Pakistan Baitul Mal will fund 60 merit and need-based scholarships each year for Sociology students at the University of Peshawar. Here are the key details.
Pakistan Baitul Mal’s New Scholarship Partnership
Pakistan Baitul Mal has signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Peshawar to support deserving students in the Department of Sociology. Under this agreement, the organisation will provide 60 scholarships every year to students who face financial difficulties but wish to continue their higher education.
The move reflects Pakistan Baitul Mal’s broader mission of helping low-income families and expanding access to education across the country. By focusing on a key social sciences department, the partnership also aims to strengthen future human resource in fields related to social welfare, community development and research.
Amount, Eligibility and Focus on Merit and Need
According to the MoU, Pakistan Baitul Mal will allocate around Rs. 3.6 million each year to fund these scholarships. The support is targeted at financially deserving and needy students enrolled in the Department of Sociology at the University of Peshawar.
The scholarships will be awarded on a combined basis of financial need and academic merit. This means that students will have to show both strong educational performance and genuine economic hardship. The main goal is to ensure that talented young people are not forced to drop out of university or compromise their studies simply because they cannot afford fees and related expenses.
By linking need-based criteria with merit, the program encourages students to work hard academically while also giving a safety net to those coming from less privileged backgrounds.
Focal Persons and Committee for Transparent Implementation
To make sure the scholarship scheme is implemented in a fair and transparent way, focal persons have been appointed from both sides. Dr. Syed Owas, Chairman of the Department of Sociology, and Sheraz, Director Finance of Pakistan Baitul Mal, will act as the main coordinators for the program.
The Vice Chancellor of the University of Peshawar has directed these focal persons to develop clear terms of reference and transparent procedures for reviewing scholarship applications. He also proposed the formation of a special committee that would include representatives from the Department of Sociology, Pakistan Baitul Mal and the university administration.
Such a committee would help design criteria, oversee shortlisting and ensure that funds are used exactly for the students they are meant to support.
Support from University Leadership and Faculty
The signing ceremony was attended by key members of the university’s academic leadership. Professor Dr. Anwar Alam, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, and Dr. Noor Sanauddin, Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology, were present along with other faculty members and administrative officials.
Speaking at the event, the Vice Chancellor appreciated the role of Pakistan Baitul Mal in providing educational support to deserving students across Pakistan. He emphasised that scholarships like these are essential for strengthening public sector universities and promoting equal opportunity. Faculty members also welcomed the agreement, noting that it will directly benefit students who are serious about their studies but struggle with financial pressure at home.
Beyond Scholarships: Future Cooperation and Opportunities
Representatives from Pakistan Baitul Mal expressed satisfaction over the formalisation of this partnership, pointing out that it builds on decades of informal collaboration between the two institutions. With the MoU in place, both sides now have a structured framework to expand their work together.
In addition to direct financial aid, Pakistan Baitul Mal has shown interest in supporting students’ fieldwork placements and research projects on issues of mutual concern, such as poverty, welfare programs and social protection. This can give Sociology students valuable practical exposure and real-world data for their assignments and theses.
Over time, the combination of scholarships, field opportunities and joint research can help create a strong pipeline of social science graduates who are well-equipped to contribute to policy, community work and evidence-based decision-making in Pakistan.
