Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, Dr. Khalid Maqbool
Siddiqui, inaugurated the first-ever Palestine–Pakistan Rectors Forum focused
on “Higher Education and Scientific Research in Gaza” at the OIC-COMSTECH
Secretariat in Islamabad. This forum marks a vital step in rebuilding Gaza’s
academic institutions, highlighting Pakistan’s strong commitment through
collaboration, fellowships, and skill development programmes aimed at
empowering Palestinian youth.
Pakistan’s Commitment to Palestinian Academic Empowerment
As reported by APP, Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, during the inauguration of the forum on October 16 at the OIC-COMSTECH Secretariat, expressed Pakistan's steadfast solidarity with Palestine. He remarked that Pakistan stands
“shoulder to shoulder with Palestine,”
offering not only verbal support but concrete cooperation through research, innovation, and higher education. Dr. Siddiqui described the forum as
“an embodiment of collective resolve to rebuild through knowledge, peace, and progress,”
signalling a critical move towards academic rebuilding
and educational empowerment for Gaza.
The Minister lauded the OIC-COMSTECH Standing Committee on
Scientific and Technological Cooperation's role in uniting academic leaders
from both Palestine and Pakistan. He highlighted COMSTECH’s ongoing support
initiatives, including the announcement of 5,000 fellowships for Palestinian
youth to cultivate a new generation of scientists, innovators, and leaders.
Furthermore, Dr. Siddiqui commended technical programs such as the Basic Life
Support (BLS) and Trauma Management Course designed to enhance human capacity
in Gaza.
Forum Launch and Attendance
The ceremony gathered an impressive assembly of ambassadors,
vice chancellors, government officials, and senior academics from both
Palestine and Pakistan, underscoring a robust spirit of academic solidarity
among OIC member states. Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General of
OIC-COMSTECH, delivered the welcome remarks. The event proceedings were managed
by Mr. Muhammad Murtaza Noor, Focal Person/Coordinator at the Center of
Excellence (CCoE) for Outreach & Media at OIC-COMSTECH.
Developing a Roadmap for Gaza’s Academic Rehabilitation
In his address, Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary pointed out the significant destruction Gaza’s educational infrastructure has suffered. He said,
“The systematic destruction of universities, research centres, and schools in Gaza has deeply affected the intellectual and developmental foundations of an entire generation.”
He emphasised the forum's goal to craft a comprehensive roadmap for rehabilitating and restructuring Gaza’s higher education institutions. Through collaborative academic planning, knowledge transfer, and institutional support, OIC-COMSTECH and its partner universities aim to
“restore academic life and reignite the flame of learning and innovation that no war can extinguish”.
Palestinian Academic Leaders’ Perspectives
Prof. Dr. M.F. Ayman Sobh, President of Al-Aqsa University Gaza, expressed profound gratitude toward OIC-COMSTECH and the Government of Pakistan. He stated,
“This forum gives us renewed hope to rebuild our academic institutions and create new opportunities for our students and researchers.”
Dr. Sobh highlighted the importance of collaboration with Pakistan for the
revival of Gaza’s laboratories, research infrastructure, and academic
programmes—key to rejuvenating Gaza’s education sector.
Palestinian Delegation’s Visit to Pakistan
The seven-member Palestinian delegation, comprising
presidents, rectors, and senior academic leaders from Gaza, is currently on a
week-long visit to Pakistan, organised and facilitated by OIC-COMSTECH. The
delegation is scheduled to visit leading universities across Islamabad,
Faisalabad, and Lahore to explore and establish avenues for academic collaboration
and partnership with Pakistani institutions. This visit is part of the broader
objective of fostering deeper educational and research ties between Palestinian
and Pakistani academic communities.
This landmark forum stands as a testament to the enduring friendship between Pakistan and Palestine, with Pakistan playing an active role in supporting the resilience and reconstruction of Gaza’s higher education system through strategic partnerships, knowledge sharing, and investment in human capital development.