The 5th batch of 13 Palestinian medical students has arrived in Pakistan to complete their degrees. In the last five days, 141 Palestinian medical students have arrived in Pakistan in three different batches.
An additional 51 students will be arriving in the coming days, bringing the total to 192 students who will complete their medical degrees in Pakistan, supported by Alkhidmat together with Doctors Rahman and Global Relief Trust.
As per the NIH spokesperson, the Coordinator of the Prime Minister for Health, Dr. Malik Mukhtar Ahmad Bharath, greeted the guests at the Islamabad International Airport.
The entrance succeeds with PM Shehbaz Sharif’s offer to Palestinian students to come to Pakistan and complete their medical and dental education. Speaking at the event, Dr. Mukhtar claimed that Palestinian students are anticipated to be provided with the best facilities of accommodation and food.
Following the destruction in Gaza, it has become complicated for students to continue their studies, Dr. Mukhtar said. He claimed all facilities will be delivered to the medical students and we are standing with them in these complicated tough times. On the 14th of October, the first batch of 27 Palestinian medical students from Gaza came to Lahore to continue their studies in Pakistan.
According to the details, the Palestinian students reached Pakistan through an international airline from Istanbul and were shifted to a local hotel with strict security. Before coming to Lahore, the officials of the Embassy of Pakistan in Cairo and representatives of the Al-Khidmat Foundation highly facilitated the departure of Palestinian students from Cairo International Airport to Lahore.
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The batch of students was considered to be part of 192 Palestinians from war-torn Gaza who are expected to continue their medical and dental studies in various medical universities in Pakistan. It’s pertinent to note here that the Pakistani Medical and Dental Council [PMDC], previously authorized and confirmed special permission for medical and dental students from Gaza to complete their education here in Pakistan.
The objective behind this initiative is to provide a lifeline to Palestinian students from war-torn Gaza, guaranteeing that they can continue their education despite the conflict between Palestine and Israel. This highlights the strong dedication of Pakistan to humanitarian efforts.
Secondly, this initiative permits Palestinian students to pursue specialized medical and dental education in the institutions of Pakistan, contributing to their professional development and growth and empowering them to support their communities in the upcoming future. Thirdly, by offering educational opportunities, Pakistan is highly strengthening its solidarity and historical ties with Palestine, improving diplomatic relations and goodwill.
Impacts of hosting Palestinian students for medical and dental education in Pakistan
- First, by facilitating education, Pakistan is considering empowering young Palestinians to create a better future for themselves and their country. Furthermore, the medical and dental skills that they get will be highly pertinent to addressing health needs in Palestine, particularly in Gaza, which is encountering an ongoing healthcare crisis.
- Secondly, educating Palestinian students is vital in crucial fields like medicine and dentistry. It is expected to have long-term socioeconomic benefits, which will lead to improved healthcare infrastructure in Gaza and minimize dependency on external medical aid.
- Thirdly, this initiative improves the global reputation of Pakistan as a supporter of education, development, and peace in conflict zones. Furthermore, it positions Pakistan as an active player in delivering practical solutions for international crises.
- Fourthly, for the students, this initiative is not just for education. It highly symbolizes resilience, hope, and the feasibility of reconstructing a future despite the challenges and destruction encountered in their homeland.