The United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) and Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC) have signed a five-year agreement to expand educational exchange programmes between the two countries, including the prestigious Fulbright scholarship.
The agreement was signed at USEFP headquarters in Islamabad on Tuesday by USEFP Executive Director Dr Peter Moran and HEC Executive Director Professor Dr Zia Ul Haq.
The partnership aims to strengthen higher education opportunities while supporting mutual economic prosperity, security, and scientific and technological development in the United States and Pakistan.
Focus on Fulbright and educational exchanges
Under the agreement, Pakistani students and scholars will continue to gain access to US universities and academic programmes, while contributing to the development of Pakistan’s higher education sector.
The partnership will also support Americans travelling to Pakistan to collaborate on research, business and public health initiatives.
USEFP Executive Director Dr Peter Moran said the programmes would help participants develop skills and practical knowledge that could contribute to Pakistan’s development across different sectors.
“We are grateful for the continued partnership of the governments of the United States and Pakistan in advancing this mission,” Moran said.
HEC calls partnership a milestone
HEC Executive Director Professor Dr Zia Ul Haq described the long-standing HEC-Fulbright partnership as a hallmark of educational cooperation between the two countries.
He said the new agreement reflected a shared commitment to empowering Pakistani scholars and strengthening higher education institutions for future generations.
David Moyer, Acting Minister Counselor for Public Diplomacy at the US Embassy in Islamabad, said the agreement represented an investment in the future of both countries.
He added that the renewed partnership would provide hundreds of students and professionals with skills and connections to help shape future leaders.
75 years of educational cooperation
USEFP has administered jointly funded educational and cultural exchange programmes between the US and Pakistan for 75 years.
According to the foundation, these programmes have enabled more than 9,000 Pakistanis and nearly 1,000 Americans to enhance their professional expertise, conduct research and build long-term connections in both countries.
The Fulbright Programme, administered in Pakistan by USEFP, is the US government's flagship international scholarship programme.
USEFP was established by the governments of Pakistan and the United States in 1950 to promote mutual understanding through educational exchange.
