ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT ): In a landmark initiative to foster skill development and educational empowerment in Pakistan’s growing hospitality and tourism sector, the Pakistan Education Endowment Fund (PEEF) awarded scholarships to students pursuing degrees in Tourism and Hospitality Management. The award ceremony was held for awardees of Hashoo School of Hospitality Management (HSHM) and Iqra University (IU) Campus at Pearl-Continental Hotel, Karachi.
The event brought together a distinguished lineup of guests from government academia. Notable attendees included Senator Nasreen Jalil; Prof. Dr. Nassar Ikram, Vice Chancellor, Iqra University Karachi; Dr. Zaki Rashidi, Dean, Business School, Iqra University; Mr. Faisal Shehzad, Chief Internal Auditor, PEEF; Mr. Murad Shoaib Khan, Company Secretary, PEEF; Mr. Faisal Naeem Khan, Director Education, Hashoo School of Hospitality Management (HSHM); and Mr. Malik Zulfiqar, General Manager, Pearl-Continental Karachi. The ceremony was attended by parents, faculty members, and students underscoring a shared commitment to fostering talent and strengthening industry-academia collaboration.
A moving address by scholarship recipient Ms. Fiza Raza highlighted the emotional depth of the occasion, as she shared her personal journey and expressed gratitude for the opportunity setting an inspiring tone for the event.
Faisal Naeem Khan, Director Education at Hashoo School of Hospitality Management (HSHM), expressed his appreciation for the partnership: “It is an honor to work with PEEF and Iqra University to identify and support talented individuals. These six scholarship recipients exemplify the promise of Pakistan’s youth and will now receive not only a world-class education but also access to practical training across Hashoo Group properties. With campuses in five major cities across Pakistan, HSHM is producing skilled workforce and leadership for the burgeoning hospitality sector.”
Speaking on behalf of PEEF, Faisal Shehzad, emphasized the fund’s mission: “Through initiatives like the Tourism and Hospitality Scholarship Program, PEEF is committed to removing financial barriers for students, particularly those from underserved regions. By offering fully funded scholarships, we aim to nurture future professionals and drive long-term growth in key sectors such as tourism.”
During his address, Dr Prof Nassar Ikram, Vice Chancellor, Iqra University, Karachi expressed his gratitude to the Chief Guest for her valuable time, PEEF and HSHM for their support and congratulated the six successful candidates who secured the talent-need based scholarship. He urged students to make the best use of the financial support provided by PEEF and excel in their academic journey.
The ceremony concluded with a keynote address by Senator Nasreen Jalil, who commended the collaborative effort and encouraged students to seize the opportunity:
“Education is the foundation of a resilient and progressive society. Collaborations like these—between the government, academia, and industry play a critical role in shaping future generations. These scholarships are not just financial aid; they are investments in leadership, professionalism, and national progress.”
The highlight of the event was the formal awarding of scholarships to six meritorious students, selected through a rigorous and merit-based process. Their achievements were celebrated in the presence of their families, peers, and mentors, marking a significant milestone in the journey toward developing skilled human capital for Pakistan’s hospitality and tourism sector.
