In a significant move to support higher education for underprivileged students, Pakistan Baitul Mal has announced it will provide 60 scholarships every year to deserving students in the Department of Sociology at the University of Peshawar. The initiative comes under a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two institutions, formalizing their collaboration to support financially needy students.
Under the agreement, Pakistan Baitul Mal will allocate approximately Rs. 3.6 million annually to fund these scholarships. The awards will be granted on the basis of financial need and academic merit, ensuring that talented students are not deprived of educational opportunities due to economic constraints.
The signing ceremony, held at the university, was attended by key officials including Dr. Syed Owas, Chairman of the Department of Sociology, Sheraz, Director Finance of Pakistan Baitul Mal, Professor Dr. Anwar Alam, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, and Dr. Noor Sanauddin, Associate Professor. Faculty members and administrative staff were also present to witness the historic agreement.
Speaking on the occasion, the Vice Chancellor praised Pakistan Baitul Mal for its role in providing financial assistance to students across Pakistan. He stressed the importance of transparency in implementing the scholarship program and directed the nominated focal persons to develop clear guidelines and procedures for reviewing applications. “It is vital that these funds reach the students who genuinely need them while maintaining accountability at every step,” he said.
The Vice Chancellor further proposed the creation of a special committee consisting of representatives from the Department of Sociology, Pakistan Baitul Mal, and the university administration to oversee the scholarship program. The committee will ensure effective management, monitor progress, and address any challenges in the disbursement of scholarships.
Representatives from Pakistan Baitul Mal expressed their satisfaction with formalizing the partnership, describing it as a continuation of decades of informal cooperation with the university. They highlighted their commitment not only to scholarships but also to extending support in academic activities such as student fieldwork placements and collaborative research surveys on topics of mutual interest.
The new initiative is expected to provide a meaningful boost to deserving students in the Sociology Department, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder academic excellence. Both institutions have pledged to maintain a close working relationship, aiming to expand the scope of their collaboration in the years to come.
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