In a significant development coinciding with Pakistan’s Independence Day, the Oxford Pakistan Programme (OPP) revealed its 2026 graduate scholarship recipients. This year, 12 exceptional Pakistani scholars have been selected to pursue advanced studies at the University of Oxford, representing a broad spectrum of geographic and academic backgrounds.
The cohort includes students from regions such as Swat, Nowshera, Azad Kashmir, Khangarh, Khairpur, Larkana, Shaheed Benazirabad, and Karachi. Demonstrating OPP’s dedication to identifying talent nationwide, these scholars hail from a mix of prestigious private institutions like LUMS and IBA, as well as public universities including Quaid-i-Azam University, University of Peshawar, NED University, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, COMSATS University, and the International Islamic University Islamabad.
The disciplines covered by this year’s scholars are diverse, spanning law, economics, public policy, engineering, medicine, cancer science, and the humanities. Notably, this cohort features the inaugural group of four scholars benefiting from the Bhutto Graduate Scholarships, a new initiative launched in partnership with the Government of Sindh. Announced in Oxford by Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, this program aims to broaden Oxford access for talented students from historically underrepresented areas.
Among the standout scholars are Amarta Chandio, who graduated from LUMHS with the highest GPA and four gold medals, and Faiza Rehman, an Economics graduate from IBA Karachi on a full scholarship, both actively involved in maternal health projects in rural Sindh. Mir Musawwar Ali, a LUMS alumnus, secured second place in Pakistan’s Central Superior Services examination, while Junaid Memon, an engineering graduate from NED University, earned admission to Oxford.
Further expanding the programme’s reach, the Benazir Bhutto Graduate Scholarship, supported by the Government of Balochistan, was awarded to Maira Mehmood from Sohbatpur. The OPP also announced its first Interloop Scholar, Saadia Khan, who will study Cancer Science at Oxford, alongside Sara Saleh from Swat, the first scholar supported through a new partnership with the Weidenfeld-Hoffmann Trust. Sara’s scholarship is partially funded by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai, a founding donor and advocate for girls’ education.
Additional scholars include Ali Hassan from Khangarh, South Punjab, as the latest Tareen Scholar, with Manal Ahmed (Karachi), Hamza Khan (Nowshera, KP), and Abdul Rehman Noor (Poonch, Azad Kashmir) completing the cohort.
The OPP co-founders highlighted the programme’s expansion as evidence of a committed community investing in Pakistan’s youth. Supporters include philanthropists, entrepreneurs, and institutional partners such as the Malala Fund, Interloop Group, Sheikh Family Foundation, Ali Tareen, Hamid Ismail Foundation, and numerous Pakistani business leaders both domestically and internationally.
Musadaq Zulqarnain, Chairman of the Interloop Group, described OPP as a “charity of hope,” illuminating opportunities for Pakistan’s young population eager for advancement. Mohammed Khaishgi, a former Rhodes Scholar at Oxford, praised the programme’s inclusive philosophy and optimistic spirit, calling its belief in Pakistan “infectious.”
Reflecting on the announcement, the OPP team emphasized that the initiative transcends scholarship provision. They stated, “OPP represents an investment in Pakistan’s human potential. At a time when many young Pakistanis seek reasons to believe in the future, these scholars prove that exceptional talent exists across every province, community, and university. Our goal is to ensure that a young person’s origin, financial status, or institution does not limit their ambitions.”
The team added that unveiling the scholarships on Independence Day was meant to convey a message of hope and confidence. “Few acts express faith in Pakistan’s future more powerfully than investing in its youth and enabling them to compete globally with the best.”
