China–Pakistan scholarship programme at KIU supports 95 additional students

GILGIT, November 26 – Karakoram International University has awarded scholarship cheques to 95 students enrolled in PhD, MS and BS programmes under the China–Pakistan Friendship Merit-cum-Need Based Scholarship scheme. 

The awards were distributed at a ceremony held on campus, where university leadership highlighted the value of expanding educational access for students across Gilgit-Baltistan.

With this latest group of recipients, the number of KIU students supported by the programme has now crossed the 500 mark. The university has been implementing the scholarship since 2022, positioning it as one of the most consistent forms of international academic support available to students in the region.

 Administrators say the programme has helped students from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds stay enrolled and complete their degrees without the financial strain that often disrupts higher education.

A ceremony focused on recognition and encouragement

People from the university's administration, faculty, staff, and students all came together for the check-distribution ceremony. Officials said that the event was meant to do more than just give out the money.

It was also meant to recognise the academic potential of the students who were chosen for the scholarship. Several of the recipients said that the financial help makes a big difference in helping them finish their education. Many of them are the first in their families to go to college.

People from the Financial Aid Office said that the selection process took into account both academic performance and financial need. They stressed that the program's goal is to make room for talented students who might have to stop their studies because of rising costs.

Vice Chancellor urges students to stay focused

During his address, Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Attaullah Shah said the university’s priority is to ensure that no student abandons their education because of financial limitations. 

According to him, the cost of higher education can be particularly difficult for students from remote areas of Gilgit-Baltistan, where families often face limited income opportunities. 

He said the scholarship is designed to help students stay on track academically by easing the pressure of tuition fees, accommodation expenses and research requirements.

The Vice Chancellor encouraged students to use the funds strictly for educational purposes and reminded them that the scholarship carries an expectation of discipline and strong performance. He advised the recipients to invest the financial support in books, research materials, hostel payments and other academic needs so they can fully benefit from their time at the university.

Symbol of deepening China–Pakistan cooperation

The Vice Chancellor said that the scholarship program is a sign of the long-term friendship between China and Pakistan. He said that the project shows that China is serious about helping young people grow in Gilgit-Baltistan and all over the country. 

Officials at the university say that the program has not only helped students with money, but it has also made the two countries' students more interested in school.

He also thanked the Chinese government and embassy for their help, saying that these kinds of efforts help strengthen ties between people. 

He said that the scholarships are a way for people from different cultures and backgrounds to learn from each other and that they show the overall spirit of friendship that exists between China and Pakistan.

Growing academic links under the Belt and Road framework

The Vice Chancellor said that KIU has been working to work with more Chinese universities as part of the Belt and Road Initiative. The university is getting ready to make new exchange agreements official. 

These will let KIU students and faculty go to partner schools in China for short-term academic programs, research attachments, and professional training. Chinese scholars and researchers will also be invited to Gilgit to work on research projects, hold workshops, and give talks.

People in fields like engineering, environmental sciences, climate studies, mountain research, business, social sciences, and technology are expected to find new opportunities through these exchanges. University officials said that these kinds of partnerships will help students learn about other cultures and give professors more opportunities to do research in new fields.

Strengthening administrative support for students

The Vice Chancellor also praised the Financial Aid Office for doing a good job of giving out scholarships. According to university staff, the office was in charge of processing applications, checking eligibility, keeping records, and working with the scholarship sponsor.

Officials said that processing that is open and on time is important for the program's credibility and for keeping the trust of the university's international partners.

The Financial Aid Office has set up a more organised way to look over applications, keep an eye on students' progress, and make sure that the money goes to the right people over the past three years. Staff members said that the office is becoming more and more important in helping students succeed as more and more students become eligible for financial aid.

A long-term investment in the region

University leaders stressed that programs like the China–Pakistan Friendship Merit-cum-Need Based Scholarship will have a lasting effect on the growth of Gilgit-Baltistan. As more students earn advanced degrees, they are expected to help local institutions, the regional economy, and the growing number of skilled workers needed in government, science, education, technology, and environmental management.

Officials also said that many people who get scholarships later work in civil society, public service, teaching, and business. The Vice Chancellor says that making it easier for people in remote areas to get a college education is important for raising living standards and giving young people the skills they need for the future of the region.

At the end of the ceremony, students thanked the donors for the money and said that the scholarship has made them more determined to do well in school. University leaders said again that they plan to keep working with international partners to give students even more opportunities, such as more scholarships, academic exchanges, and research collaborations.