Forty-five outstanding overseas Pakistani scholars from 150 leading global universities have joined the URAAN Pakistan "Mitti Ki Pukar" Overseas Pakistanis Summer Scholars Programme 2026.

This was stated by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal while addressing the inaugural ceremony of the URAAN Pakistan "Mitti Ki Pukar" Overseas Pakistanis Summer Scholars Programme 2026 in Islamabad today.

The Minister said around 2,000 applications were received from 54 countries for this year's programme.

He said the two-month programme offers overseas Pakistani students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience within Pakistan's public sector, understand the policymaking process, and contribute meaningfully to the country's national development agenda.

Highlighting a unique feature of this year's cohort, the Minister noted that, alongside Pakistani participants, the programme also welcomes three international scholars from foreign countries, reflecting the programme's growing international recognition and appeal.