ISLAMABAD, Aug 14 (APP): On the occasion of Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day, the Oxford Pakistan Programme (OPP) announced its graduate scholarships for the 2024-25 academic year.

According to the details, the OPP will support twelve exceptional scholars from diverse disciplinary backgrounds, ranging from law and social sciences to engineering and medicine.

Founded just four years ago by Pakistani academics and alumni of the University of Oxford, the OPP has rapidly become the fastest-growing academic platform in any major western university that is dedicated to creating scholarship opportunities for talented Pakistani origin students.

This year, the OPP received around 100 applications from outstanding students who had received admission offers from Oxford University but lacked the financial means to pursue their Oxford dream.
Among the scholarship recipients are two exceptionally talented students from Sindh.

Junaid Memon from Khairpur will pursue a DPhil in Engineering, while Anum Khan from Dadu, Sindh will read for an M.Sc. in Surgical Science and Practice.

The former will be supported by the Hamid Ismail Foundation in Karachi and the latter by renowned London businessman and entrepreneur Suleman Raza.

The OPP is also proud to announce Ms. Zainab Aziz as the recipient of the prestigious Malala Yousafzai Scholarship. A self-made professional with a public schooling background, Ms. Aziz currently serves as an Assistant Director at the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA).

The Tareen Scholarship, sponsored by Ali Tareen, is supporting two outstanding scholars this year, Beenish Iqbal (M.Sc. Clinical Trials) and Jabir Ali (DPhil in Chemical Biology) (a continuing OPP scholar).

Scholarship recipients also include Mr. Mohad Zulfiqar who will pursue the highly competitive Oxford BCL degree (Bachelor of Civil Law), and Ayeda Hamed, a Princeton graduate who will study for an M.Phil in Development Studies with the support of the Malala Fund and the Hamid Ismail Foundation.

Continuing scholars from last year who will receive ongoing support include Ahmed Salman (DPhil in Computer Science) and Ajmal Mughal (DPhil in Music).

Furthermore, the OPP will provide a supplementary grant to Ms. Walifa Waqar, an incoming Sir Anwar Parvez Scholar, who will pursue a DPhil in Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics.

A key mission of the OPP is to increase graduate access for British Pakistanis, who are severely underrepresented at Oxford University.

This year, partial scholarships were awarded to several talented British Pakistanis, including Raiyan Haq (M.Sc. in Economics for Development) and Syed Humaid Abid (M.Sc. in Taxation).

Both students have demonstrable potential to contribute to both British public life and Pakistan’s development.

Decisions for OPP scholarships are based on three main criteria including academic merit, the potential for the scholarship to be a life-changing opportunity and the candidate’s potential to contribute to Pakistan’s development or to the development of overseas Pakistani communities.

While announcing the awards, OPP co-founders Professor Adeel Malik, Dr. Talha Pirzada, and Mr. Haroon Zaman expressed their gratitude to the expanding and committed community of donors whose support is helping to create a pool of outstanding students who can become future leaders in their respective fields.

The OPP’s Graduate Scholarship Programme is supported by the Malala Fund, Mr. Ali Tareen, the Hamid Ismail Foundation, Syed Sheheryar Ali of Treet Corporation, Mr. Asad and Mr. Omar Ghauri of Netsol Technologies, and a growing number of overseas businessmen and professionals, including Mr. Sarwar Khawaja, Mr. Suleman Raza, Mr. Mohammed Khaishgi, entrepreneurs Mr. Areeb Azam, Mr. Sheraz Mahmood, and Mr. Ammad Ahmed, Shamyl Malik and Dr. Omer Suleman (cofounders of Haruko), Dr. Tariq Zaman, senior consultant at Cromwell Hospital and former Federal Secretary Mr. Owais Ahmed Pirzada.

Institutionally anchored at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford, the OPP has received strong patronage from the College and is grateful to all members of the College who have extended the OPP their support, including the Principal, Professor Stephen Blyth, and Tutor for Graduates, Dr Ben Higgins.

Commenting on the significance of this academic initiative, the OPP’s co-founders emphasized the importance of creating hope and opportunities for Pakistan’s growingly youthful population, which is eager for advancement, as well as the importance of investing in the large British Pakistani community in the UK.

They noted that several decades ago, students were at the forefront of the Pakistan movement. Today, the Oxford Pakistan Programme is building a transmission belt of talent for Pakistan’s rejuvenation.

PESHAWAR, Aug 14 (APP): Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Faisal Karim Kundi, on Wednesday extended his heartfelt congratulations to renowned journalist and President Peshawar Press Club Arshad Aziz Malik on his nomination for the prestigious Tamgha-e-Imtiaz award.

In his statement, Governor Faisal Karim Kundi lauded Malik’s nomination as a significant honor, recognizing it as a testament to his outstanding contributions to journalism.

He emphasized that Malik’s responsible journalism serves as a guiding light for others in the field.

Governor Kundi further highlighted that the Award is not just a recognition for Arshad Aziz Malik alone but a proud moment for journalists through out Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

It is worth to mention here that the President has announced the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz for senior journalist Arshad Aziz Malik from Peshawar in recognition of his remarkable contributions to journalism.

Malik is widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s foremost journalists, known for his exceptional investigative reporting and commitment to delivering facts to the public.

Malik’s journey in journalism began after earning his Master’s degree in International Relations, followed by further studies in Political Science and Journalism.

In 1991, he launched his career with the daily Mashriq. His talent and dedication quickly distinguished him, leading him to join the daily Aaj in 1994.

Over two decades, he became a key figure in this prominent Peshawar publication, contributing significantly to its editorial team.

In 2013, Malik expanded his influence on the national stage by joining the Daily Jang, one of Pakistan’s leading newspapers.

His reputation as a formidable investigative journalist was solidified through his extensive work in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where he exposed corruption, abuse of power, and irregularities in various development projects.

With over 1,000 investigative reports to his name, Malik has uncovered numerous cases of fraud and malfeasance, holding powerful individuals and institutions accountable.

Malik’s investigative journalism is marked by meticulous research and an unwavering commitment to truth, earning him respect and recognition in the media industry.
His reports have not only informed the public but have also played a critical role in promoting transparency and integrity in governance. Through his work, Malik has consistently demonstrated the power of journalism as a force for social change, championing the principles of justice and democracy.

Beyond his reporting, Malik has been a prominent figure within the journalistic community. He served as the president of the Khyber Union of Journalists for two years, during which he implemented significant reforms to support and protect fellow journalists. Malik was instrumental in linking journalists’ jobs to the wage board, ensuring fair compensation and job security.
He also facilitated access to free healthcare for journalists, with over 300 journalists in Peshawar benefiting from health insurance cards under his leadership.

Additionally, Malik spearheaded the publication of Khyber, a magazine dedicated to addressing the concerns and issues of the journalistic community, giving them a unified platform.

Throughout his four-decade career, Malik has contributed not only through his writing but also as an educator.

He has conducted numerous training programs and delivered lectures on various subjects, sharing his expertise with the next generation of journalists. His commitment to the profession is evident in his mentorship of young journalists, helping shape the future of journalism in Pakistan.

Malik’s exceptional service to journalism has earned him numerous accolades, both nationally and internationally. These awards are a testament to his dedication, integrity, and the profound impact he has had on the media landscape.

Arshad Aziz Malik’s legacy is one of courage, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to truth. His work continues to inspire journalists in Pakistan and beyond, as he remains a leading figure in the fight for transparency, justice, and the public’s right to know.