LAHORE (APP): On Monday, twenty-seven more Palestinian students from war-torn Gaza arrived in Lahore to pursue their medical and dental education in Pakistan. The students received a warm welcome at Lahore airport from prominent figures, including Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan President Dr. Hafeez ur Rehman, Vice President Air Marshal (retd) Arshad Malik, Health Services Chairman Prof. Dr. Zahid Latif, and various government officials.
Dr. Hafeez ur Rehman stated that this group is part of an initial phase, with a total of 192 Palestinian students expected to arrive in Pakistan on various flights. The students will continue their studies at Pakistani universities with the support of Alkhidmat Foundation, Global Relief Trust, and Doctors of Rehman.
He expressed gratitude to the government of Pakistan, the Palestinian embassy, and the medical colleges and universities that have facilitated the students’ education. “After meetings with Palestinian embassy officials, the government of Pakistan, and various colleges and universities, we succeeded in bringing the students to Pakistan. They will be provided with all necessary facilities, including education, food, and accommodation,” he added.
Dr. Hafeez also noted that Alkhidmat Foundation has been actively conducting relief and rescue operations in Gaza since the onset of the war, offering food, medicine, shelter, and establishing schools. Similar assistance is being extended to Palestinian students in Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan, and other nations.
Earlier, officials from the Pakistani embassy in Egypt, alongside representatives from Alkhidmat Foundation, saw off the Palestinian students at Cairo airport.
Read More: Canada Imposes New Restrictions on International Students
In a show of support, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the first batch of Palestinian medical students to Lahore via a post on X, stating: “Pakistan warmly welcomes Palestinian medical students to complete their studies. Their presence further strengthens the bonds of solidarity between our peoples.” He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to the rights of Palestinians, highlighting their entitlement to education, health, and a brighter future.
The arrival of these students comes amid unprecedented devastation of Gaza’s medical and educational infrastructure due to Israeli bombardments. Reports indicate that more than half of Gaza’s medical facilities have been rendered inoperable, with hospitals, clinics, and ambulances targeted in airstrikes. Critical shortages of medicines, equipment, and power have severely hampered healthcare services, forcing doctors to treat the injured in overcrowded and makeshift facilities.
