The federal government has launched the Maritime Educational Endowment Fund (MEEF) to provide scholarships to deserving and talented children from over 70 coastal and fishing communities, particularly in Sindh and Balochistan. This initiative aims to promote inclusive development by ensuring access to quality education for youth in these regions.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, while announcing the launch on Sunday, highlighted that the program is designed to cultivate a skilled maritime workforce critical to the country’s future. He stated that the creation of the fund is based on recommendations from the National Assembly Standing Committee on Maritime Affairs and emphasized the importance of investing in coastal youth to build a resilient and prosperous maritime sector.
Read more: Balochistan approves new fisheries policy
To finance the fund, the ministry will restructure Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions made by organizations operating under its jurisdiction. Additionally, a dedicated oversight committee will be formed to ensure transparency, equitable distribution of scholarships, and the development of strong monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
The MEEF will initially target students from coastal regions, with plans to expand the program nationally in later phases, enabling more students across the country to benefit. The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to fostering an educated and empowered maritime community, paving the way for long-term development and economic growth.
