The first group of 27 Palestinian medical students departed from Cairo to Pakistan on October 12, 2024, to continue their studies, according to a statement from the Pakistani embassy in Egypt. This marks the beginning of a larger initiative under which a total of 192 Palestinian students from Gaza will be completing their medical and dental education in Pakistani universities.
The scholarship program was announced by Pakistan’s foreign ministry in July 2024 in response to the devastating effects of Israel’s bombardment of Gaza since October 2023, which caused extensive damage to educational institutions. The students, whose studies were interrupted due to the conflict, will now pursue fully funded medical education in Pakistan.
Officials from the Pakistani Embassy in Cairo, alongside representatives from the Al-Khidmat Foundation, assisted the departure of the students from Cairo International Airport to Lahore. The initiative is a collaboration between Pakistan’s Global Relief Trust, Doctors of Rahman, and the Al-Khidmat Foundation.
This program is a part of Pakistan’s broader commitment to support Palestinian students in continuing their education, particularly in the medical field, which is crucial for Gaza’s recovery and future health services. The World Health Organization and other agencies have reported severe destruction to Gaza’s healthcare infrastructure, including the largest hospital, Al-Shifa, as a result of the ongoing conflict.
The scholarship initiative highlights Pakistan’s role in supporting Palestine during a time when Gaza’s hospitals, universities, and education system have faced unprecedented damage.
