Thank you very much everybody for your comments and invaluable advice. I think I would go with the scholarship option if I follow my heart too I would recommend that everybody apply this year (or later) as the Fulbright program in Pakistan is the largest in the world, so with a good academic record, proposed field of study and/or relevant experience, you stand a good chance of being selected. Civil servants can apply for two to four month internships under USEFP Professional Partnership Program (for details, visit http://www.pakstudents.net/institute...ators-in-2012/).

Muhammad T S Awan: can you please elaborate on how I can join civil service after completion of my graduate studies?
Others interested in the Fulbright application process: I will write a detailed reply to your queries as soon as I get the time (too bad I saw this thread at 4 am on a Sunday!)
Thanks again.