Pakistanis refuse to take money when they learn I’m Palestinian, says Gaza student

Palestinian students who relocated to Pakistan to continue their medical studies after the Israeli war on Gaza disrupted their education have expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and compassion they have received in the host country.

In July, Pakistan's Foreign Ministry announced scholarships for over 100 Palestinian students through the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC). T

his initiative, carried out in collaboration with Doctors of Rahman, Global Relief Trust, and the Al-Khidmat Foundation, aimed to support students whose education was affected by the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Several Palestinian students studying at medical institutes across Pakistan shared their experiences with BBC Urdu.

Muhammad, a student from Gaza, expressed his delight, saying, “Pakistan is good, and the people are very kind. They love us very much. Wherever we go, when they find out that we are Palestinians, they don’t take money from us. It’s a bit embarrassing for us, but it also feels good.”

Yara Saleem, another student, noted differences in the education systems, pointing out that while medical degrees in Palestine require six years, Pakistan offers a five-year program.

She added that her university administration is working to accommodate Palestinian students by creating a special curriculum tailored to their needs.

Many students shared their deep concern for family members still trapped in Gaza, describing harrowing experiences of narrowly escaping Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) attacks during their time in the besieged enclave.

Despite these challenges, they revealed that their families encouraged them to pursue education, recognising the sacrifices made by their parents to ensure their academic success.

Lama, another student, shared her gratitude for the opportunity to study in Pakistan, saying, “I could only fulfill my dream of becoming a doctor here because no other country was providing full financial support. Everyone, from government officials to university staff, is taking care of us.”

The students also expressed a strong desire to return to Gaza upon completing their education, determined to offer medical assistance to their fellow Palestinians.

The overall Palestinian death toll since the beginning of Israel’s war on Gaza has reached at least 43,846 with more than 103,740 wounded. Thousands more remain trapped under the rubble of destroyed buildings.