64 Palestinian students from Gaza arrive in Pakistan to resume medical studies

A second group of 64 Palestinian medical and dental students from Gaza arrived in Islamabad on Tuesday morning to continue their education at Pakistani institutions, confirmed a prominent non-governmental organisation involved in the initiative.

In July, Pakistan’s foreign ministry announced that the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) would provide scholarships to over 100 Palestinian students.

The programme, supported by Doctors of Rehman, Global Relief Trust, and Pakistan’s leading NGO, Al-Khidmat Foundation, aims to help students pursue their studies amid Israel's ongoing war in the Middle East.

The second batch of students departed Cairo for Islamabad on Monday, following the arrival of 27 Palestinian students in Lahore a day earlier.

“Praise be to God, the second batch of 64 Palestinian students arrived at Islamabad airport this morning,” Al-Khidmat Foundation said in a statement. "The students are in their fourth and fifth years of the medical and dental curriculum."

A delegation from the foundation welcomed the students, who were described as “excited,” at the airport. Photos accompanying the statement show Al-Khidmat members posing with students and distributing roses.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel’s bombardment of Gaza has killed over 42,000 people, with extensive damage to buildings, including health and educational institutions.

Gaza’s largest hospital, Al-Shifa, has been rendered non-functional, while the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of a growing health crisis, with rising cases of meningitis, jaundice, and other infections.