The Islamic Relief Pakistan has awarded scholarships worth more than Rs4.7 million to 22 students at the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK).
The Higher Education Scholarship Awarding Ceremony 2024 was held in this regard at the City Campus, which was attended by Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Kaleem Abbasi and Islamic Relief Pakistan Regional Manager Dr Riaz Ahmed, among others.
As many as 22 students coming from humble backgrounds received the scholarship cheques on the occasion. The financial assistance would serve a much-needed lifeline that would help them continue their studies at one of the premier institutions in the region.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Muhammad Kaleem Abbasi lauded Islamic Relief Pakistan’s efforts and invaluable support, saying that the assistance would help students overcome their financial obstacles that could otherwise hinder their academic progress.
Thanking Islamic Relief Pakistan, the vice chancellor acknowledged the impact those scholarships would have on the lives of the recipients. He also took the opportunity to highlight the organization’s broader contributions, particularly in the wake of the 2005 earthquake that devastated the region.
He said that Islamic Relief Pakistan’s relief and rehabilitation efforts had left a permanent mark on the community, and added that the organization’s support continued to strengthen its relationship with the university.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Riaz Ahmed reiterated the organization’s dedication to empower students at the university. He said that Islamic Relief Pakistan had disbursed scholarships worth more than Rs9 million over the past three years, which had benefitted around 60 students at the university.
He said he was proud of continuing this initiative, and added that the current batch of scholarships aimed at fully supporting the educational journeys of 22 recipients. He explained that Islamic Relief Pakistan’s mission was beyond education, as their broader agenda included poverty alleviation and youth skill development.
He said they were important areas that contributed to the overall well-being of the community. The 22 recipients expressed their gratitude to Islamic Relief Pakistan and the university. They said the scholarships were more than just financial assistance. They said that knowing they have the backing of Islamic Relief Pakistan, they could now focus fully on their studies without worrying about finances.
Students Affairs and Financial Aid Director Mujeeb Zafar said those scholarships would allow the students to concentrate fully on their studies and subsequently achieve their academic goals. The ceremony concluded with Dr Abbasi presenting a commemorative shield to Dr Riaz Ahmed.