Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Syed Imran Ahmed Shah, visited the Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi today, where he reviewed the progress and implementation of the Educational Individual Financial Assistance Programme being carried out under the Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal. On the occasion, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Dr. Qamar-uz-Zaman, briefed the Federal Minister on the programme’s procedures, performance, and the facilitation being extended to deserving students.
The Federal Minister stated that the present government views education as a strategic investment in national development. In this regard, the financial ceiling for educational assistance under Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal has been enhanced from Rs. 100,000 to Rs. 150,000 per student. He added that the provision of scholarships is being made more transparent, efficient, and timely, while financial assistance is transferred directly into university accounts to ensure merit and transparency.
Syed Imran Ahmed Shah further said that the programme is extending support to deserving students across all provinces, free from any political considerations or discrimination. He informed that from 2022 to 2025, a total of 16,956 cases were approved and approximately Rs. 575 million were disbursed under educational assistance, while during the current financial year, 107 students of have benefitted from the programme so far.
The Federal Minister also appreciated the efforts of Provincial Minister for Agriculture, Muhammad Ashiq Hussain Kermani, for his contributions towards the promotion of education and the agriculture sector. He expressed hope that strong coordination between federal and provincial institutions will further strengthen student welfare and contribute to national progress.
In conclusion, the Federal Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continue supporting students belonging to low-income households, ensuring that no deserving student is deprived of education due to financial constraints.
