38 Palestinian Students Graduate as Dentists Under Alkhidmat Scholarship in Pakistan
Thirty-eight Palestinian students graduate with Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) degrees in Pakistan under the Alkhidmat Foundation Scholarship Programme. The graduates completed their studies despite the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Their achievement highlights resilience, determination, and the value of educational support during difficult times.
Alkhidmat Foundation and the University of Lahore organized a graduation ceremony to celebrate the students’ success. The event brought together Alkhidmat Foundation President Prof. Dr. Hafeez Ur Rehman, Palestinian Ambassador to Pakistan Dr. Zuhair Mohammad Hamdallah Zaid, University of Lahore officials, faculty members, and other distinguished guests. In addition, the ceremony recognized the students’ commitment to completing their education despite extraordinary challenges.
Scholarship programme supports future healthcare professionals
Prof. Dr. Hafeez Ur Rehman praised the graduates for their courage and perseverance. He said their success represented much more than an academic milestone. Instead, it reflected hope, resilience, and determination in the face of war and displacement.
Under the partnership between Alkhidmat Foundation and the University of Lahore, all 38 graduates received BDS degrees and dental kits. Furthermore, 13 Palestinian doctors who completed a one-year clinical house job received internship certificates.
Dr. Hafeez Ur Rehman said Alkhidmat Foundation remained committed to supporting Palestinian students through education. He also thanked the Government of Pakistan and the Pakistani Embassy in Cairo for helping students continue their academic journey. According to him, more than 450 Palestinian students currently study in Pakistan through the scholarship programme, while another 38 continue their education in Cairo.
Graduates hope to serve Gaza
Palestinian Ambassador Dr. Zuhair Mohammad Hamdallah Zaid thanked Alkhidmat Foundation and the people of Pakistan for their continued support. He said Pakistan provided Palestinian students with a safe and welcoming learning environment. Moreover, he expressed confidence that the new dentists would play an important role in treating wounded and vulnerable people in Gaza.
Speaking on behalf of the graduates, Ahmad Atallah Mohammed Jaber described Pakistan as their “second home.” He said the kindness and encouragement they received helped them overcome emotional hardships caused by the conflict. Finally, he said the graduates look forward to returning to Palestine to serve their communities and will always remember Pakistan’s generosity and hospitality.
