ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: As many as 1,700 students have done their graduation with the financial support of the Professional Education Foundation (PEF), the Chairman PEF Hafeez-ul-Haq said.
Briefing President Dr. Arif Alvi in a meeting at Aiwan-e-Sadr in Islamabad on Tuesday about the contribution of the Foundation in the promotion of professional education, the Chairman PEF informed that PEF offers scholarships and interest-free loans to those brilliant students who have obtained admissions in professional colleges/universities on merit but could not afford to pay their fees.
The Chairman informed that the Foundation has paid the education cost of 1,900 students in 2020-21 who were studying in the medical, engineering and other professional colleges/universities.
President Arif Alvi appreciated the efforts and contribution of PEF which has been doing a splendid job by supporting the deserving students to continue their education.
Highlighting the importance of higher education, he said that the government is focusing on educational development and has announced 50,000 scholarships to encourage deserving students to get higher education.
The president also said that steps are being taken to promote professional and skill-based education in the Country that would help provide employment to youth as well as put the Country on the path to socio-economic development.
Dr. Arif Alvi further said that it is his key priority to facilitate and encourage the differently-abled students to continue their studies and empower them financially.
In order to support and encourage persons with disabilities, he added that Higher Education Commission (HEC) has formulated a policy that exempts the students with disabilities from tuition and hostel fees.
The president also underlined the need for increasing the virtual component of education which was cost-effective and easily accessible.