The COMSTECH-Palestine scholarships and fellowships program entered its second phase with a pledge of 5,000 additional scholarships, as announced by COMSTECH in collaboration with APSUP and member universities of COMSTECH Consortium of Excellence. The launching ceremony took place on Tuesday at the COMSTECH secretariat, graced by the presence of H.E. Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, the Federal Minister for Science and Technology, who honored the occasion as the chief guest.
Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of COMSTECH, revealed that the first phase had seen the announcement of 500 fully funded fellowships across various STEM, health, and agriculture disciplines. He emphasized the significance of the second phase, highlighting the generous pledge of 5,000 fellowships by APSUP and CCoE universities. Prof. Choudhary further mentioned that this monumental initiative would soon be endorsed by the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Jeddah.
Reflecting on the longstanding plight of the Palestinian people, Prof. Choudhary underscored the failure of the international community to address the atrocities faced by Palestine over the decades.
Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, the Federal Minister for Science and Technology, expressed his delight in launching this crucial initiative, considering it a testament to the enduring bond between Pakistan and Palestine. He lauded the extensive scholarship program orchestrated by COMSTECH in collaboration with partner universities across Pakistan and other OIC nations.
Dr. Siddiqui reiterated Pakistan’s unwavering support for Palestine, echoing the vision of the nation’s founding father, Muhammad Ali Jinnah. He commended the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders involved in realizing this collective mission.
H.E. Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, commended the partnership between COMSTECH and leading member universities, considering it a significant stride towards supporting Palestinian universities and researchers. He hailed the program as a beacon of hope amidst the challenges faced by the Palestinian people, pledging steadfast support from the OIC.
Ambassador Ahmed Jawad Rabei of the State of Palestine expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s continuous support, emphasizing the importance of solidarity from Muslim nations in the face of ongoing adversity.
The ceremony featured addresses by Dr. Awais Raoof, Chairman of the Board of Governors at the University of Lahore, and Justice Dr. Syed Muhammad Anwer, who delved into the historical and cultural significance of Palestine.
In attendance were ambassadors and diplomats from various nations, along with vice-chancellors of CCoE member institutions, foreign fellows of COMSTECH programs, and Palestinian students currently studying in Pakistan.
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