Islamabad, Asmer Safi and Iman Iftikhar, two outstanding students from Lahore, have been awarded the globally renowned Rhodes Scholarships for Pakistan, marking the Rhodes Scholarship’s 75th anniversary in the country.
According to Xenith Public Relations (Pvt.) Ltd, The Rhodes Scholarship, founded in 1903 and based at the University of Oxford, is the oldest and most prestigious graduate fellowship in the world. Pakistan has been participating in this program since 1949, contributing to a legacy of academic excellence and leadership.
Asmer Safi, a senior student at Harvard University, is recognized for his studies in the intellectual history of Islamic and Marxist political thought in South Asia. He has actively participated in various initiatives, including the Palestine Solidarity Committee, and chaired the 2020 Harvard Pakistan Forum. At Oxford, Asmer aims to explore the intersection of progressive political messaging and mass appeal in South Asia.
Iman Iftikhar, a historian and artist from Lahore and a graduate in History and Philosophy from Yale, has focused her studies on the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement and the ethics of violence. Fluent in multiple languages, including English, Urdu, Punjabi, Arabic, and German, Iman is also a talented weaver and oil painter. Her academic pursuits at Oxford will either continue in history or delve into political theory.
This year’s Rhodes Scholars from Pakistan will join a cohort of 105 scholars from around the globe at Oxford University in October 2024 for fully funded post-graduate studies. The Rhodes Trust selection process is rigorous, seeking young individuals with proven academic prowess, exceptional character, leadership qualities, and a commitment to addressing global challenges.
Dr. Elizabeth Kiss, CEO of the Rhodes Trust, expressed excitement over the talents of this year’s scholars, highlighting the impact of diverse yet likehearted individuals coming together. Babar Sattar, National Secretary for the Rhodes Trust in Pakistan and Chairman of the Selection Committee in Pakistan, congratulated Asmer and Iman on their achievements, anticipating their future contributions.
The Rhodes Trust’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident in its expansion to new constituencies, including the introduction of Global Scholarships and regions like West Africa, East Africa, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Malaysia, Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, and the United Arab Emirates.
Applications for the 2025 Rhodes Scholarships are set to open in June 2024. Further information about the application process can be found at the Rhodes Trust’s official website.