How is URAAN Summer Scholars Program attracting overseas Pakistanis?
A bridge between global youth and Pakistan
The URAAN Summer Scholars Program is an initiative of the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives. It aims to connect talented young people from around the world with Pakistan’s development and governance system.
The programme is open to students of Pakistani origin as well as foreign nationals. Officials say it is designed to give participants practical learning inside important public institutions.
What participants will do
Scholars will get hands-on exposure to public policy, development planning and national-level projects. They will work under the guidance of senior government officials and policy experts.
Participants will also study how national decisions are shaped and implemented. This gives them direct insight into Pakistan’s policy environment.
Two programme tracks
According to the official announcement, the programme will be offered in two tracks. One track will run for six weeks while the second track will continue for eight weeks.
Selected participants will receive a stipend of up to Rs120,000 during the programme. The financial support is meant to help scholars focus on learning and policy work.
Application timeline
The deadline for applications is June 15, 2026. The programme will begin on July 1, 2026.
Interested students can apply through the official online application form. Early applications are expected as global interest continues to grow.
Last year’s international participation
Last year, the URAAN Summer Scholars Program engaged 31 outstanding overseas Pakistani youth from more than 45 countries. The programme gave participants a close look at Pakistan’s policymaking landscape.
It also helped them understand how major state institutions operate. This experience created stronger links between overseas youth and national development.
Meetings with top leadership
During the six-week programme, scholars met Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif. They also visited the National Assembly, NADRA and the Ministry of Information Technology.
Participants worked closely with members of parliament and ministry officials. They also presented policy proposals and shared ideas for national progress.
Work under the URAAN 5Es framework
The programme allows scholars to contribute through the URAAN 5Es framework. These include Exports, E-Pakistan, Environment, Energy and Infrastructure, and Equity and Empowerment.
Officials say this framework helps participants understand Pakistan’s long-term priorities. It also gives them practical experience in policy thinking and problem-solving.
Building global networks
The URAAN Summer Scholars Program also helps participants build professional and international networks. Scholars collaborate with Young Development Fellows and YPDC chapters during the programme.
Its impact continues even after the internship ends. An active alumni network and scholar-led initiatives are now carrying the programme forward in different parts of the world.
Why it matters
The programme has become more than a short-term internship. It is now seen as an important platform connecting overseas Pakistani youth with national institutions.
Also read: Summer holidays in Pakistan 2026: Punjab announces 3 month long school break
For many young participants, it offers both learning and a real chance to contribute ideas. That growing opportunity is why the programme is attracting worldwide attention.
The URAAN Summer Scholars Program shows that Pakistan wants young global talent to take part in national planning. It also creates stronger links between overseas Pakistanis and policymaking.
Also read: Rs117 per litre levy behind petroleum prices surge, govt tells Senate body
Its combination of mentoring, public policy learning and direct institutional exposure makes it stand out. That is likely to keep global interest strong.
