Scholarship Inception History

In honor of the late Zia-ul-Karim, a cherished brother and esteemed community member, we are proud to announce the establishment of the Zia-ul-Karim Memorial Scholarship for Education & Excellence. This initiative, led by Asif Ali and Rehmat Ali (brother of the late Zia-ul-Karim), aims to continue his legacy by empowering young minds through educational opportunities.

Zia-ul-Karim was a beacon of knowledge and compassion, dedicating his life to the betterment of our community. His unwavering commitment to education and personal excellence inspired many, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him. The memorial scholarship seeks to honor his memory by providing financial assistance to deserving students, enabling them to pursue their academic aspirations and contribute positively to society.

We invite community members, organizations, and stakeholders to join us in this noble endeavor by contributing to the Zia-ul-Karim Memorial Scholarship. Your generous support will not only honor the legacy of Zia-ul-Karim but also invest in the future of our youth, fostering a culture of learning and excellence. Together, we can ensure that his spirit lives on through the achievements of the students we empower.

To contribute or learn more about the scholarship, please contact us on our email or call us. We are grateful for your support in making a lasting impact on the lives of aspiring students.

Scholarship Introduction

Zia-ul-Karim was a multi-instrumentalist musician, musicologist, and educator from Altit, Hunza Valley, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. Born in the mid-1990s, he dedicated his life to preserving and promoting the rich musical heritage of his region. Zia pursued a degree in Musicology from the National College of Arts (NCA) in Lahore, graduating with distinction in 2019. His academic journey was marked by a deep commitment to reviving indigenous musical instruments and traditions.

One of Zia's most notable achievements was the modification and revival of the Xighini, a rare bowed folk instrument native to the Hunza Valley. Through his innovative efforts, he enhanced its acoustic quality and technical capabilities, making it suitable for both folk and classical performances. This work sparked renewed interest in the Xighini among musicians and audiences alike. As an educator, Zia served as a master trainer at the Leif Larsen Music Centre in Altit, where he mentored over a hundred students across various skill levels. He also founded the musical ensemble "Jiill," which means "dawn" in Burushaski, aiming to provide a platform for young musicians to showcase their talents. Tragically, Zia's life was cut short on June 17, 2022, due to a motorcycle accident in Hunza. Despite his untimely passing at the age of 27, his legacy continues to inspire and influence the musical landscape of Gilgit-Baltistan.

Scholarship Description

Honoring a Legacy of Excellence, Creativity, and Education

Zia-ul-Karim was more than just a musician—he was a visionary, an educator, and a passionate advocate for preserving indigenous knowledge and inspiring young minds. His dedication to music, culture, and education left an indelible mark on the youth of Gilgit-Baltistan, motivating them to embrace their heritage while striving for excellence in their fields. To honor his remarkable contributions and keep his legacy alive, sowEH is proud to launch the Zia-ul-Karim Memorial Scholarship for Educational Change , a merit-cum-need-based initiative that reflects his spirit of learning, creativity, and community development.

This scholarship is not limited to music alone but extends to students excelling in any field of education—be it science, arts, social sciences, or technical fields—who embody the same passion for learning and positive impact that Zia exemplified. By supporting talented and deserving students, this initiative seeks to empower the next generation to pursue knowledge, innovation, and excellence, regardless of financial barriers. Through this, we aim to continue Zia’s mission of uplifting youth, fostering creativity, and contributing to a sustainable, self-reliant community that values education and cultural preservation.

In alignment with sowEH’s vision, the Zia-ul-Karim Memorial Scholarship will serve as a stepping stone for students who aspire to make a difference in their communities, much like Zia did. It will provide opportunities to those who are often overlooked by rigid scholarship criteria, ensuring that talent and dedication remain the guiding forces in educational success. This scholarship is a tribute to Zia-ul-Karim’s lasting impact, ensuring that his dreams of knowledge, creativity, and social progress continue to flourish through the generations.

Scholarship Criteria & Eligibility

All students, from Hunza region, are eligible to apply for this scholarship irrespective of their, gender, race, religion and caste. Following are the details of the scholarship.

• Region & Reach: This scholarship is available to students who hold domicile of Hunza irrespective of their current residency and within the GB region.
• Value of the Scholarship: The value of the scholarship is full tuition fee or maximum of PKR 4,000/- which ever is minimum.
• Number of Scholarships: The number of scholarship will be updated in due course of time.
• Level of Education: SSC and HSSC any field.
• Eligibility Criteria: minimum 65% in previous standard, e.g. if any one applying for 9th class they should have minimum 65% in 8th standard.

Note: We kindly request all to contribute to this scholarship to help make it a success. Every contribution, no matter the size, is valuable and will grow into a strong foundation that benefits future generations. It's not the amount that matters, but the number of supporters. Contribute today!

How to Apply

Following are the steps and required documents to apply for the scholarship.

• Collect the scholarship application form from your school office.
• Carefully read all instructions and fill out the relevant sections of the form.
• Have your headteacher or head of institute complete their designated section.
• All completed applications should be sealed in a single envelope by the school and sent to us.

Note: The same application form is used for all scholarship categories. Please fill in only the sections that apply to the specific scholarship you are applying for.