Awan Quaid Lahore witnessed a momentous occasion as the Alkhidmat Alfalah scholarship programme marked its 25th anniversary with a convention aimed at recognising the achievements of meritorious students and reflecting on a quarter-century of impactful contributions to higher education.
Distinguished guests, including Ameer-ul-Azeem, Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, Muhammad Abdus Shakoor, Vice President of Alkhidmat Foundation, Dr. Mushtaq Mangat, Secretary General Syed Waqas Jafri, National Director of Education Dr. Ahmad Jibran Baloch, Alkhidmat Central Punjab President Ikram-ul-Haq Subhani, Alfalah Scholars, and representatives from various sectors, graced the event.
In his address, Syed Waqas Jafri emphasised that education is a fundamental right for every human being. Unfortunately, 2.3 million children in Pakistan are still deprived of this right. He praised initiatives like the Alkhidmat Alfalah Scholarship Programme for providing a beacon of hope for talented students and ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their pursuit of education.
Muhammad Abdus Shakoor highlighted the Alfalah scholarship as an integral part of the Alkhidmat Foundation's education department. Over the last 25 years, thousands of deserving students facing financial challenges have received assistance in pursuing education.
The scholarships are awarded based on merit, covering 936 talented and deserving students from all provinces, Azad Kashmir, and Gilgit-Baltistan, without discrimination based on colour, race, religion, caste, or political affiliation. The Alfalah Scholarship has supported 710 doctors, 604 engineers, 1150 BS honours and masters, 256 associate engineers, 528 graduates, and 2021 intermediate students, totaling 269.
The Foundation has disbursed scholarships amounting to 436.9 million rupees, specifically prioritising female students to enable them to complete their education.
Ikram-ul-Haq Subhani highlighted that the Alkhidmat Alfalah Scholarship goes beyond financial support, providing ongoing evaluation of students' performance, guidance, and organising career counselling seminars.
Dr Ahmed Jibran Baloch mentioned the annual convention, bringing together current and former scholars, parents, and diverse personalities from across the country.
The aim is to encourage benefactors to sponsor financially disadvantaged but talented students, empowering them to aspire to new heights.
Ameer-ul Azim congratulated the scholarship recipients and underscored the responsibility these scholars bear in supporting others awaiting justice. He emphasised that this service extends not only to the children but also to their families and society, contributing to the bright future of the country.
The ceremony featured expressions of gratitude from scholarship recipients, who thanked the Alkhidmat Foundation and the Alfalah Scholarship Scheme for enabling them to pursue their studies. Prizes were awarded to position-holder students, and scholarship certificates were presented to new scholarship holders.
The event concluded with students taking an oath to pursue higher education and play a role in the country's development.
The convention was skillfully organised by Shoaib Hashmi and Ali Arsalan, ensuring a seamless and memorable celebration of the Alkhidmat Alfalah Scholarship Programme's 25th anniversary.
