Pakistan’s Religious Affairs Ministry announced scholarships aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for non-Muslim students, who represent less than five percent of the country’s population. The government is committed to promoting educational inclusivity through various programs, including the Prime Minister’s Minority Scholarship Scheme and the Pakistan Minorities Scholarship Program. These initiatives provide financial aid that covers tuition fees, stipends, book allowances, and travel expenses for qualifying students.
Scholarships are awarded based on academic performance, financial need, and citizenship status, allowing many students to access higher education each year. A ministry spokesman stated, “The Ministry of Religious Affairs has announced educational scholarships for non-Muslim students. Applications for this year’s scholarships will be submitted online via the ministry’s website.”
For this financial year, around $210,000 (Rs60 million) has been set aside for these scholarships. Applicants must submit an income certificate, verification from their educational institution, and joint bank account details. Only non-Muslim students enrolled in government institutions with a minimum of 50 percent marks are eligible. The ministry’s advertisement indicated that a candidate’s parent’s income should not exceed $259. Students attending private institutions or those receiving financial aid from other sources are not eligible. The ministry encouraged applicants to submit their applications within 30 days of the announcement.
