Pakistan Announces 5,000 Scholarships for Palestinian Students to Rebuild Gaza’s Education Sector

Pakistan Announces 5,000 Scholarships for Palestinian Students to Rebuild Gaza’s Education Sector

Islamabad (News Desk) – Pakistan has reaffirmed its unwavering support for the people of Palestine through a landmark initiative that goes beyond diplomatic solidarity. In a historic move, the Government of Pakistan has announced 5,000 scholarships and fellowships for Palestinian students, aiming to strengthen higher education, research, and innovation in Gaza and other occupied territories.

The announcement was made by Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, during the Palestine–Pakistan Rectors’ Forum on “Higher Education and Scientific Research in Gaza: The Way Forward”, held at the OIC-COMSTECH Secretariat in Islamabad.

Empowering Gaza Through Education

Dr. Siddiqui emphasized that this initiative symbolizes Pakistan’s commitment to rebuilding Gaza through education, peace, and knowledge. The minister highlighted that while Pakistan has always stood by Palestine politically and morally, this collaboration marks a practical step toward helping Palestinians rebuild their academic and research infrastructure, which has suffered greatly due to ongoing conflict.

“This is not just an act of solidarity; it is a pledge to rebuild the intellectual foundations of Gaza. Education is the bridge between despair and hope, between destruction and development,”
said Dr. Siddiqui during his address.

He stated that 5,000 educational fellowships will be offered to Palestinian youth in various disciplines including engineering, medical sciences, information technology, and social sciences. These scholarships will enable Palestinian students to pursue higher education and research at leading Pakistani universities under the COMSTECH Fellowship Program.

A Forum of Academic Unity

The Palestine–Pakistan Rectors’ Forum brought together academic leaders, researchers, and education policymakers from both nations to discuss strategies for reviving Gaza’s higher education system. The event was organized under the banner of OIC-COMSTECH (The Standing Committee for Scientific and Technological Cooperation), a key body of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) dedicated to promoting science and technology among Muslim countries.

Dr. Siddiqui lauded the efforts of COMSTECH Coordinator General, Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, for organizing the forum and fostering academic collaboration between Pakistan and Palestine. He said that this partnership reflects the collective resolve of the Muslim Ummah to empower the people of Gaza through education, innovation, and skill development.

“Rebuilding Gaza is not only about reconstructing buildings and infrastructure. It’s about rebuilding lives, dreams, and futures through education and knowledge-sharing,” the minister added.

Concrete Steps Toward Capacity Building

Dr. Siddiqui also acknowledged COMSTECH’s ongoing contributions to the Palestinian cause. The organization has launched several humanitarian and educational initiatives aimed at capacity building and emergency healthcare training in Gaza.

He specifically mentioned COMSTECH’s Basic Life Support (BLS) and Trauma Management Courses, which are designed to train young professionals in emergency medical response — a crucial need in the war-torn region. Additionally, technical and vocational training programs are being developed to help Palestinian youth acquire essential skills for employment and community development.

The minister noted that Pakistan’s universities are ready to offer research opportunities and exchange programs to Palestinian scholars, ensuring sustainable academic growth even in challenging conditions.

Strengthening Pakistan–Palestine Academic Ties

The forum marks a significant milestone in strengthening Pakistan–Palestine academic relations. Over the years, Pakistan has consistently advocated for Palestine’s right to self-determination and statehood at international forums. However, this new educational partnership transforms moral support into tangible assistance.

Dr. Siddiqui expressed hope that through joint efforts, Palestinian universities and research institutions would regain their momentum and become centers of innovation once again. He also urged other OIC member states to follow Pakistan’s lead by investing in education-based reconstruction in Gaza.

“When a student gains knowledge, an entire nation rises. We believe that empowering Palestinian youth through education is the most powerful way to support their struggle for freedom and dignity,”
he remarked.

Global Recognition and Support

The announcement has been widely appreciated across the Muslim world. Education experts and humanitarian organizations praised Pakistan’s initiative as a model for sustainable aid, one that focuses on human capital development rather than short-term relief.

International observers noted that this move could transform the educational landscape of Gaza, where universities have faced immense destruction due to repeated conflicts. Many institutions in Gaza are operating under severe constraints, with limited access to resources and technology. Pakistan’s scholarships and training programs are expected to fill these critical gaps.

A Vision for the Future

The 5,000 scholarships for Palestinian students will not only support individual learners but also create a new generation of scientists, innovators, educators, and community leaders capable of rebuilding their homeland. The initiative aligns with Pakistan’s broader vision of promoting South–South cooperation, particularly among Muslim-majority nations.

Dr. Siddiqui concluded his speech by reaffirming Pakistan’s steadfast support for Palestine, saying that “education is the weapon of peace”, and that the only way to ensure long-term stability in Gaza is through knowledge, innovation, and opportunity.

Pakistan’s decision to provide 5,000 scholarships to Palestinian students stands as a powerful message of hope and resilience. It reflects the nation’s belief in the transformative power of education as a tool for rebuilding societies torn apart by conflict. The initiative not only strengthens diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Palestine but also demonstrates a shared commitment to peace, progress, and intellectual empowerment.

As Gaza continues to rebuild its future, Pakistan’s support through education and research will serve as a lasting foundation for generations of Palestinians seeking to rise from adversity through learning and innovation.