From Gaza to Lahore: Nearly 40 Palestinian students complete degrees at Pakistani university
Future dentists fulfil dream despite education disrupted by war
LAHORE – Thirty-eight Palestinian students whose education was interrupted by the war in Gaza have graduated from The University of Lahore (UOL), in an extraordinary journey of resilience, determination and international support.
Another 13 students successfully completed their one-year internship and received certificates during the ceremony, taking the total number of Palestinian Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students recognised at the event to 51.
The graduates, originally enrolled at Al Azhar University in Gaza, completed the final two years of their Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) clinical training in Pakistan after conflict forced them to abandon their studies. Their convocation ceremony celebrated not only academic success but also the strength of hope in the face of adversity.
The graduation ceremony, organised by the University College of Medicine and Dentistry (UCMD), brought together university leaders, diplomats and humanitarian partners who played a role in helping the students continue their education. In a message shared on social media, UOL paid tribute to the graduates, saying they had carried "more than books" and describing their achievements as a testament to the enduring power of learning and the resilience of the Palestinian spirit.
From Gaza to Lahore
The students had completed part of their dental education before the war in Gaza brought their studies to an abrupt halt. Through the joint efforts of the Government of Pakistan, Al Khidmat Foundation, UOL and other humanitarian partners, they were offered the opportunity to complete the mandatory two years of clinical training at UCMD under the Palestinian Scholarship Programme.
The ceremony was attended by Palestine's Ambassador to Pakistan, Dr Zuhair Mohammad Hamdallah Zaid, Al Khidmat Foundation President Hafeez ur Rehman, UOL Board of Governors Chairman Awais Raoof, UOL Rector Prof Dr Muhammad Ashraf, UCMD Principal Prof Dr Mahwish Arooj, senior university officials and representatives of Al Khidmat Foundation. The Dean of Al Azhar University in Gaza joined the event online.
Welcoming the graduates, Prof Mahwish praised their resilience and thanked their families for trusting Pakistan and UOL during one of the most difficult periods of their lives. Acknowledging the contribution of Al Azhar University's faculty, she remarked, "While we gave you clinical training, you taught us resilience."
Emotional moments
Prof Mahwish also recalled memorable moments shared with the students beyond classrooms, including a trip to northern Pakistan organised by UCMD. As she reflected on their time together and spoke about individual students, the ceremony turned deeply emotional.
A video documenting the students' journey from their arrival in Pakistan on October 14, 2024, to their graduation in July 2026 highlighted moments of learning, friendship and perseverance. Several graduates shared heartfelt memories of their experience.
Dr Ahmad Jabber thanked UOL Chairman Awais Raoof for supporting the students when hope seemed distant and described Prof Mahwish as "our mother in Pakistan". Other graduates spoke warmly of the kindness and hospitality they experienced, with Dr Saja saying she was leaving Pakistan not only as a dentist but also "a fan of gulab jamun".
New beginning
Dr Narmeen reflected on how Pakistan had become an unforgettable part of her life, while Dr Zaina Hamad thanked UCMD mentors for giving the students "a perfect ending to our journey". Dr Noor recited a heartfelt poem about surviving the hardships of war, moving many attendees to tears.
The graduates later took their professional oath in Arabic before receiving their degrees, while the 13 students who had completed their one-year internship were presented certificates.
Addressing the new dentists, Prof Ashraf encouraged them to carry the same determination into their professional careers. Awais Raoof shared an emotional message for the students' families, saying he wanted their parents to know they could trust him with their daughters' future.
Hafeez ur Rehman reaffirmed Al Khidmat Foundation's commitment to supporting the people of Gaza and ensuring Palestinian students can continue their education despite the challenges facing their homeland.