis Summer Scholars Programme: Nearly 2,000 applications from 54 states received: Ahsan
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Ahsan Iqbal, announced that nearly 2,000 applications from 54 countries were received for the Overseas Pakistanis Summer Scholars Programme 2026.
The Minister said that 45 outstanding overseas Pakistani scholars from more than 150 leading global universities have been selected for the URAAN Pakistan “Mitti Ki Pukar” Overseas Pakistanis Summer Scholars Programme 2026.
He expressed these views while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the URAAN Pakistan “Mitti Ki Pukar” Overseas Pakistanis Summer Scholars Programme 2026, held here on Wednesday.
He said that Pakistan’s greatest national asset is not its nuclear capability but its talented youth, emphasizing that the nation’s true strength lies in investing in human capital, quality education, modern skills, and policy continuity.
The Minister said that, following a rigorous, transparent, and merit-based selection process, 45 exceptional overseas Pakistani students studying at more than 150 of the world’s leading universities were selected. Congratulating the scholars, he said they had earned their place through an extremely competitive and transparent selection process.
He said the two-month programme offers overseas Pakistani students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in Pakistan’s public sector, understand the policymaking process, and contribute meaningfully to the country’s national development agenda.
Highlighting a unique feature of this year’s cohort, the Minister said that, alongside overseas Pakistani participants, the programme also welcomes three international scholars from foreign countries, reflecting its growing international recognition and appeal.
Ahsan Iqbal said that, over the coming weeks, the scholars will work closely with the senior leadership of the Ministry of Planning, contributing innovative ideas and global perspectives to the implementation of URAAN Pakistan’s 5Es Framework—Exports, E-Pakistan, Energy, Environment, and Equity & Empowerment. Their contributions, he said, will help strengthen evidence-based policymaking and translate knowledge into practical solutions for national progress.
He emphasized that nearly 60 percent of Pakistan’s population comprises young people, placing a significant responsibility on the state to provide them with quality education, healthcare, market-relevant skills, and equal opportunities for meaningful employment.
Ahsan Iqbal said that, after achieving success on the diplomatic front, Pakistan must now focus on winning the battle for economic transformation, with its youth serving as the driving force behind this national endeavour.
The Minister said that the Ministry of Planning has submitted recommendations to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) to modernize university curricula in line with emerging technologies, global industry requirements, and future workforce demands, ensuring that higher education remains relevant to national development and employment opportunities.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026