Islamabad: Forty-five outstanding overseas Pakistani scholars from 150 leading global universities have joined the URAAN Pakistan “Mitti Ki Pukar” Overseas Pakistanis Summer Scholars Programme 2026. This was stated by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal while addressing the inaugural ceremony in Islamabad today.

According to Radio Pakistan, the Minister revealed that around 2,000 applications were received from 54 countries for this year’s programme. He emphasized that the two-month initiative offers overseas Pakistani students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience within Pakistan’s public sector, understand the policymaking process, and contribute meaningfully to the country’s national development agenda.

Highlighting a distinctive aspect of this year’s cohort, the Minister noted that, alongside Pakistani participants, the programme also welcomes three international scholars from foreign countries. This inclusion reflects the programme’s growing international recognition and appeal.