ABBOTTABAD: More than 300 students at COMSATS University Islamabad Abbottabad Campus are facing uncertainty over their education after scholarship funds worth Rs200 million remained unpaid by the Workers Welfare Board Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to students and sources familiar with the matter.

The pending scholarships are meant for children of factory workers from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa studying under the Workers Welfare Board’s educational support programme in engineering and other academic disciplines.

Sources said the funds have been pending for several months, placing financial pressure on both the students and the university administration.

According to university sources, COMSATS Abbottabad has been covering hostel and meal expenses of the affected students through its own resources due to the delay in payments.

The situation has also reportedly affected examination schedules, result processing, and admissions for the upcoming semester.

Students warn of protests over delayed scholarships

Affected students expressed frustration over what they described as repeated delays and lack of response from the Workers Welfare Board.

Students alleged that officials continued to delay the release of scholarship files despite repeated requests.

“We need the funds released immediately, otherwise students will be forced to protest,” some affected students said, warning of demonstrations inside the campus and outside the provincial assembly if the issue remains unresolved.

Parents of the students also voiced concern, saying many families belong to low-income backgrounds and cannot afford higher education expenses without scholarship support.

“If these scholarships are not released, many students may be unable to continue their education,” one parent said.

The issue has also raised concerns regarding educational support mechanisms for children of industrial workers in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Affected students and parents have appealed to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Governor, and the Chief Secretary to intervene and ensure the immediate release of the pending Rs200 million scholarship funds.