Lahore (Web Desk/Agencies): The first batch of 27 Palestinian medical students out of a total of 192 arrived in Lahore from Cairo on Monday to continue their studies in Pakistan.
The Palestinian students will continue their medical and dental studies in Pakistani institutions through fully funded programs. The initiative is a collaborative effort by the Global Relief Trust, Doctors of Rahman, and leading Pakistani charity organization, the Al-Khidmat Foundation.
Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan President Dr Hafeez-ur-Rehman, Vice President Air Marshal (Retired) Arshad Malik, Health Services Chairman Prof Dr Zahid Latif and government officials warmly welcomed the students at Lahore airport.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday welcomed the first batch of Palestinian medical students who arrived in Lahore to complete their medical education.
“Pakistan warmly welcomes Palestinian medical students for completion of their studies. Their presence further strengthens the bonds of solidarity between our peoples,” the premier wrote on his X timeline.
He reiterated that Pakistan stood firmly with the people of Palestine in support of their inalienable rights to education, health, and a brighter future for all.
Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also said that the first batch of Palestinian students arrived at Lahore and from Wednesday onwards, more students would reach Islamabad.
He said a total 190 students will be arriving in Pakistan for medical education.
In July this year, Pakistan’s foreign ministry announced in July that Islamabad will provide scholarships to over 100 Palestinian students so that they are able to continue their medical studies in Pakistan as Israel’s war wreaks havoc in the Middle East.
The decision was made to enable Gaza students to continue the final years of their medical education in the fields of cardiology, orthopedics, oncology, pediatrics and surgery to address critical needs in Gaza’s health care system.