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LAHORE, Oct 22 (APP):Punjab University (PU) Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali has announced that PU will extend full academic support to help rebuild universities in Gaza.
He added that PU faculty members will voluntarily teach Palestinian students online.
He expressed these views during a meeting with vice chancellors of Palestinian universities visiting Punjab University on Wednesday. The delegation included President of Al-Aqsa University Prof Ayman M.F. Sobh, Chairman Board of Trustees of the University of Palestine Prof Saleem Sabah, and senior faculty members from Gaza University. PU Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood, Director External Linkages Prof Dr Yamina Salman, OIC-COMSTECH Focal Person Muhammad Murtaza Noor, deans, and administrative officers were also present.
Facilitated by OIC-COMSTECH, the Palestinian delegation is on a seven-day visit to Pakistan to explore academic collaboration for rebuilding Gaza’s higher education and health sectors.
Addressing the visitors, Prof Dr Muhammad Ali said the people of Palestine are very close to the hearts of Pakistanis. He announced that PU will provide free education and hostel facilities to Palestinian students, and extended counseling support for those facing mental health challenges.
He said Pakistan has always raised a strong voice against Israeli atrocities at all international forums, terming the situation in Gaza as one of the worst genocides in human history. He reiterated PU’s readiness to assist in every possible way in the re-establishment of Gaza’s universities, adding that Muslim countries must advance in science and technology to strengthen their position in the modern world.
President of Al-Aqsa University Prof Ayman M.F. Sobh expressed gratitude, saying that Palestinians are deeply moved by Pakistan’s love and solidarity. He said all universities in Gaza have been destroyed in the ongoing war, and while online education has resumed, immense challenges persist. He expressed hope that following a ceasefire, the reconstruction of Gaza’s educational institutions would begin soon.
OIC-COMSTECH Focal Person Muhammad Murtaza Noor assured that special efforts would be made to facilitate the admission of Palestinian students in Pakistani universities.