DLP Report
PESHAWAR
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan distributed tablets to 275 Afghan students enrolled in public and private universities across the country, under the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarship Program. The distribution ceremony was held at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Peshawar.
Syed Qasim Ali Shah, Minister for Social Welfare and Women Empowerment of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, graced the occasion as the chief guest. Dr. Sadiq Khattak, Vice Chancellor of UET Peshawar, welcomed the dignitaries and assured full cooperation with HEC, emphasizing that education transcends borders and that providing a supportive learning environment for Afghan students remains a priority.
While distributing the tablets, Syed Qasim Ali Shah thanked the UNHCR for its continued support. He highlighted the deep historical, cultural, and religious ties between Pakistan and Afghanistan, adding that geographical borders should not hinder Afghan children’s access to education. “Pakistan remains committed to the education of Afghan refugees,” he said. Professor Dr. Jamil Ahmed, Vice Chancellor of Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan and representative of the Higher Education Commission, praised the initiative as a significant step toward bridging the digital divide by providing Afghan students with access to modern educational tools. Other dignitaries present at the event included Kofi Dumo, Head of UNHCR Peshawar; Professor Dr. Zia-ul-Haq, Vice Chancellor of Khyber Medical University; Dr. Nasir Shah, along with representatives from various universities.
