Scholarships for Palestine

ISLAMABAD: The second phase of the COMSTECH-Palestine scholarships and fellowships programme was launched on Tuesday at the secretariat, promising 5,000 fellowships in collaboration with APSUP and member universities of the COMSTECH Consortium of Excellence.

The event was graced by the presence of the Federal Minister for Science and Technology, H.E. Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui.

Coordinator General of COMSTECH, Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, disclosed that the first phase had announced 500 fully-covered fellowships in various fields of STEM, health, and agriculture. In this subsequent phase, APSUP and CCoE universities have magnanimously pledged 5,000 fellowships, furthering the commitment to the welfare of Palestinian students.

Dr. Siddiqui, in his address, lauded the initiative as a timely and significant gift from Pakistan to the people of Palestine. He emphasised the enduring relationship between the two nations and commended the collaborative effort of various stakeholders in realising this endeavour.

Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary General, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, hailed the collaboration as a vital step in supporting Palestinian universities and researchers amidst challenging circumstances. He urged other OIC member states to join COMSTECH in expanding the programme, underscoring the importance of fraternal cooperation in aiding the Palestinians.

The Ambassador of the State of Palestine, Ahmed Jawad Rabei, expressed gratitude for the unwavering support from Pakistan and emphasised the critical need for education and technical training in Palestine. He called for solidarity from the Muslim community in sponsoring the narratives of Palestinian children and students affected by occupation.

The ceremony, attended by dignitaries from various nations and institutions, underscored the significance of international cooperation in supporting the educational aspirations of Palestinian students and furthering the cause of peace and development in the region.