Pakistan and Palestine have signed a memorandum of
understanding (MoU) to enhance bilateral cooperation in the health sector. The
agreement, signed by Pakistan's Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal and
Palestinian Ambassador Dr. Zuhair Dar Zaid, seeks to improve health capacities,
promote medical collaboration, and establish a bilateral Health Working Group.
Pakistan and Palestine strengthen health ties
As reported by a correspondent for A News on 16 September
2025, Pakistan and Palestine formalised a memorandum of understanding (MoU)
aimed at expanding their cooperation in multiple advanced medical fields. The
signing ceremony took place in Islamabad, with Pakistan’s Health Minister Syed
Mustafa Kamal and Palestinian Ambassador Dr. Zuhair Dar Zaid leading the event.
The Ministry of National Health Services issued a statement highlighting this
agreement’s significance towards fostering brotherly collaboration for the
welfare of people in both countries.
Minister Kamal emphasised,
"The purpose of this agreement is to foster closer collaboration for improving the health and well-being of the people of both brotherly nations."
He assured ongoing support from Pakistan to Palestine in the health sector, stating,
"The hearts of the people of Pakistan beat with Palestine, and we stand ready to assist them in every possible way".
Scope of cooperation in health sector
According to Dawn’s health desk on 16 September 2025, the
MoU outlines cooperation in advanced medical fields including interventional
cardiology, organ transplantation, orthopaedic surgery, endoscopic ultrasound,
burn treatment, and plastic surgery. The agreement also includes critical areas
such as infectious diseases, ophthalmology, and pharmaceutical development.
Minister Kamal detailed that a Pakistan-Palestine Health
Working Group would be established within 30 days to oversee implementation and
ensure practical collaboration. This working group will provide strategic
guidance and promote joint research opportunities between the two countries'
medical communities.
Official statements underscore strong bilateral relations
Minister Kamal, during the signing ceremony attended by
senior officials including Secretary of Health Hamid Yaqoob and Additional
Secretary of Health, underscored Pakistan's long-standing political and
humanitarian support for Palestine. He highlighted how Pakistan remains one of
the few countries recognising the State of Palestine.
Palestinian Ambassador Dr. Zuhair Dar Zaid expressed gratitude for Pakistan’s support. He stated that
"Palestine and Pakistan are brotherly countries"
and stressed their mutual aim to work together to
improve the health and well-being of their peoples.
Implementation and practical steps
News coverage by 24 News HD on 17 September 2025 added that
the health working group will actively monitor and facilitate the MoU’s
implementation. This body will ensure that collaborative programmes and medical
exchanges commence promptly within the agreed fields, reinforcing the
cooperation framework set by the MoU.
Nation's report on 17 September confirmed Federal Minister Mustafa Kamal's announcement of the working group's formation timeline. Both countries will periodically review progress and identify new areas for collaboration in the health sector.
Key Points
- Pakistan and Palestine have signed a memorandum of understanding to bolster cooperation in health services and medical fields.
- The agreement was signed by Health Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal and Palestinian Ambassador Dr. Zuhair Dar Zaid in Islamabad.
- Key sectors include advanced cardiology, organ transplantation, orthopaedic surgery, infectious disease, ophthalmology, burns, plastic surgery, and pharmaceuticals.
- A joint Pakistan-Palestine Health Working Group will be established within 30 days to monitor and implement the MoU.
- The MoU reinforces strong brotherly ties and longstanding support of Pakistan for Palestine.
- Both countries expressed commitment to improving health outcomes for their populations through collaborative initiatives.
Broader geopolitical context
While this MoU primarily aims to enhance health sector
cooperation, it aligns with Pakistan’s broader policy of strong solidarity with
Palestine. This support is also reflected in Pakistan’s consistent stance at
international forums against Israeli occupation and its humanitarian aid to
Palestinian territories, especially Gaza.
As Arab News noted on 16 September 2025 in a separate context, Pakistan's Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar reiterated Pakistan's readiness to support Arab states in regional security matters, underlining Islamabad’s commitment to broader Muslim and Palestinian causes.