ISLAMABAD, Feb 18 Australian High Commissioner Timothy George launched on Thursday a new phase of the AusAID Pakistan scholarships programme.

The programme has been redesigned in consultation with the Pakistani government to increasingly align its objectives with Pakistan's development priorities.

Future awards will focus on maternal, neonatal and child health; basis education; rural development and food security; and governance.

A revised selection process includes specific measures to ensure gender equality and that scholarships are accessible to people with disabilities. Candidates from Balochistan, the North West Frontier Province and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas will be par- ticularly encouraged to apply.

Target candidates include policy-makers, practitioners and advocates in government and civil society organisations. At the completion of their studies, scholars will return to Pakistan to contribute to the development of the country.

Many previous scholarship holders have become leaders in government, the private sector and non-governmental organisations.

The new phase of the AusAID Pakistan scholarships programme will also see the establishment of an alumni network.

Last month, 51 Pakistan recipients of AusAID scholarships travelled to Australia to commence their studies at universities throughout the country.

In March, the next round of scholarships will be advertised throughout Pakistan, inviting applications for 45 master's level awards to study in Australian universities.

In September 2009, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Michael Rudd announced a further expansion of AusAID's scholarships programme in Pakistan, with 100 additional scholarships, specifically those focusing on agricultural studies, over next four years.

bisp A delegation of AusAID visited the secretariat of Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and explored possible avenues of cooperation and support the programme.

AusAID is already in contact with BISP development partners like USAID and the World Bank.

BISP Chairperson Farzana Raja informed the delegation that the programme was making headway in introducing new initiatives for alleviation of poverty and making the poorest of the poor section of the society financially independent.