Balochistan Expands KUMAK Scholarship Program to Support Students with Disabilities, Reward Academic Excellence

Social Welfare Department strengthens inclusive education initiatives as BEEF announces merit-based scholarships for top matriculation students in Chaman.

Staff Report

QUETTA: The Balochistan government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting inclusive education by expanding scholarship opportunities for students with disabilities and recognizing outstanding academic achievement across the province.

Speaking at the National University of Modern Languages (NUML) Quetta Campus during a scholarship distribution ceremony under the KUMAK Scholarship Program, Director General Social Welfare, Mir Saifullah Khitran, said the initiative reflects the government's vision of empowering persons with disabilities through education and equal opportunities.

While presenting a scholarship cheque to student Abdul Saboor, Khitran described the program as an investment in talent, self-reliance, and the future of deserving students. He emphasized that education is the foundation of social inclusion and sustainable development, adding that every individual deserves access to quality education regardless of physical ability or financial circumstances.

He also reaffirmed the Social Welfare Department's commitment to expanding education, skills development, and welfare initiatives for persons with disabilities throughout Balochistan.

In a separate development, the Balochistan Education Endowment Fund (BEEF) announced the Shaheed Benazir Bhutto District Toppers Talent Scholarships for the top-performing matriculation students of Chaman district. Under the merit-based initiative, five female and five male students who secured the highest marks in the 2025 examinations will receive scholarships to support their higher education.

BEEF Chief Executive Officer Khalid Mandai said the scholarship program aims to encourage academic excellence, promote healthy competition, and provide deserving students with financial support to continue their education, in line with the provincial government's vision of improving educational opportunities across Balochistan.