A LARGE number of Pakistani students of Master’s and PhD programme are studying in China under the ‘Bilateral Cultural Exchange Scholarship Programme’ of the Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC Division), government of Pakistan. The programme is fully funded by the Chinese government, which also pays a monthly stipend of CNY1,700 (approximately Rs27,000) and CNY2,000 (approximately Rs32,000) to master’s and PhD students, respectively.

It is clearly mentioned in the scholarship offer letter of the Ministry of IPC that “the government of Pakistan will pay the subsidy subject to availability of funds, provided the revised project is approved.”

However, for the past several years no subsidy or allowance has been paid by the IPC.

The monthly stipend paid by the Chinese government is not sufficient for the financially distressed students studying abroad, who also need to arrange their return air ticket to China by themselves.

Considering all these financial constraints, many successful candidates prefer not to avail themselves of this opportunity.

The recent visit by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif to China is a ray of hope for those Pakistani students who are waiting for any financial assistance by their government, so that they may successfully complete their studies and proudly represent Pakistan in the friendly neighboring country.

The authorities concerned are requested to look into the matter in order to secure the future of talented youths.

JUNAID KAMAL Gilgit Baltistan