ISLAMABAD: The federal government has announced the establishment of Maritime Educational Endowment Fund (MEEF) to provide scholarships to coastal communities’ deserving and talented children.

The scholarship programme is aimed at promoting inclusive development by enabling access to quality education for youth from over 70 coastal and fishing communities, particularly in Sindh and Balochistan.

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry announced the launch of the Endowment Fund here on Sunday, noting the initiative will help cultivate a skilled maritime workforce essential for the country’s future.

He said the creation of the fund is based on recommendations of the National Assembly Standing Comm­ittee on Maritime Affairs.

“The Maritime Educational Endowment Fund underscores our dedication to sustainable human capital development,” said Junaid Anwar Chaudhry. “By investing in coastal youth today, we are laying the foundation for a resilient and prosperous maritime sector tomorrow.”

Maritime Educational Endowment Fund established

To finance the MEEF, the ministry will restructure Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions from organisations operating under its jurisdiction.

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The minister also announced the formation of a dedicated oversight committee, responsible for ensuring transparency, equitable scholarship distribution, and strong monitoring and evaluation frameworks.

In its initial phase, the MEEF will target students of coastal regions, with plans to expand nationally, enabling more students across the country to benefit from the initiative.

“This initiative represents our vision of an educated, empowered, and thriving maritime community,” he added.

Published in Dawn, May 26th, 2025