The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has announced the revival of the Ehsaas Scholarship Program using provincial funds, reaffirming its commitment to making higher education more accessible for deserving and talented students across the province.
The announcement was made by Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi while addressing the convocation ceremony at the University of Peshawar. He said the provincial government considers education a top priority and is taking concrete steps to strengthen public universities, improve academic standards, and ensure that financial constraints do not prevent students from pursuing higher education.
Ehsaas Scholarship to Continue with Provincial Support
The chief minister said the provincial government has decided to continue the Ehsaas Scholarship Program through its own financial resources, ensuring that students from low-income families continue to receive support for their university education. The initiative is expected to benefit thousands of deserving students enrolled in public sector universities across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Financial Relief for Public Universities
Highlighting the government's efforts to stabilize the higher education sector, Afridi said public universities were facing serious financial challenges when his administration took office. To address the crisis, the government cleared all outstanding pension liabilities accumulated between 2017 and June 2026, easing a major financial burden on universities.
He added that the combined financial deficit of public sector universities has been reduced significantly—from nearly Rs. 9 billion to approximately Rs. 4.5 billion—through targeted financial reforms and government support.
Higher Budget Allocation for Universities
The chief minister also announced an increase in financial assistance for public universities. The provincial government has raised university funding from Rs. 10 billion in the previous fiscal year to Rs. 12 billion in the current budget, reflecting its increased investment in the higher education sector.
According to Afridi, the additional funds will be utilized to improve teaching standards, strengthen research activities, upgrade academic facilities, and enhance the overall quality of education in public universities throughout the province.
The chief minister reiterated that the KP government will continue investing in higher education, student welfare, and institutional development. He emphasized that providing scholarships, improving university finances, and enhancing academic quality are key priorities aimed at creating better educational opportunities and producing a skilled workforce for the future.
