One of Pakistan's least-developed districts; a desert region with the lowest education indicators in Sindh
Tharparkar is a desert district in southeastern Sindh, along the border with India, and by most development measures it is among the most underserved districts in all of Pakistan. Its literacy rate, around 32%, is one of the lowest in the country. It is home to a large Hindu community, and to families whose livelihoods depend on rainfall in a region where rainfall is never certain. There is no comprehensive university in the district; students must travel to Mirpur Khas, to the University of Sindh in Jamshoro, or to Karachi.
The obstacles in Tharparkar are stacked higher than in almost any other district Daakhla serves. Distance, poverty, intermittent electricity and internet, and schools with few resources all combine to make higher education feel out of reach. For many talented students, the question of university never even arises — not because they could not succeed, but because no one ever told them it was possible.
It is possible. Tharparkar students qualify for the Sindh Talent Scholarship, HEC need-based aid, the Aga Khan Foundation scholarship, and corporate programmes like the Engro Foundation scholarship — Engro has a particular presence in the Thar region. With guidance, a student from Tharparkar can reach a top university on full financial aid.
Up to Rs 40,000 per semester (tuition support)
50% grant + 50% loan (effectively full support for those who cannot repay)
Full tuition at public universities + monthly stipend
Full tuition reimbursement at public-sector universities
Full tuition + monthly stipend of Rs 3,000–5,000
If you are from Tharparkar, the obstacles are real — and so are the pathways. The Engro Foundation scholarship is worth particular attention, given Engro's footprint in the Thar region, alongside the Sindh Talent Scholarship and HEC need-based aid. Do not rule yourself out because of where you were born. Save Daakhla's WhatsApp number and message us early; with patchy internet, an early start is everything.
Daakhla is committed to reaching students in Pakistan's most underserved districts, and few are more underserved than Tharparkar. We have not yet guided a student from Thar — you could be the first, on a scholarship that covers the cost. The pathways are open.
Free admissions counselling and SAT preparation for students from Pakistan’s underserved districts. Rs 10,000 for both programmes — full financial aid for those who need it.
Apply for free counselling →