38 Palestinian students graduate with BDS Degrees under Alkhidmat Foundation Scholarship Programme

LAHORE -- Thirty-eight Palestinian students studying in Pakistan under the Alkhidmat Foundation Scholarship Programme have successfully completed their Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degrees.

A graduation ceremony was held to honour the students' academic achievements and recognise their resilience in pursuing higher education despite the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The ceremony was attended by Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan President Prof Dr Hafeez Ur Rehman, Palestinian Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Zuhair Mohammad Hamdallah Zaid, Alkhidmat Vice President Air Marshal (Retd) Arshad Malik, Chairman of the Board of Governors at the University of Lahore Muhammad Owais Raoof, Principal of Medical Education Prof Dr Mahwish Arooj, faculty members and other distinguished guests.

Addressing the ceremony, Prof Dr Hafeez Ur Rehman said the students' success reflected extraordinary determination, perseverance and hope despite war, displacement and the difficult conditions prevailing in Gaza. He said the achievement was not merely an academic milestone but a symbol of courage and resilience.

Under the collaboration between Alkhidmat Foundation and the University of Lahore, 38 Palestinian graduates were awarded BDS degrees and provided dental kits, while 13 Palestinian doctors who had successfully completed their one-year clinical house job received internship certificates.

Dr Hafeez Ur Rehman said Alkhidmat Foundation had fulfilled its commitment to Palestinian students by providing them with opportunities to continue their education in Pakistan. He acknowledged the support of the Government of Pakistan and the Pakistani Embassy in Cairo for facilitating the students' academic journey.

He reaffirmed that Alkhidmat would continue extending educational and moral support to Palestinian youth until the complete rehabilitation and reconstruction of Palestine.

He added that under the Alkhidmat Palestine Scholarship Programme, more than 450 Palestinian students are currently pursuing their education in Pakistan, while another 38 students are enrolled in Cairo.

Speaking on the occasion, Palestinian Ambassador Dr Zuhair Mohammad Hamdallah Zaid thanked Alkhidmat Foundation and the people of Pakistan for their unwavering support. He said Pakistan had welcomed Palestinian students with compassion and had provided them with a safe and nurturing educational environment. He expressed confidence that the newly graduated doctors would play a vital role in serving the wounded and vulnerable people of Gaza.

Representing the graduating students, Ahmad Atallah Mohammed Jaber described Pakistan as their "second home". He said the affection, care and encouragement they received had enabled them to complete their studies despite immense psychological stress caused by the conflict in their homeland. He said the graduates looked forward to returning to Palestine to serve their people and would always remain grateful to Pakistan for its support and hospitality.