Moalims

ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of Germany Ina Lepel on Wednesday congratulated the students selected from different universities for scholarship through a meritorious, tough and demanding procedure.

In a seminar arranged by Higher Education Commission (HEC) to see off 73 scholars proceeding to Germany for higher studies, she said Pakistan's national poet Allama Muhammad Iqbal also studied in Germany and the students proceeding to Germany are lucky to follow in his footsteps. She said as many as 300 Pakistani scholars have already completed their studies in German universities.

The ambassador said the academic and social life in Germany will provide the students a great opportunity to learn and have new exposures. She urged the students to make friends, enjoy life and learn in Germany. HEC Chairman Dr Mukhtar Ahmed and German Academic Exchange Service Section Head Dr Barth Manzoori were also present on the occasion.

Interviews were held for selection of scholars under the Overseas Scholarship Scheme Phase-II and Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan project in May, wherein 56 and 17 scholars were recommended for PhD scholarship, respectively. Out of 73 candidates, 13 were recommended for MS-cum-PhD, while the rest were selected for PhD studies.

In his welcome address, DrMukhtar Ahmed said that the HEC has penned agreements with several foreign countries. He said the HEC provided 9,800 foreign scholarships to students who are now serving the nation and the world. He said the HEC ensures merit in selection of students and 58 percent students are from small towns and remote areas.

The chairman said those who worked in Pakistan before completion of their PhDs earned on average Rs 22,000 to Rs 25,000 per month, but afterwards, they earn up to Rs 130,000 per month, which is a remarkable achievement.

Currently the number of faculty members serving in Pakistani universities is 40,000, while there are only 10,000 PhDs among them, the chairman said adding, "We still need to do a lot and go a long way for increasing qualified faculty in our institutions."

He said the government is committed to facilitating students to acquire higher education in the country as well as abroad. Referring to the knowledge corridor proposal with United States, the chairman said that 10,000 scholarships, 1,000 every year, will be extended to students under this programme.

Dr Mukhtar Ahmed urged the students proceeding to Germany to develop social and academic network with academicians so that it could benefit them and the country in future. "You are going to be the ambassadors of Pakistan in Germany so a great responsibility lies upon you," he advised the scholars.

He urged the students to work hard and come back to serve the country and nation. "You have to serve not only the country, but also the entire humanity, he emphasised.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Barth Manzoori briefed the audience about the DAAD scholarships. She said that since 2004, the DAAD has been collaborating with the HEC for sending Pakistani scholars to Germany. She termed the scholarship holders lucky for getting this opportunity and also appreciated the government of Pakistan for supporting PhD scholars for study in best universities abroad.
News Reference