Pakistan will offer the Maldives 20 additional scholarships each year under a new agreement signed during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s ongoing state visit to Pakistan.
The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on Wednesday as part of a series of 20 agreements exchanged between the two countries, aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation across several sectors.
Maldives Government Spokesperson Mohamed Hussain Shareef (Mundhu) signed the scholarship agreement on behalf of the Maldivian government, while Dr Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, Chairman of Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission, signed on behalf of Pakistan.
Pakistan is already among the countries providing the Maldives with a significant number of scholarship opportunities, and the additional places are expected to further expand educational opportunities for Maldivian students.
The agreement forms part of broader efforts to strengthen ties between the two countries, with the 20 MoUs covering areas including healthcare, education, skills development, tourism, civil aviation, agriculture, fisheries, defence and maritime security. Cooperation will also extend to civil service, law enforcement, social development, youth and sports.
During the same ceremony, the International Islamic University Islamabad conferred an honorary doctorate on President Muizzu in recognition of his contributions to politics and international relations.
Muizzu’s visit marks the first visit to Pakistan by a Maldivian head of state in 11 years. As part of his itinerary, the President is also scheduled to meet Maldivians residing in Pakistan, while a business forum planned for Wednesday afternoon was postponed.
The Maldives and Pakistan share longstanding ties rooted in common religious and cultural connections, as well as cooperation in education and development. Pakistan has played a role in the development of key Maldivian institutions, including the country’s first Parliament building and its first medical college.
The first batch of students from the medical college completed their MBBS degrees in 2024. Maldivian students continue to benefit from educational opportunities in Pakistan across various fields.
The additional scholarships represent a further step in strengthening educational links between the two countries and expanding opportunities for Maldivian students to pursue higher education abroad.
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