Islamabad, Dec 28: Pakistan’s Education Minister, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, has pledged practical support to rehabilitate educational institutions in Palestine, according to COMSTECH (OIC’s Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation).
Key Developments:
- Impact of Gaza Conflict on Education:
Since October 7, 2023, over 44,000 Palestinians have died, and 625,000 children have missed a school year due to the ongoing conflict, with risks of missing another year. - Pakistan’s Support Initiatives:
- A scholarship program launched in 2021, initially offering 500 fully funded scholarships to Palestinian students, was expanded to 5,000 scholarships in 2023.
- Many Palestinian students are currently pursuing full-degree programs in Pakistan.
- Discussions at the Palestinian Embassy:
Dr. Siddiqui and COMSTECH Coordinator General, Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, met Palestinian Ambassador Dr. Zuhair Zaid to discuss further support. - International Cooperation:
- Siddiqui revealed talks with educational ministers in Oman to coordinate joint efforts for Palestine.
- Proposed an extraordinary meeting of OIC education ministers in Islamabad to create a long-term education plan for Palestine.
- Palestinian Gratitude:
Ambassador Zaid thanked Pakistan, COMSTECH, and the Pakistani people for their steadfast support, emphasizing its lasting significance.
This initiative highlights Pakistan’s dedication to education and its strong commitment to supporting Palestine during a critical time.
