The first group of 27 Palestinian medical students from Gaza has arrived in Lahore to continue their education, as reported by ARY News. These students, displaced from their war-torn homeland, traveled via an international flight from Istanbul and were escorted under tight security to a local hotel upon arrival.

The group’s journey was facilitated by officials from the Pakistani Embassy in Cairo and representatives of the Al-Khidmat Foundation, who coordinated their departure from Cairo International Airport.

This cohort is part of a larger group of 192 Palestinian medical and dental students who have been offered the opportunity to pursue their education in Pakistan under fully-funded programs. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s directive enabled this initiative, providing critical educational support during a humanitarian crisis.

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has played a key role by granting special permission for the Palestinian students to complete their medical education in Pakistan. The decision followed a request from Pakistan’s High Commissioner in London, signaling Pakistan’s commitment to assisting Gaza’s youth during challenging times.

According to PMDC President, approximately 100 students are expected to enroll in medical and dental institutions across the country. A committee has been formed to oversee their academic progress and ensure a smooth educational experience.

This initiative comes as Gaza faces a severe humanitarian crisis, with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) reporting that nearly 250,000 people have been displaced due to evacuation orders by the Israeli military. The ongoing offensive in Gaza has reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 42,000 people, most of them civilians, according to the Gaza health ministry.

The arrival of these students in Pakistan symbolizes hope and resilience amid the devastation, offering a chance for them to build their futures in the medical field.