ISLAMABAD: American Embassy Charge d’Affaires Jonathan Pratt congratulated 173 Pakistani students and scholars on receiving a prestigious Fulbright scholarship to pursue advanced studies and research in the United States. The Fulbright Program is the American government’s flagship academic exchange program, and the Fulbright Program in Pakistan is one of the largest in the world thanks to contributions by both the American and Pakistani governments, says a press release.

“You made it through an incredibly competitive application process, and you and your families should be very proud of your achievement,” Chargé d’Affaires Pratt said. “I’m especially pleased to see such a diverse group of Fulbright participants here, representing the many geographical regions of Pakistan and different walks of life.”

The 2017 Fulbright cohort is 54 percent female. The participants will attend 85 U.S. universities where they will pursue a wide variety of academic disciplines, including engineering, social sciences and energy management.

“The Fulbright Program offers participants an unparalleled opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research and study alongside American peers,” said U.S. Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) Executive Director Rita Akhtar. “This academic experience has a transformative effect not only on individual participants, but also on their communities after they return home.”

2014 Fulbright Master’s Program alumna Saima Yawar commented, “When I look at Pakistan and my own journey, I see this program as a cornerstone for development of the future brand of leaders in my country. Pakistani students have gone to pursue study or research in the U.S. and returned to share gains of international learning, whether through continuing research back home or supporting the local communities and economy through business ventures.”

Since 1946, the Fulbright Program has provided more than 370,000 participants from around the world the opportunity to conduct research, implement skills and ideas, teach, and contribute to society.—PR