Celebrating 75 years of the Rhodes Scholarship in Pakistan

2023 marks the 75^th anniversary of the Rhodes Scholarship in Pakistan. We are thrilled to be celebrating with the worldwide community of Pakistan Rhodes Scholars and are especially excited to mark this moment by announcing the permanent endowment of a second Scholarship for students from Pakistan.

The first Rhodes Scholar for Pakistan was Aslam Murad (Pakistan & Brasenose 1949) who took up residence in Oxford in 1951. Since then, more than 70 citizens of Pakistan have been awarded the Scholarship.

All Rhodes Pakistan Scholars unite exceptional academic ability with the drive to create a lasting impact and effect positive change worldwide. Their contributions span many fields, and Scholars include a Prime Minister, judges, scientists, business leaders and social activists. In October 2023, Warden of Rhodes House and CEO of the Rhodes Trust Dr Elizabeth Kiss travelled to Pakistan to join Scholars there in celebration. Dr Kiss began by speaking at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) on ‘Educating Tomorrow’s Leaders: Head, Heart and Hands’, going on to meet distinguished leaders in the university before attending the 75^th anniversary dinner.

In Islamabad, Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah, Chairman of the Selection Committee for Pakistan, hosted tea for current Selection Committee members and a number of other Scholars. Dr Kiss travelled to Islamabad to attend a meeting with the President of Pakistan, Dr Arif Alvi, where she was formally introduced by the longest serving former Chairman of the Senate and former Acting President of Pakistan, Wasim Sajjad (Pakistan & Wadham 1964).

A Pre-Selection social for finalists and Selection Committee members was hosted by National Secretary, Babar Sattar (Pakistan & Balliol 1999) and the week of anniversary celebrations concluded with a Gala Reception and Dinner co-hosted by Warden Kiss and Mohammed Khaishgi (Pakistan & Magdalen 1990). There are also online celebrations planned, to allow Scholars from Pakistan living all across the globe to connect virtually.

We are delighted to announce that, thanks to several generous donations, including a wonderful gift from Mohammed Khaishgi (Pakistan & Magdalen 1990) and Ms Faheen Alibhoy, we have now permanently endowed a second Rhodes Scholarship for students from Pakistan. This means that every year from now on, two Pakistani Scholars can be selected.

“I can think of no better way to celebrate the 75^th anniversary of the Rhodes Scholarship in Pakistan than with this growth in our community. I know we are all excited to see what the next 75 years and beyond will bring.” Elizabeth Kiss, Warden of Rhodes House and CEO of the Rhodes Trust