A notable ceremony was held at Deluxe Hall, Mardan, on October 26, where the Chakor Foundation furthered its mission to expand educational opportunities by awarding six-year scholarships to 53 deserving students from underprivileged backgrounds. The event represented a significant step in the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to support talented individuals who face financial constraints but demonstrate exceptional commitment and promise in their pursuit of education.
Empowering Students Through Education
At the ceremony, Mr. Muhammad Abbas Khan, CEO of Chakor Foundation and Chakor Ventures, personally announced the scholarships for the 53 selected students. Each scholarship covers tuition, transport, uniforms, and stationery, and spans two years of college and four years of university education.
The event was graced by Prof. Jehan Zeb, Director (Chairman) of the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Mardan, who attended as the chief guest.
In his address, Prof. Jehan Zeb commended the Foundation’s commitment to educational development and announced that BISE Mardan will fully support and collaborate with the Chakor Foundation to further expand its scholarship initiative.
This initiative is part of the Foundation’s flagship Student Scholarship Program, which aims to make higher education accessible for youth from low-income backgrounds.
Beyond financial aid, the program provides mentorship, skill development, and career guidance, ensuring recipients have the support they need to thrive academically and professionally.
A Message of Hope and Responsibility
Addressing the students, Mr. Abbas Khan called the occasion “a very special day,” urging them to work tirelessly and make the most of the opportunity they had earned through dedication and talent.
He reminded the young scholars that they represent the bright future of Pakistan and their region, saying, “Make the most of this opportunity and reach the place where we, and your parents, dream to see you.”
Drawing from his own experience studying abroad, he encouraged students to complement their education with practical skills, technological expertise, critical thinking, and strong communication abilities.
He emphasized that success in today’s competitive world requires innovation and character, advising them to think beyond jobs and focus instead on creating solutions and ventures that address market needs, citing examples such as Airbnb, JazzCash, and InDrive.
Mr. Abbas Khan also announced that the Foundation plans to award 50 to 60 six-year scholarships every year, continuing its long-term commitment to educational uplift. He highlighted other ongoing initiatives, including interest-free loans for youth entrepreneurship and job placement support for graduates.
Another representative of the Chakor Foundation highlighted that the initiative reflects the organization’s belief in long-term impact over one-time assistance. “True empowerment begins when education is paired with opportunity,” the representative said, adding that “our goal is to help students not only earn degrees but also build the confidence to lead change within their communities.”
This year’s recipients included 41 female and 12 male students, a fact Mr. Khan described as a “source of immense pride,” reflecting the growing academic excellence of young women in the region.
Extending Impact Beyond Education
In addition to the scholarship program, the Chakor Foundation has been actively implementing community development initiatives. The Foundation recently distributed over 32,000 school uniforms to deserving students across various institutions, helping families reduce educational expenses.
Furthermore, 22 madrassas have been solarised under its clean energy initiative, ensuring continuous access to electricity and promoting sustainable energy practices in local communities.
These parallel efforts underline the Foundation’s broader mission, combining education, infrastructure, and social empowerment to improve the quality of life across the region.
A Broader Vision
Reiterating the Foundation’s core objectives, Mr. Abbas Khan stated that the Chakor Foundation’s vision centers on the social and economic development of Pakistan’s underserved communities.
Under his leadership, the Foundation has invested not only in education but also in employment programs, skills training, and industrial development in Mardan, creating local job opportunities and reducing urban migration pressures.
A visionary entrepreneur, Mr. Abbas Khan is also recognized for his work through Chakor Ventures, where he continues to lead sustainable infrastructure projects that attract international investment and drive economic progress in Pakistan. His leadership philosophy emphasizes empowerment, self-reliance, and community well-being.
As the event concluded, his message resonated deeply with the audience:
“One day, I want to see you standing on this very stage.”
That vision, of education, empowerment, and opportunity, remains the cornerstone of the Chakor Foundation’s mission to build a more inclusive and prosperous future for Pakistan.