The sudden halt in USAID funding has put 530 Pakistani students at risk of losing their education. These students, mostly from flood-affected areas, were receiving scholarships under the Merit and Needs-Based Scholarship Programme. Now, they are struggling to continue their studies, facing an uncertain future.
This scholarship programme was a major source of support for students enrolled in 30 universities across Pakistan. The funding was expected to last until June 2026, but due to financial cuts, the aid has been stopped abruptly. Without this support, students from low-income backgrounds are left wondering how they will afford tuition, books, and living expenses.
The Impact of USAID’s Funding Cut
The USAID-funded scholarship programme was part of a larger $30.7 million initiative aimed at helping bright but underprivileged students. However, due to a shift in US foreign policy under the “America First” agenda, many aid programmes in Pakistan have been discontinued. This decision has hit students the hardest, especially those whose families were already struggling after the devastating 2022 floods.
The scholarship programme was initially launched in 2013 with a budget of Rs2.95 billion. USAID had committed Rs2.37 billion as a grant, while Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission (HEC) contributed Rs577.1 million. Over the years, it expanded significantly, benefiting thousands of students. However, with USAID withdrawing its support, the remaining 530 students are now in a dire situation, unsure if they can complete their degrees.
Thousands of Students Benefited, But What Now?
The programme originally planned to provide 3,000 scholarships—1,970 for undergraduate students and 1,030 for graduate students. However, due to favorable exchange rates, HEC was able to award an additional 1,868 scholarships, increasing the total beneficiaries to 4,868.
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Among them, 530 students from flood-hit areas were given scholarships in 2022 with the approval of USAID and Pakistan’s Ministry of Economic Affairs. While 4,142 students have already completed their education under this initiative, those still studying are now in trouble, unsure of how to fund their remaining years.
Education and Institutional Growth at Risk
Beyond helping students, this programme also contributed to improving universities across Pakistan. Initially supporting 30 institutions, it later expanded to 70, adding 40 more public-sector universities, including those associated with the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) Undergraduate Scholarships. Many female students from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Sindh, and South Punjab were among the beneficiaries.
With the funding cut, not only are students suffering, but universities are also facing challenges in maintaining academic and research standards. The scholarships played a crucial role in improving education quality and ensuring students from disadvantaged backgrounds had access to higher studies.
The Bigger Picture: Pakistan-US Relations and Development Aid
USAID has been a key partner in Pakistan’s development since 1961, supporting various sectors like education, healthcare, governance, and economic growth. In 2023 alone, USAID provided $43.79 billion in aid to over 130 countries, with Pakistan being a major recipient.
The abrupt suspension of this funding raises concerns about the future of US-Pakistan cooperation. It also puts other ongoing development projects in Pakistan at risk, potentially affecting thousands of people who rely on these initiatives for their well-being and progress.
No Official Response Yet
Despite repeated inquiries, officials from HEC, including Dr. Shaista Sohail and Dr. Ziaul Qayyum, have not provided any comments regarding the situation. Meanwhile, the affected students, many from financially struggling families, are left waiting for answers. Without an alternative solution, many may be forced to drop out, losing the opportunity to build a better future.
This crisis highlights the urgent need for the Pakistani government and other organizations to step in and ensure that these students do not lose their education. Finding alternative funding sources, seeking local sponsorships, or even renegotiating aid agreements with the US could be potential solutions.
For now, these 530 students remain in limbo, hoping for a lifeline that will allow them to complete their studies and secure a brighter future.
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