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| Overseas Pakistanis Summer Scholars Programme 2026 (URAAN Pakistan) |
📢 2,300+ Applications from 45 Countries Received in 2025 | Stipend Up to PKR 120,000 | 6-Week & 8-Week Tracks Available | Work Directly with Senior Government Officials | Open to Overseas Pakistanis & International Students
📋 What is the Overseas Pakistanis Summer Scholars Programme 2026?
The Overseas Pakistanis Summer Scholars Programme, affectionately named "Mitti Ki Pukaar" — meaning "The Call of the Soil" — is one of the most prestigious and meaningful internship opportunities available to young Pakistanis studying abroad and international students interested in Pakistan's development. It is a flagship initiative under the URAAN Pakistan 2035 national vision, organized by the Ministry of Planning, Development and Special Initiatives and personally championed by Federal Minister Professor Ahsan Iqbal under the leadership of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
This programme was created with a specific and powerful purpose: to reconnect talented young Pakistanis in the diaspora with their homeland's development journey, and to invite international students to witness and contribute to Pakistan's transformation firsthand. It is not a generic internship where you perform administrative tasks in a back office. Summer Scholars are placed directly within government ministries, working alongside senior civil servants, policy experts, and national planners on real, high-stakes projects that affect the lives of over 240 million people. You contribute to policy analysis, strategic planning, research, and innovation initiatives that are part of Pakistan's roadmap to becoming a trillion-dollar economy by 2035.
The 2025 edition of the programme was a remarkable success, attracting over 2,300 applications from 45 countries — a testament to the deep and widespread desire among overseas Pakistanis to contribute to their country's progress. The 2026 edition builds on this momentum, expanding the programme's reach and refining the experience to ensure every scholar leaves with a deeper understanding of Pakistan's governance structures, development challenges, and immense potential. The programme runs under the Youth Ki URAAN banner, emphasizing that the energy, ideas, and global perspectives of young Pakistanis are central to the nation's future.
Being part of the Ministry of Planning through this program allowed me to apply my academic background from the University of Minnesota directly to real-world frameworks, gaining an unparalleled understanding of state governance. The experience transformed how I see Pakistan's development potential and my own role in it.
📚 Programme Tracks — Choose Your Experience
Recognizing that scholars have different academic schedules and levels of interest, the Summer Scholars Programme offers two distinct tracks. Choose the one that best fits your availability and depth of engagement desired:
📅 6-Week Summer Scholars Track
An intensive, fast-paced programme designed for students who want a high-impact experience within a shorter timeframe. Ideal for those with other summer commitments but who still want to contribute meaningfully to national development projects.
📅 8-Week Extended Track
An immersive, in-depth experience that allows scholars to engage more deeply with complex national projects, build stronger relationships with mentors and colleagues, and see projects through more complete cycles. Recommended for those who can commit the full duration and want the richest possible experience.
🎯 Areas of Exposure — What You'll Actually Work On
This is not a passive observation internship. Summer Scholars are placed in working environments within government ministries and planning bodies where they contribute to substantive projects. The specific area of exposure depends on your academic background, skills, and interests, but all scholars gain insight into the following interconnected domains:
- Governance: Understand how state institutions function, how decisions are made at the highest levels, and how policy moves from concept to implementation. You will observe and participate in governance processes that most Pakistanis — even those working in the private sector — never see up close.
- Development Planning: Contribute to Pakistan's national strategic frameworks. The Ministry of Planning is the nerve center of the country's development agenda, and scholars may work on projects related to the Five-Year Plan, the URAAN Pakistan 5Es Framework (Exports, E-Pakistan, Environment and Climate Change, Energy and Infrastructure, Equity and Empowerment), and sector-specific development strategies.
- Innovation: Bring global perspectives and fresh ideas to local challenges. As an overseas scholar, you have been exposed to different systems, technologies, and ways of thinking. The programme actively seeks your input on how international best practices can be adapted to Pakistan's unique context.
- Public Policy: Sit at the table where national policies are debated, drafted, and refined. Work on policy briefs, conduct research to inform decision-making, and learn how evidence-based policy is developed in a complex, resource-constrained environment.
- National Transformation: Contribute directly to initiatives under the URAAN Pakistan 2035 vision — the country's ambitious roadmap to economic transformation, social development, and global competitiveness. Your work during the internship may feed into planning documents, project proposals, and implementation strategies that shape Pakistan's trajectory for years to come.
🎁 Benefits — What You'll Gain from the Summer Scholars Programme
An internship is an investment of your summer. Here is exactly what the Summer Scholars Programme offers in return — tangible benefits that extend far beyond a line on your CV:
- Financial Stipend of Up to PKR 120,000: The programme provides a stipend to support scholars during the internship period. While the primary value of this programme is the experience and access it provides, the stipend ensures that financial constraints do not prevent talented scholars from participating.
- Direct Mentorship from Senior Government Officials and Policy Experts: You will not be supervised by a junior administrator. Summer Scholars work under the guidance of senior civil servants, policy advisors, and planning professionals who have spent years — sometimes decades — in public service. The mentorship you receive is informal, ongoing, and often leads to lasting professional relationships.
- Real-World Experience on High-Impact National Projects: The projects you work on are real. They affect budgets, policies, programmes, and ultimately the lives of Pakistani citizens. This is not a simulation or a classroom exercise — it is actual government work at the strategic level.
- Professional Network Expansion: You will build connections with policymakers, development experts, fellow scholars from universities around the world, and leaders across multiple government ministries. These relationships can open doors to future opportunities in government, international organizations, development agencies, academia, and the private sector.
- Official Certificate from the Ministry of Planning: Upon successful completion, you receive formal recognition from one of the most important ministries in the Government of Pakistan. This certificate carries weight with employers and academic institutions globally.
- Deepened Connection to Your Heritage and Homeland: For overseas Pakistanis, this programme offers something that no foreign internship can provide: a genuine, emotional, and intellectual reconnection with Pakistan. You will understand the country — its challenges, its strengths, its complexity — in a way that only direct engagement can provide.
- Significant CV and Career Enhancement: A government internship at the Ministry of Planning, working on national development strategy, is a standout credential. It signals to future employers and academic programmes that you have operated at a high level, engaged with complex policy issues, and contributed to meaningful work.
✅ Eligibility Criteria — Who Can Apply?
The Summer Scholars Programme is designed to be inclusive while maintaining high standards. Read each criterion carefully before applying:
- Students of Pakistani Origin Studying Anywhere in the World: If you hold Pakistani citizenship, are of Pakistani descent, or hold a Pakistani Origin Card (POC) or National Identity Card for Overseas Pakistanis (NICOP), and you are currently enrolled at a university outside Pakistan, you are the primary target audience for this programme.
- International Students (Non-Pakistani) Are Also Welcome: The programme is open to international students of any nationality who are enrolled at universities globally and have a genuine academic or professional interest in Pakistan's development. This inclusive approach enriches the scholar cohort with diverse perspectives.
- Currently Enrolled or Recently Graduated: You must be currently enrolled in a degree programme — Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD — at the time of application. Recent graduates who completed their degree within the last year are also eligible.
- Strong Academic Record: While no specific minimum GPA is published, the programme is competitive. A strong academic record from a recognized university is expected. The 2025 edition received over 2,300 applications from 45 countries, indicating a high level of competition.
- Demonstrated Interest in Public Policy, Governance, or Development: Your application should convey genuine interest in the areas the programme covers. This can be demonstrated through your academic coursework, research projects, extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or previous internships.
- Excellent Communication and Analytical Skills: You will be working in a professional government environment, writing reports, analyzing data, and communicating with senior officials. Strong written and verbal communication skills in English are essential. Proficiency in Urdu is a significant advantage but not mandatory for international applicants.
📝 How to Apply — Step-by-Step Guide
The application process is entirely online. Follow these steps carefully. An incomplete or rushed application reduces your chances in a competitive selection process:
Step 1: Access the Official Application Form
The application form is hosted on the Ministry's official channels. The link is provided in the call-to-action section at the end of this guide. Bookmark it and access it from a computer rather than a mobile phone — the form is detailed and easier to complete on a larger screen.
Step 2: Complete Your Profile Accurately
Fill in all required fields: full name, contact details, nationality, current country of residence, university name, degree programme, year of study, and academic major. Select your preferred programme track — 6-week or 8-week. Be accurate — discrepancies between your application and your supporting documents will cause problems later.
Step 3: Upload Supporting Documents
Prepare and upload clear digital copies of your CV or resume, your university enrollment proof (such as a student ID card, enrollment letter, or recent transcript), and any other documents specified on the form. If the form allows, you may also include a brief statement of interest or cover letter explaining why you wish to join the programme.
Step 4: Review Everything and Submit
Before clicking submit, review every field and every uploaded document. Check for spelling errors, incomplete fields, and blurry document scans. A clean, complete, and professional application makes a strong first impression. After submission, you should receive a confirmation email. If you do not receive one within 24 hours, check your spam folder and, if necessary, contact the programme team.
Step 5: Await Shortlisting and Selection
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by the Ministry for further steps, which may include a brief online interview. Final selections are communicated before the programme start date of 1st July 2026. If you are selected, you will receive onboarding instructions including your ministry placement, reporting details, and stipend information.
📅 Key Dates at a Glance
- Applications Open: Now Open
- Last Date to Apply: 15th June 2026
- Programme Start Date: 1st July 2026
- Programme Duration: 6 to 8 Weeks (depending on chosen track)
- Location: Islamabad, Pakistan (placements in various government ministries)
💡 Tips for a Strong Application — Original Advice
- Apply Early — This Matters More Than You Think: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. This means the selection committee starts evaluating and shortlisting candidates as soon as applications come in — they do not wait until after the deadline. Applying early gives your application more time in front of reviewers and demonstrates promptness and genuine interest. Waiting until June 14th is a strategic mistake.
- Tailor Your CV to Highlight Public Policy and Development Interest: If you have taken courses related to public policy, governance, economics, international development, or South Asian studies, make sure these are prominent on your CV. If you have volunteered with community organizations, participated in Model United Nations, written for a student publication on political or social issues, or completed any internship in government or the non-profit sector, highlight these experiences. The selection committee is looking for evidence of genuine interest, not just strong grades.
- If There is a Free-Text Section, Use It to Tell Your Story: If the application form includes a section for a personal statement, statement of interest, or additional information, do not leave it blank or write a single generic sentence. Explain why "Mitti Ki Pukaar" — the call of the soil — resonates with you personally. If you are an overseas Pakistani, share what connection to Pakistan means to you. If you are an international student, explain what draws you to study Pakistan's development journey. Authenticity and specificity stand out in a competitive applicant pool.
- Verify Your University Enrollment Documentation: The programme requires proof that you are a currently enrolled student or a recent graduate. Ensure your enrollment letter, transcript, or student ID is current and clearly shows your name, your university, and your programme of study. An expired or unclear document can delay or derail your application.
⚠️ Important Points to Remember
- Rolling Admissions — Apply Now, Not Later: Do not wait until the June 15th deadline. Applications are reviewed as they arrive. Early applicants have an advantage.
- All Official Communication Comes from One Email: The official Ministry email for this programme is mittikipukaar@pc.gov.pk. Any communication about your application, shortlisting, or selection will come from this address. Be cautious of emails from other addresses claiming to be related to the programme.
- Stipend is Provided — Up to PKR 120,000: The stipend helps cover your living expenses during the programme in Islamabad. It is not a salary, but it ensures that financial barriers do not prevent talented scholars from participating.
- This is a National Movement, Not Just an Internship: The Summer Scholars Programme is part of the broader URAAN Pakistan 2035 vision — the country's ambitious roadmap to becoming a trillion-dollar economy. You are not just interning; you are contributing to a national transformation agenda.
- Competition is Global and Strong: The 2025 edition received over 2,300 applications from 45 countries. Treat your application with the seriousness and effort that this level of competition demands. A rushed, generic application will not succeed.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Q: I am a Pakistani student studying at a university in Pakistan. Can I apply?
A: The programme is primarily designed for overseas Pakistanis — students of Pakistani origin studying at universities outside Pakistan — and international students. If you are studying within Pakistan, this specific programme may not be the right fit, but the Ministry of Planning and other government bodies offer domestic internship programmes that you should explore. - Q: Is the stipend enough to cover all my expenses during the programme?
A: The stipend of up to PKR 120,000 is intended to provide meaningful financial support during the 6 to 8 weeks of the programme. Whether it fully covers your expenses depends on your personal circumstances, accommodation choices, and lifestyle. Many scholars stay with family or relatives in Islamabad, which significantly reduces costs. - Q: Will the Ministry provide accommodation?
A: The programme materials do not explicitly state that accommodation is provided. Scholars are generally expected to arrange their own accommodation in Islamabad. If you do not have family in Islamabad, plan ahead and budget for short-term rental accommodation. - Q: Can I apply if I am a recent graduate and not currently enrolled?
A: Recent graduates who completed their degree within the last year are generally eligible. If you graduated more than a year ago, check the specific eligibility stated on the application form or contact the programme team at mittikipukaar@pc.gov.pk for clarification. - Q: What is the selection process like?
A: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis by the Ministry. Shortlisted candidates may be contacted for a brief online interview. Selection is based on academic record, demonstrated interest in public policy and development, the quality of the application, and the fit between the applicant's background and the Ministry's current project needs. - Q: Is this programme only for students in specific academic disciplines?
A: No. The programme welcomes students from all academic disciplines — public policy, economics, political science, engineering, computer science, law, business, social sciences, humanities, and more. The Ministry's work spans many sectors, and diverse academic perspectives are valued.
📢 Your country is calling. Will you answer? The Overseas Pakistanis Summer Scholars Programme 2026 — "Mitti Ki Pukaar" — is your chance to work alongside senior government officials, contribute to Pakistan's trillion-dollar economy vision, and reconnect with your homeland in the most meaningful way possible. Applications are open now and reviewed on a rolling basis. The deadline is 15th June 2026 — but don't wait. Apply today!
📝 Apply Now — Official Form 🌐 Ministry of Planning LinkedIn