WASHINGTON: As concerns mount over the suspension of key academic exchanges and reports of increased visa scrutiny, the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) has reaffirmed Washington’s commitment to continuing educational and cultural ties with Pakistan — stressing that programmes like Fulbright remain unaffected and that currently enrolled students are fully supported.

The reassurance follows widespread anxiety sparked by the sudden cancellation of the Spring 2024 cycle of the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGRAD) in Pakistan, which USEFP announced last week. The decision came amid a global strategic review of US exchange programmes and a tense campus environment shaped by pro-Palestinian protests in the United States.

“The United States and USEFP remain committed to promoting the strong and enduring people-to-people ties between the United States and Pakistan,” USEFP said in a statement issued on Friday. It sought to address growing apprehension among Pakistani students following the UGRAD announcement and a spate of news reports about student visa cancellations and detentions.

“The 54 Pakistani students currently in the United States under the Global UGRAD-Pakistan program will complete their academic programs and return to Pakistan as planned,” the statement clarified.

“They have and will continue to receive their stipends and all benefits associated with the program.”

The USEFP emphasised that the cancellation affects only the spring cycle and pointed out that the United States continues to host approximately 11,000 Pakistani students, encouraging others to apply for higher education opportunities there.

Addressing speculation about the fate of other exchange initiatives, the foundation underscored that “a number of US Government-funded exchange programs remain in place and are available to Pakistanis, including the Fulbright Program”.

It firmly denied rumors that Fulbright had been discontinued. “Fulbright participants in the United States continue to receive their stipends,” the statement said.

USEFP explained that the US Department of State is currently conducting a global review of its exchange programmes to ensure they align with the Trump administration’s evolving priorities. “As we receive further information on the status of US Government-funded exchange programs, we will keep you updated,” it said.

Professor Farhat Haq, a former president of the American Institute of Pakistan Studies and a longtime advocate of academic exchanges, welcomed the clarification.

“It is reassuring to hear the USEFP is committed to continuing cultural and educational exchange between the United States and Pakistan,” she said. “Such exchanges have deepened the relationship between the two countries and enhanced the higher education experience for Americans and Pakistanis.”

Published in Dawn, April 12th, 2025