Sindh govt to award Oxford University scholarships to six students

The Sindh government has announced scholarships for six deserving students to study at the Oxford University, marking a significant step in the Benazir Bhutto Graduate Scholarship.

The announcement came after a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed in London, officially facilitating these opportunities.

The MOU was signed in the presence of Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), who highlighted the importance of education and empowerment during the ceremony.

Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah revealed that three male and three female students from Sindh would receive these scholarships annually, in collaboration with Oxford Pakistan.

“These scholarships have been a part of the Sindh government's long-standing initiative to support students in achieving higher education abroad,” said Chief Minister Shah.

The scholarships are a part of the Bhutto programme and are aimed at promoting academic excellence in fields such as science, technology, and engineering.

During a visit to Oxford University, Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari reflected on the legacy of his mother, Benazir Bhutto, who fought for the betterment of Pakistan’s future. He reiterated his belief that “democracy is the best revenge,” pointing out that despite significant societal restrictions on women, his mother became Pakistan's first female Prime Minister. Bilawal emphasized that the future of Pakistan is tied to constitutional supremacy, an independent judiciary, and free journalism.

Bilawal condemned the NAB (National Accountability Bureau) as a “draconian law” and reiterated the PPP’s position against it, highlighting the party's role in improving basic health facilities in Sindh. He also expressed concern over the security situation in Balochistan and reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the safety of its nuclear assets.

In addition to the Oxford scholarships, Sindh's government has also approved 3,157 new scholarships for the 2023-2024 academic year, with a focus on providing opportunities for talented students through the Sindh Education Endowment Fund.

In a statement, Chief Minister Shah emphasised that these scholarships are a part of the provincial government’s effort to provide opportunities for talented and needy students, as part of their educational development.

He also addressed the crime situation in Karachi, stating that despite the city’s population of over 20 million, efforts are being made under the Safe City Program to enhance safety and security for residents.