The Oxford Pakistan Programme (OPP) is a novel initiative aimed at fostering academic opportunities for Pakistani researchers and providing assistance for activities linked to Pakistan at Oxford University.
The primary objectives of OPP are to:
- Increase the number of Pakistani and British Pakistani students at the University of Oxford.
- Improve the academic profile of Pakistan and its related topics at the University of Oxford.
- Operate as a bridge between the University of Oxford and Pakistan’s academic community by exchanging scholars and sharing scholarship.
The OPP is a homegrown project headed by academics and graduates from Pakistan. It collaborates closely with several University of Oxford departments and colleges and serves as a special forum for discussion about Pakistan at Oxford.
According to 24NewsHD TV channel, the University of Oxford has decided to grant scholarships under the Benazir Scholarship Programme to students from Balochistan, marking a historic milestone in the program’s history.
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The Government of Balochistan and Oxford University inked an agreement to support this programme.
At the signing of the scholarship agreement between the University of Oxford and the Oxford Pakistan Programme for students from Balochistan, Sarfraz Ahmed Bugti was present. During the event, Bugti stressed that the scholarship will help close the achievement gap and advance higher education.
Balochistani Chief Minister Mir Sarfraz Bugti is the first to speak in Oxford’s Lady Margaret Hall, where Benazir Bhutto, the only other Muslim world leader whose portrait hangs in the hall, studied. Aamir Ibrahim, Mohammad Khishgi, Farooq Sheikh, Senator Anwaarul Haq Kakar, Malala Yousafzai, and Prof. Kamal Munir were among the 150 delegates present at the ceremony.
“Many great personalities, including the martyred Benazir Bhutto, studied here, and the impoverished students of Balochistan will receive an education where they study,” stated Bugti. He emphasised that this project would bridge the gap in education and strengthen the connection between regional goals and worldwide academic standards by bringing Balochstan’s demands closer to the global level.
“This is an essential dedication to the reform of education and the empowerment of the youth of Balochistan,” stated Bugti. In addition, he said that this scholarship will be a significant step towards preparing Balochistani future leaders and that higher education is essential to advancing democracy and social prosperity, and more than just financial help, this is a means of empowering young people from Balochistan.
It is anticipated that the new scholarship programme will give gifted Baloch youngsters the chance to pursue further education at a top university in the world.