Out of total 3000 scholarships given on open merit around 2400 are for Undergraduates while 600 are for Post graduate male and female students. He said that these scholarships were being awarded to Afghan students as a goodwill gesture and as part of nation building in the neighbouring country. "We have same culture and religion and we are brotherly countries having relations going back decades"

Pakistan’s Ambassador to Afghanistan Mansoor Ahmad Khan remarked that the merit-based scholarships for Afghan students under HEC is a great initiative of the government of Pakistan. The ambassador further said that he is pleased to know that under Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarship, around 22,000 candidates are participating in 1,000 scholarships out of which 100 scholarships are reserved for female students. He appreciated the crucial role and support of the HEC of Pakistan, the higher education department of Afghanistan, and embassy officials.

Pakistan‘s Special Representative to Afghanistan Mohammad Sadiq said that Pakistan was according top priority in the development of education in Afghanistan as it could play a significant role in the promotion of harmony and peace in Afghanistan. He also said Pakistan had offered significant educational opportunities to Afghan students to study in its universities and professional colleges. Pakistan would further increase the number of Afghan students.