Australia awards scholarships to 27 Pakistanis

As many as 27 Pakistanis have been awarded a coveted Australian scholarship for short courses on entrepreneurship in the energy security sector.

The courses would help build capacities of the scholars in innovation and entrepreneurship in the public and private sectors, and strengthen Pakistan’s energy security through cross-border collaboration.

“Innovation and entrepreneurship are playing an increasingly important role in economic growth and job creation in Pakistan,” said Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan Margaret Adamson during an event held for the scholars.



“We are glad to support Pakistan’s innovation trajectory through training in Australia’s world-class business institution,” she said, adding, “courses in energy management will help Pakistan harness the energy and hydropower potential of the Himalayas to enhance energy security, regional cooperation, and trade.”

The envoy added that some of the courses which the scholars would study have a special focus on increasing women’s participation in the public and private sectors to facilitate economic growth, a core policy priority for Australia.  Hence, she said, half of the awardees were women.

Australia has been providing scholarships to Pakistan since 1991 and offers around 100 scholarships annually.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 22^nd, 2017.