KEY POINTS
- Pakistan launches a new program offering fully funded scholarships to 300 Bangladeshi students.
- Islamabad and Dhaka agree to enhance cooperation in diverse sectors.
- Pakistan and Bangladesh establish direct maritime links.
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has launched a new program offering fully funded scholarships to hundreds of Bangladeshi students, as Islamabad and Dhaka vow to strengthening bilateral relations across various sectors.
Pakistan state run television PTV news reported that the government of Pakistan will offer scholarships to 300 Bangladeshi students.
A meeting was held at the ministry of education on Thursday to discuss the initiative to offer the fully-funded scholarships to the students of Bangladesh via a consortium of leading Pakistani universities under the umbrella of Pakistan-Bangladesh Friendship Scholarship Programme.
“During the meeting, officials urged universities to promote the program in Bangladesh through events and an online portal,” according to PTV News.
The scholarships seek to further enhance educational exchanges and cultural connections between the two nations.
Pakistan’s foreign office said that Islamabad sought “robust, multifaceted, friendly ties” with Bangladesh to ensure peace and stability in the region.
Local media reported that chaired by Secretary Education Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, the meeting was also attended by Executive Director Higher Education Commission (HEC) Prof Dr Ziaul Qayyum, representatives from the high commission of Pakistan to Bangladesh and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the consortium of the universities.
According to the education ministry, the main objective of the scholarship programme is to foster strong ties between Pakistan and Bangladesh.
Pakistan-Bangladesh Ties
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also met Bangladesh Interim Government Chief Advisor Dr. Yunus in New York in September at a ceremony hosted by the Bangladeshi leader to mark the completion of 50 years of Bangladesh’s membership in the United Nations.
They agreed to forge stronger relations and enhance bilateral cooperation in various fields during their meeting.
Recently, Pakistan and Bangladesh for the first time had established a direct maritime route decreasing transit time from 25 days to 10 days.
A cargo vessel from Pakistan financial capital Karachi docked on Wednesday at Bangladesh’s Chittagong Port after 20 years.
READ ALSO: Syria’s New Rulers Call for Victory Celebrations in Streets
Pakistan High Commissioner in Bangladesh Syed Ahmed Maroof termed the move as a significant step, saying that this new route will streamline supply chains, decrease transit time and open new business opportunities for both nations.
The envoy said that the first-ever direct route between the two nations highlights the increasing demand for direct trade.
The Ambassador said that the system will help to take forward the eco-social ties of people of the two sides.
