OXFORD, United Kingdom: In a landmark move to enhance educational opportunities for students from underrepresented backgrounds, the Government of Sindh, in collaboration with the Oxford Pakistan Programme (OPP), has announced the establishment of up to six prestigious scholarships for students from Sindh province at the University of Oxford.
These scholarships, named in honour of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto and Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, will be part of the Oxford Pakistan Programme annual graduate scholarship, providing exceptional students from Sindh the opportunity to pursue graduate studies at one of the world’s most esteemed institutions.
Historically, access to elite universities such as Oxford has remained largely limited to students from privileged backgrounds. The OPP aims to dismantle these barriers, ensuring that academic potential—not socio-economic status—determines access to higher education. Last year, the Oxford Pakistan Programme awarded two scholarships to students from Sindh and one to a student from Balochistan, marking a significant step in bridging the educational divide. This initiative aligns with the OPP’s broader mission of collaborating with government institutions to create sustainable pathways for talented students from underserved communities.
The announcement was made during an official visit to Oxford University by Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party, and Syed Murad Ali Shah, Chief Minister of Sindh. They were hosted for lunch by Professor Stephen Blyth, Principal of Lady Margaret Hall—Benazir Bhutto’s alma mater. The gathering included distinguished guests such as Mrs Sanam Bhutto, sister of Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto; historian and Lady Margaret Hall alumna Victoria Schofield; and senior delegates from the Governments of Sindh and Balochistan.
The OPP is spearheaded by a team of Oxford academics and alumni, including Professor Adeel Malik, Dr Talha J. Pirzada, Haroon Zaman, and Minahil Saqib. Since its inception, the programme has provided over £600,000 in student support, enabling 48 Pakistani scholars to study at Oxford. Its efforts include scholarships, hardship funds, an annual Iqbal Lecture, and a graduate access programme.
These newly established scholarships honour the legacy of Benazir Bhutto and Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, both of whom studied at Oxford. The initiative seeks to empower the youth of Sindh, providing them access to world-class education and equipping them to contribute meaningfully to their communities and beyond. The fund will support up to six students annually at Lady Margaret Hall, with three scholarships reserved for female candidates under the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Scholarship and three under the Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Scholarship.
This initiative has been made possible with the support of Israr Khan, President of the Oxford Union and a Pakistani scholar from Balochistan. Speaking at the event, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari praised the programme’s efforts, stating, “The OPP is opening doors and creating opportunities for Pakistanis, particularly talented students from underprivileged backgrounds. I would like to appreciate both the Governments of Sindh and Balochistan for their commitment to these scholarship programmes.”
Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah emphasised the long-term impact of the initiative: “These scholarships will enable students from Sindh to study at one of the world’s finest institutions. Not only will they benefit from this opportunity, but Sindh as a whole will gain as these scholars return with knowledge and expertise to uplift their communities.”
Imran Zarkoon Khan, Secretary Finance, Government of Balochistan, also underscored the significance of the scholarships, highlighting Balochistan’s pioneering role in initiating this programme. “We are hopeful that this initiative will create new opportunities, empowering talented students from Balochistan to excel at Oxford and contribute to the province’s prosperity,” he stated.
The OPP’s collaboration with the Government of Sindh is part of its broader vision to ensure that students from Sindh, Balochistan, and other underrepresented regions gain access to the best educational opportunities worldwide. By fostering such initiatives, the OPP continues to play a transformative role in shaping the future of Pakistan’s brightest minds.
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