A third batch of 26 Palestinian students has arrived in Islamabad to resume their studies in medicine and dentistry, as confirmed by the Pakistani health ministry on October 18, 2024. This initiative follows the announcement in July that the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) would provide scholarships to over 100 Palestinian students, enabling them to continue their education in Pakistan amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The initiative is a collaborative effort involving Doctors of Rehman, Global Relief Trust, and the Al-Khidmat Foundation, a prominent Pakistani non-governmental organization. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Bharath, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Health, warmly welcomed the students upon their arrival at Islamabad Airport, emphasizing Pakistan’s commitment to supporting them during this challenging time.
“Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has extended an invitation for Palestinian medical students to continue their studies in Pakistan in light of the current situation in Gaza,” Dr. Bharath stated. “These students will be pursuing their medical and dental education at various institutions across Pakistan.”
The ongoing conflict has had a devastating impact, with more than 42,000 Palestinians reported killed since the war began after Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Dr. Bharath assured that all necessary measures would be taken to provide adequate medical facilities for the Palestinian students, reiterating Pakistan’s solidarity during this difficult period.
In addition to the latest arrivals, over 90 Palestinian students came to Pakistan earlier this week on two separate flights to continue their medical studies. Pakistan does not recognize Israel and advocates for an independent Palestinian state based on internationally agreed parameters, with pre-1967 borders and Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
Since the onset of the conflict, Pakistan has consistently raised concerns at international forums, including the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), calling for an end to Israeli military actions in Gaza. The country has also sent multiple aid consignments to support the Palestinian people.
