Islamabad, 11 August, 2026(Ghufran): The United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) and the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan have signed a five-year agreement to expand and support educational exchange programs between the United States and Pakistan, including the prestigious Fulbright scholarship program.The agreement reaffirms the shared commitment of the United States and Pakistan to promoting mutual economic prosperity, security, and scientific and technological development through higher education and academic exchanges.The agreement was signed at the USEFP headquarters in Islamabad by USEFP Executive Director Dr. Peter Moran and HEC Executive Director Professor Dr. Zia Ul Haq.

The programs supported under the agreement will contribute to empowering future leaders, scholars, researchers, and professionals who can play a meaningful role in Pakistan’s development while further strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.Through the partnership, Pakistani students and scholars will continue to benefit from opportunities to study and conduct research within the U.S. higher education system, while contributing to capacity-building across Pakistan’s higher education sector. American participants coming to Pakistan will also collaborate on research, business, public health, and other initiatives benefiting universities, businesses, and communities in both countries.USEFP Executive Director Dr. Peter Moran said USEFP-administered programs empower participants with skills and practical knowledge that directly contribute to Pakistan’s development across various sectors of society. He expressed gratitude for the continued partnership between the governments of the United States and Pakistan in advancing educational exchange and cooperation.

HEC Executive Director Professor Dr. Zia Ul Haq said the long-standing HEC-Fulbright partnership remains a hallmark of educational cooperation between the two countries and continues to deliver significant value to Pakistan’s higher education sector. He said the new agreement reflects a shared vision of empowering Pakistani scholars and strengthening higher education institutions for generations to come.David Moyer, Acting Minister Counselor for Public Diplomacy at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad, said the United States was proud to renew its partnership with Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission. He described the agreement as a direct investment in the capabilities and continued progress of both countries, adding that every Fulbright scholar and exchange participant represents an investment in the future.The renewed agreement will open opportunities for hundreds of additional students and professionals to acquire knowledge, skills, and international connections that can contribute to the development of future leaders in Pakistan and further strengthen U.S.-Pakistan relations.