27 more Palestinian medical students arrive in Pakistan

LAHORE (APP): Twenty-seven more Palestinian students from war-torn Gaza arrived in Lahore on Monday to pursue their medical and dental education in Pakistan.

The students were warmly welcomed at Lahore airport by Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan President Dr Hafeez ur Rehman, Vice President Air Marshal (retd) Arshad Malik, Health Services Chairman Prof. Dr. Zahid Latif, and government officials.

Dr Hafeez ur Rehman stated that in the first phase, 192 Palestinian students would arrive in Pakistan on various flights.

He said that the students would continue their medical and dental education in Pakistani universities, with support from 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 provided the students with the opportunity to further their 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 highlighted that Alkhidmat Foundation has been conducting relief and rescue operations in Gaza since the start of the war, offering food, medicine, shelter, and establishing schools.

Similar assistance is being extended to Palestinian students in Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan, and other countries.

Earlier, officials from the Pakistani embassy in Egypt and representatives of Alkhidmat Foundation saw off the Palestinian students at Cairo airport.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the first batch of Palestinian medical students to Lahore via a post on X, saying: “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 support for Palestine, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to the inalienable rights of Palestinians to education, health, and a brighter future.

The arrival of the students comes as Gaza’s medical and education infrastructure faces unprecedented devastation following Israeli bombardments.

According to reports, more than half of Gaza’s medical facilities have been rendered inoperable, with hospitals, clinics, and ambulances targeted in the airstrikes.

Critical shortages of medicines, equipment, and power have severely hampered healthcare services, with doctors forced to treat the injured in overcrowded, makeshift facilities.

Web Desk