New UK Partnership Expands Study Opportunities for Pakistani Students in Britain

Allied Bank has made a significant advancement by becoming the first organisation in Pakistan to establish a locally funded partnership for the Chevening Scholarship programme. This initiative unites the UK’s prestigious international scholarship scheme with the private sector in Pakistan, aiming to invest in the future leaders of the nation. Chevening collaborates with over 140 partners, including private enterprises, non-governmental organisations, foreign government departments, and universities across the UK.

Support for Future Leaders

Under the Chevening-ABL Scholarship, two scholars will be granted support annually over a span of three academic years, commencing in 2027-28. These scholars will engage in studies focused on critical areas for Pakistan’s future development, such as artificial intelligence, technology, cybersecurity, digital transformation, economics, and financial inclusion.

British High Commissioner Jane Marriott CMG OBE expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating that Pakistan’s greatest asset is its people. She highlighted that this collaboration will facilitate talented future leaders in studying at esteemed UK universities and returning home with innovative ideas.

Marriott noted the significance of this partnership, remarking that it is particularly fitting for a former Chevening Scholar to now provide similar opportunities for the upcoming generation.

Full-Circle Moment for Allied Bank

This initiative represents a full-circle moment for Aizid Gill, the President and CEO of Allied Bank. In 2001, he was a Chevening Scholar himself, earning an MSc in Business Economics from the University of Manchester. Now, 25 years later, Gill is instrumental in creating similar opportunities for a new cohort of Pakistani scholars.

Gill remarked, “The ABL-Chevening Scholarship is about empowering talented individuals in Pakistan to learn, develop, and bring that knowledge back home. Through this partnership, Allied Bank reaffirms its commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders. We aspire for this support to equip them with the necessary skills and insights to make meaningful contributions to the country’s future.”

Scholar Selection and Application Process

The inaugural two Chevening-ABL scholars will be chosen from the current applicant pool for the 2027-28 academic year. Applications for the subsequent 2028-29 Chevening-ABL Scholarships are expected to open in August 2027, coinciding with the Chevening application cycle, with successful candidates commencing their studies in the UK in 2028.

About Chevening Scholarships

Chevening represents the UK Government’s international scholarships initiative, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) alongside partner organisations. Since its inception in 1983, the programme has provided fully funded one-year master’s degrees at UK universities to future leaders, covering tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs. Nearly 60,000 individuals from over 160 countries and territories have benefited from Chevening, including close to 2,000 from Pakistan. These Pakistani alumni are active in various sectors, including education, governance, health, climate, business, and civil society, thereby enhancing the UK-Pakistan relationship.