Zindigi, powered by JS Bank, has partnered with the Pakistan Education Endowment Fund (PAK-EEF) to digitalize the scholarship fund disbursement system, marking a major milestone in financial inclusion and digital innovation within Pakistan’s education sector. The collaboration aims to ensure transparency, efficiency, and accessibility in the way scholarship funds reach deserving students nationwide, ultimately transforming how financial aid is managed and distributed.
Digitalization of Scholarship Fund Disbursement
The partnership between Zindigi and PAK-EEF focuses on creating a streamlined, technology-driven system that replaces traditional, manual disbursement methods. This digital transformation will allow scholarship payments to be transferred directly to the bank accounts or digital wallets of eligible students, eliminating delays and minimizing the risk of errors or mismanagement. By introducing a transparent and accountable process, Zindigi and PAK-EEF are paving the way for a new era of trust in Pakistan’s education funding landscape.
According to recent data from the Higher Education Commission (HEC), more than 40% of Pakistani students face financial constraints that prevent them from pursuing higher education. With over 3 million students enrolled in higher education institutions, the need for efficient scholarship programs is more crucial than ever. The digitalization of scholarship fund disbursement directly addresses these challenges by ensuring that aid reaches students without bureaucratic hurdles.
Empowering Students Through Digital Financial Inclusion
During the signing ceremony, Atif Ishaque, Chief Business Officer at Zindigi, highlighted the transformative impact of education on national progress. He emphasized that the initiative aligns perfectly with Zindigi’s vision of empowering youth through accessible financial technology. Education is one of the most powerful tools for national transformation, he said. This partnership will ensure that financial support reaches deserving students seamlessly, allowing them to focus on learning and preparing for a successful future.
By merging digital finance with educational support, Zindigi’s digital scholarship fund disbursement system also promotes financial inclusion for young Pakistanis. As part of its broader vision, Zindigi aims to integrate more students into Pakistan’s formal banking ecosystem. This will not only make scholarship payments faster but will also give students the tools to manage money securely and efficiently.
PAK-EEF’s Vision for Equitable Education
Syeda Hajra Suhail, CEO of PAK-EEF, expressed her appreciation for the collaboration and underscored its importance in building a stronger connection between education and financial innovation. This partnership with Zindigi represents a transformative step toward a digital future for educational support in Pakistan,she noted. By integrating technology into our scholarship disbursement process, we are not only improving efficiency but also ensuring that every rupee reaches the right student at the right time.
PAK-EEF’s mission is to provide equal educational opportunities for talented yet financially challenged students across Pakistan. The organization currently supports thousands of students in public and private universities, with a growing emphasis on digital transparency and data-driven decision-making. The digital scholarship fund disbursement system will enhance the fund’s ability to monitor transactions, audit results, and verify recipients in real time.
Promoting Transparency and Accountability
Murad Shuaib Khan, Secretary of PEEF, also commended the collaboration, describing it as a model of transparency and accountability for other public sector programs. The use of digital payments ensures that funds are transferred directly to students without intermediaries, drastically reducing the risk of corruption or misallocation.
In Pakistan, the adoption of digital financial systems has seen remarkable growth. According to the State Bank of Pakistan, digital transactions increased by nearly 45% in 2024, signaling a nationwide shift toward fintech solutions. Zindigi’s involvement in education-based financial initiatives reinforces its role as a leader in this digital revolution.
Building a Digitally Connected Future
Through this initiative, Zindigi and PAK-EEF reaffirm their shared goal of fostering human capital development and technological progress. The partnership is more than just an operational improvement—it represents a strategic step toward creating a digitally connected, equitable education ecosystem.
Zindigi continues to invest in digital solutions that empower youth, small businesses, and underbanked communities. Its collaboration with PAK-EEF exemplifies how financial technology can be harnessed to solve real-world challenges in education. Meanwhile, PAK-EEF remains steadfast in its commitment to transforming lives through scholarships, enabling students from underprivileged backgrounds to access higher education without financial barriers.
A Step Toward Educational Equity and Innovation
The digitalization of the scholarship fund disbursement system symbolizes hope for thousands of deserving students across Pakistan. It ensures that scholarships are not only disbursed on time but also monitored with complete transparency. As Zindigi and PAK-EEF continue to expand their partnership, the initiative is expected to serve as a benchmark for other educational and governmental institutions seeking to leverage digital innovation for public welfare.
By empowering students, promoting financial inclusion, and strengthening Pakistan’s digital infrastructure, this collaboration brings the nation one step closer to a future where technology and education go hand in hand — shaping a brighter, more inclusive tomorrow.
