ISLAMABAD: The United States of America is Pakistan’s oldest friend and has consistently played a supportive role in the country’s education sector.

This was stated by the newly-appointed Executive Director of the United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP), Dr Peter K. Moran.

Dr Moran assumed office in April 2025, a year that marks a significant milestone in the Foundation’s journey, as it celebrates 75 years of fostering educational and cultural exchange between the two countries.

Speaking to Dawn, he said there are lots of opportunities for Pakistani students to study in best American universities through scholarship and exchange programmes.

Dr Moran, an education professional and cultural anthropologist, said Fulbright was a flagship programme and Pakistani students were one of its major beneficiaries in the world.

“Our relations with Pakistan are very old. We are working here since 1950,” he said.

“There is no denying of benefit of technology, as because of technology now world is connected with each others. But the beauty of Fullbright Program provides face to face learning opportunity to Pakistani students to get study in our best universities,” he said and added that people-to-people connectivity helped people learning more.

Talking about impact of the programme, he said US had a large alumni network in Pakistan and they were serving at various positions, helping their country to make progress, which was indeed a matter of pride for the US.

“Many top professionals, lawmakers, academician etc are Fullbright scholars and they are contributing for betterment of Pakistan,” Dr Moran said and added that USEFP ensured transparency in the award of scholarships.

“We have a very competitive system in place. Fullbright is not a lottery; candidates have to face tough competition. We select best of the best so that they could excel while studying in USA.” He said despite this tough criteria, every year a large number of students qualify for the scholarship, as “Pakistanis are very competitive..incredible,” he said.

Dr Moran, who has 30 years of experience in field of education, said USEFP provides equal opportunities to everyone. He also stated that Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program also great for mid-career professionals as under this (for 10-12 month) fellows get education in USA for a graduate level non-degree academic coursework. They also take part in professional development activities.

“We want to assist Pakistanis [through our programmes] in making their dreams [getting education in USA] come true. So I will advise students to set their targets of getting these scholarships,” he said.

It is relevant to note here that in April this year, the US government closed an undergraduate exchange programme after which there were reports that other programmes could also face closure. However, Dr Moran clarified: “Sometime accurate information is not available. Let me just say our flagship programmes are continued.” Besides the talent of Pakistani students, Dr Moran is also very impressed with the beauty of Pakistan’s capital city. He said Islamabad’s beauty has been mesmerizing him. “I am enjoying working in this beautiful city,” he said.

He is also fond of Pakistani mangos. “Varieties of all mangos are very good and I like chaunsa very much,” he said.

Published in Dawn, August 26th, 2025