The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC) has made significant progress in expanding access to higher education for students from Balochistan and the erstwhile FATA through its flagship initiative, Provision of Higher Education Opportunities for Students of Balochistan and FATA (President Directives). The program aims to empower talented youth from historically underserved regions by providing them with scholarships to pursue higher education at reputable institutions across Pakistan. Through a transparent and merit-based selection process, the initiative has opened new academic and professional pathways for thousands of students who otherwise might not have had access to quality higher education.

Since the launch of the program, HEC has awarded 8,343 scholarships to deserving students from these regions. The initiative has already begun to yield promising results, with 4,583 scholars successfully completing their studies and contributing to Pakistan’s socio-economic development in various sectors. Many of these graduates are now serving in fields such as education, engineering, healthcare, public administration, and technology, helping to strengthen national development while also uplifting their local communities.The project has been implemented in multiple phases to ensure sustained impact. The first phase, approved in 2007, provided 2,000 scholarships, including 1,300 for undergraduate and 700 for postgraduate programs, and played a crucial role in improving higher education access in Balochistan and former FATA. Building on this success, the second phase was approved in 2015 to award 3,500 scholarships, of which 3,341 students have already benefited. Out of these, 2,581 scholars have completed their degrees, while the remaining students are expected to graduate by June 2027.The third phase of the project, approved in 2023, aims to provide 5,000 undergraduate scholarships. So far, 3,000 scholarships have been awarded, with 2,531 students currently pursuing their studies at various universities across the country. The selection process for an additional 1,000 scholarships for the 2025–26 academic session is in its final stage, while another 1,000 scholarships will be announced for the 2026–27 session. This initiative reflects the Government of Pakistan’s continued commitment to promoting educational equity, empowering youth, and fostering long-term socio-economic development through investment in human capital.