Fazaia Educational Scholarships along with CAS’ Support Fund for Higher Education and Adopt a Student Scheme have been merged into a unified ‘Fazaia Educational Welfare Scheme’ in order to ensure one window operation for provision of educational loans, scholarships and financial assistance. These scholarship/welfare schemes were earlier handled by Dte of Welfare, Shaheen Foundation and Dte of Schs and Colls. Henceforth, all these schemes will be managed by Training Branch {Dte of Education (FEWS Section)}. Salient features of the unified FEWS policy are as under:

1. Fazaia Educational Scholarships:
   1. The canvas of scholarships has been broadened from Prep to Master’s level studies.
   2. Initially, 1420 students will be provided scholarships and subsequently 220 scholarships of Cat - I will be added every year. Ultimately, the number of recipients (students availing scholarships) will become 2080 per year.


2. Qarz-e-Hasna for Higher Education: The CAS’ Support Fund constituted in the year 2012 has been renamed as Qarz-e-Hasna for Higher Education. This scheme aims at providing Interest Free Loan to talented needy wards of serving as well as retired PAF officers, airmen and civilians for higher education (Graduation Level) studying in HEC recognized inland public or private institutions.


3. Adopt a Student Scheme: This Scheme was launched in 2012 with a vision to ensure proper schooling for every child living on PAF premises. Under this scheme, free text books and school uniform are provided to the needy students, besides payment of their tuition fee. The scheme initially instituted at Dte of Schs and Colls, AHQ Peshawar is now being managed by Dte of Education (FEWS Section).

It is a matter of immense pride and pleasure for the Training Branch that as per CAS directive, ‘Fazaia Educational Welfare Scheme’ has been launched to provide financial assistance to wards of PAF personnel for continuation of their education. There is no denying the fact that success or failure of every nation depends on education the most, and therefore, all the developed and successful societies lay huge emphasis on provision of quality education to its members. Pakistan Air Force believes that investment in knowledge pays the best interest and investing in education is the single most effective way of eliminating poverty, inequality, injustice and sense of deprivation which are the root causes of societal disorder. The Chief of the Air Staff’s vision of sustained welfare of PAF personnel through educational empowerment has been materialized in the shape of a unified Fazaia Educational Welfare Scheme.

The Training Branch has been entrusted with the noble responsibility to run this education financing scheme. This scheme not only offers incentives to the brilliant students through merit based scholarships but also provides financial support to the needy students belonging to less privileged families. Apart from the scholarships provided at all levels of studies, provision of Qarz-e-Hasna for higher education is also part of this scheme. The aim of Qarz-e-Hasna is to encourage the parents and inspire the students to continue education. Another important aspect of Fazaia Educational Welfare Scheme is ‘Adopt a Student’ scheme. Under this scheme, the education of children of financially challenged families living at PAF Bases is ensured through donations rendered by PAF personnel.

The magnanimous response to ‘Adopt a Student’ scheme is a strong evidence of the realization among the PAF personnel that through education only, we can guide our destiny and shape our future. We, as an organization are determined to kindle the flame of knowledge and keep it burning even for the children of non PAF employees living in our neighbourhood. This has strengthened our belief that a goal pursued with honesty and sincerity of purpose is never unattainable.

Availing this forum, I urge upon the PAF fraternity to not only provide best education to their own children but also generously contribute for the education of those who can not afford. The human mind in this organization is our fundamental resource and the Training Branch is committed to develop and strengthen it through facilitating the attainment of quality education. I will appreciate suggestions for the improvement of this Educational Welfare Scheme. May Allah give us the strength and perseverance to promote education and serve the nation.