Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif warmly welcomed the Palestinian students at a ceremony held at the PM House in Islamabad. The Prime Minister extended a heartfelt invitation for students from Gaza to pursue their studies in various institutions across the country, including Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, and Islamabad.
The Prime Minister assured the students of a warm reception and support during their stay, promising that Pakistan would serve as their “second home.” He stressed the importance of solidarity with Palestinians, especially given the hardships they face amid the ongoing conflict. “We hope more Palestinian students will come to live and study here,” he said, adding that the government is committed to ensuring their comfort and educational needs.
During the ceremony, PM Shehbaz also acknowledged the efforts of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as the Al-Khidmat Foundation for their humanitarian role in supporting Palestinian students affected by war.
Dr Mukhtar Bharath, the Prime Minister’s Coordinator on Health, highlighted that over 100 Palestinian students have already arrived in Pakistan to continue their education. “We are delighted to welcome these students,” Dr Mukhtar shared. “On October 18, the second group of Palestinian medical students landed in Islamabad, where we personally received them at the airport.”
The initiative stems from the Prime Minister’s invitation for Palestinian students to complete their medical and dental degrees in Pakistan. The first batch of 27 students arrived in Lahore on October 14 after traveling via Istanbul under heightened security measures. Dr Mukhtar confirmed that the students would receive food and accommodation assistance, given the harsh conditions back home in Gaza.
This gesture reflects Pakistan’s enduring support for Palestine and highlights the government’s efforts to offer relief through education.