Pakistan May Lose Australian Education Awards for Scholars – By Tazeen Akhtar

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Tazeen Akhtar
Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori ,in meeting with editors of Pakistan including this scribe on 30 May 2024 in Karachi at Governor House said that 90 % Youth is desperate to leave the country. He said this for already known reasons. European embassies are refusing visa applications of Pakistanis and now here comes another side of the same phenomenon from the Australian High Commission in Pakistan.
I remember when we were awarded a fully funded media tour to Denmark some 12 years ago. Two of our members slipped there and then Denmark put a full stop on this annual tours for next 10 long years.
Pakistani scholars can learn a lesson from Kyrgyzstan at least. Pakistani students were paying their fee and spending from their own pockets for living there , still they had to face the most untoward situation on 17-18 May 2024. They were attacked by the locals and harassed to such an extremeness that they had to rush back to Pakistan.
Here in case of Australia, they are enjoying fully funded education and they do not respect the promises they committed with the High Commission. This is highly condemnable.
Pakistan scholars on Australian Awards are violating the commitment opting to remain in Australia even after completion of the studies that has jeopardized the scheme for Pakistan under which selected Pakistani youth can benefit from free accommodation and studies in Australian institutes.
The High Commissioner Neil Hawkins has expressed concern over a growing trend of scholarship recipients choosing to remain in Australia post-graduation, which contravened the terms of the scholarship agreement.

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“Such a practice undermines the very purpose of this initiative, which is to contribute to Pakistan’s development. If this trend continues, it will jeopardize the future of the program in Pakistan and deprive aspiring Pakistani scholars of an opportunity to benefit from an Australian education and contribute to Pakistan’s development,” The H.C cautioned.
The High Commissioner urged all Australia Awards recipients to honour their commitment to return to Pakistan and contribute to its growth and development. “By fulfilling your obligations, you will play a pivotal role in strengthening the ties between our two nations through sustainable development and mutual progress,” he said.
The Australia High Commissioner noted this in Awards Recognition Ceremony. He proudly acknowledged the achievements of the 60 Pakistani scholars who have successfully completed their studies in Australia this year under the prestigious Australia Awards scholarship program, but unfortunately deplored the response of some scholars in other way.

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The scholars, including 21 men and 39 women, are being recognized for their dedication and academic excellence.
“It is with great pride that we celebrate the achievements of the Pakistan scholars who have successfully completed their studies under the Australia Awards scholarship program,” Australian High Commissioner to Pakistan, Neil Hawkins said.
“We commend them on their hard work and are confident that they have gained valuable knowledge and skills that will contribute significantly to the development of Pakistan.”
Highlighting the importance of this initiative, High Commissioner Hawkins welcomed the number of women scholars noting that the Australia Awards program underscored Australia’s commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.
The Australia Awards Recognition Ceremony celebrates the successful completion of Australia Awards Scholarships and Short Course Awards from the FY 2023-24. This year’s event honours 60 scholars who have completed either a short course or a scholarship and have returned to Pakistan, including those who participated in programs focused on Women in Executive Leadership Development, Agribusiness, Climate Finance, and Climate Change Adaptation.

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The Australia Awards scholarship program is a key component of the Australian Government’s development assistance to Pakistan. The program aims to equip scholars with the expertise needed to drive progress and development in their home country, and it particularly supports the empowerment of women, aligning with Australia’s foreign policy priority to promote gender equality.
The Australia Awards Scholarships Program, funded by the Australian Government, provides opportunities for individuals from developing countries to undertake full-time undergraduate or postgraduate study at participating Australian universities and Technical and Further Education institutions. These scholarships aim to develop the skills and knowledge of individuals to drive change and contribute to development in their home countries.
Here it is worth mentioning that the scholars can be bound by other means as well rather with commitments only. The concerned Pakistani authorities can be taken into confidence while finalizing the names of the scholars. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Higher Education Commission can play their role in this regard.
Even Federal Investigation Agency should be moved in this regard because it is equal to illegal immigration that falls under the working of FIA.
Above all, the scholars themselves should understand their responsibility towards their own country and more to a country that is spending the tax money of her citizens on your education and living in their country. The selected scholars , slipped in Australia are not only bringing a bad name to their country but negatively contributing to deprive other intending and deserving Pakistani students of this great opportunity.

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