Islamabad (TDI): The inaugural Palestine–Pakistan Rectors’ Forum, themed “Higher Education and Scientific Research in Gaza: The Way Forward,” was held on Thursday at the OIC-COMSTECH Secretariat in Islamabad. The event marked the beginning of a new chapter in academic cooperation between the two nations, aiming to strengthen partnerships in higher education and scientific research.
Organized by COMSTECH, the Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the forum brought together rectors, vice chancellors, ambassadors, and senior education officials from both Pakistan and Palestine, demonstrating a strong spirit of scholarly solidarity among OIC member countries. The proceedings were moderated by Muhammad Murtaza Noor, Focal Person/Coordinator, CCoE, Outreach & Media, OIC-COMSTECH.
The ceremony was graced by Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Federal Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training, as the Chief Guest, while Prof. Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General, OIC-COMSTECH, delivered the welcome remarks.
In his address, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui expressed his deep appreciation for the initiative, terming it an important step toward rebuilding Gaza’s educational and research landscape. He said, “It is indeed a privilege and honour for me to join you today at this important forum, which reflects our collective commitment to the noble cause of education, knowledge, and scientific advancement, the true foundations of peace, progress, and prosperity for our brotherly nation, the State of Palestine.”
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He lauded the vibrant role of OIC-COMSTECH in promoting science, technology, and higher education collaboration among OIC countries.
Dr. Siddiqui commended COMSTECH’s announcement of 5000 fellowships for Palestinian youth, describing it as “a remarkable initiative that will empower a new generation of scientists, innovators, and leaders from Palestine.” He also appreciated the Basic Life Support (BLS) and Trauma Management Course for Palestinian healthcare professionals, skill development program, techician training programs, calling these tangible steps toward saving lives and building human resource capacity in Gaza, Palestine.
“Pakistan stands shoulder to shoulder with Palestine in this journey, offering not just solidarity in words, but cooperation through research, innovation, and higher education,” he said, expressing confidence that this forum would pave the way for joint research, faculty exchanges, scholarships, and innovative academic partnerships between the two nations.
In his welcome remarks, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Choudhary, Coordinator General, OIC-COMSTECH, stated: “As part of this forum’s deliberations, we also seek to formulate a comprehensive roadmap, in close coordination with our partner universities, for assisting in the rehabilitation and restructuring of Gaza’s higher education and scientific institutions after two years of what can only be described as an education genocide.
“The systematic destruction of universities, research centres, and schools in Gaza has not only targeted infrastructure but has deeply affected the intellectual and developmental foundations of an entire generation. Through joint academic planning, knowledge transfer, and institutional support, OIC-COMSTECH, together with partner universities from Pakistan and other OIC member states, aims to restore the academic life of Gaza, rebuild its universities, and reignite the flame of learning, research, and innovation that no war can extinguish.” He added.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. M.F. Ayman.Sobh President Al-Aqsa University Gaza, expressed heartfelt gratitude to OIC-COMSTECH and the Government of Pakistan for their continued support and solidarity with Palestine. “We are deeply moved by the warmth, hospitality, and brotherhood extended to us in Pakistan. This forum gives us renewed hope to rebuild our academic institutions and create new opportunities for our students and researchers,” he said.
Dr. Sobh noted that Gaza’s universities, despite immense challenges, remain symbols of resilience, and collaboration with Pakistan would help revive laboratories, research infrastructure, and academic programs. He affirmed that the Palestinian academic community looks forward to joint projects, exchange programs, and faculty training initiatives with Pakistani institutions facilitated by OIC-COMSTECH.
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The seven-member Palestinian delegation, comprising Presidents, Rectors, and senior academic leaders from Gaza, is on a week-long visit to Pakistan facilitated by OIC-COMSTECH. During the visit, the delegation will visit leading universities in Islamabad, Faisalabad, and Lahore to explore avenues of academic collaboration and partnership with Pakistani institutions.
Farkhund Yousafzai is an Associate Editor at The Diplomatic Insight.
