Karachi
The second batch of 537 Pakistani medical students has graduated from the Cuban universities of medical sciences, a Higher Education Commission official stated on Saturday.
The graduation ceremonies held at Cuban universities were dedicated to Cuban leader Fidel Castro, who had promptly sent the Henry Reeve Brigade, comprising 2,464 medical personnel, to Pakistan in the aftermath
of the 2005 earthquake and subsequently offered 1,000 fully funded scholarships for Pakistani students, he mentioned.
Representatives of the provincial governments of Cuba and the country’s Communist Party were present on the occasion.
Tahir Abbas Zaidi, project director, represented the Higher Education Commission at the convocation ceremonies, said the rectors of the respective universities appreciated Pakistani students for quickly adapting to the multi-cultural environment, and wholeheartedly participating in activities organised during their stay at the campus and outstanding academic performance.
According to universities’ authorities, 165 students of the second batch qualified for receiving a “Golden Stamp” on their degrees, which is a significant achievement for Pakistan.
Zaidi conveyed profound gratitude, on behalf of the
people and government of Pakistan to the people and government of Cuba for
their hospitality extended and kindness shown to the
Pakistani students during
their seven-year long stay in Cuba.
Zaidi expressed the hope that the graduating doctors would render their services in Pakistan with the same spirit of selflessness as Cuban doctors did in the aftermath of the 2005 earthquake.
“We are confident that these doctors will bring a substantial change in the public healthcare system of Pakistan,” he said.
Zaidi also spoke about the friendly relations between Pakistan and Cuba.
He said that the Pakistan government desired to enhance cooperation in all fields of
mutual interest.