Basel Abusafer, previously a fourth-year medical student at Gaza’s Al-Azhar University, had his dreams of becoming a doctor nearly shattered by the devastation around him. “After witnessing the destruction in our city, I almost gave up hope,” he shared with Dawn. He is among the students now studying at Rawalpindi Medical University (formerly Rawalpindi Medical College) under a scholarship program introduced by PM Shehbaz Sharif in July.
Most of the students have left behind homes reduced to rubble, yet their commitment to return as doctors to serve Palestine remains unwavering. Basel expressed gratitude to the Pakistani government for this opportunity, saying it allows them to fulfill their dream of continuing their education so they can help rebuild their homeland.
In a recent welcome ceremony at RMU, Palestinian students, dressed in modest pant suits with many of the girls wearing hijabs, were made to feel at home by the Pakistani community. Students and faculty at RMU have shown them respect, care, and hospitality, striving to create a comfortable environment.
However, the year of turmoil has left deep scars. RMU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr. Muhammad Umar noted that the university is doing its best to provide a supportive environment to help the Palestinian students overcome their trauma and complete their studies.
For many, thoughts remain fixed on loved ones still enduring hardship. Hammam Mohammad Helessa shared that after his family was forced to flee to Egypt and after losing relatives to bombings, he is focused on his family’s hope that he’ll return as a doctor to aid in rebuilding Gaza’s devastated medical infrastructure.
Another student, Yara Salim, whose family also fled to Egypt, expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome she and her fellow students received in Pakistan. Though there are slight curriculum differences between Al-Azhar University’s six-year medical program and RMU’s five-year MBBS, she appreciates RMU’s faculty and students for making them feel at home.
Language has posed some challenges, but Pakistani classmates and faculty have been providing assistance, according to Ms. Salim. To further ease this transition, RMU has enlisted Arabic translators, and the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) is exploring options for the students’ house job training.
Dr. Umar also mentioned that RMU has organized special classes to help the students catch up on any gaps from their disrupted year of studies. A committee has been established to collaborate with the dean of Al-Azhar University on curriculum review, ensuring that the students stay on track with their medical education.
The Palestinian students have been given accommodations at a university hostel, but despite the support and safe surroundings, their ultimate goal is to return to Palestine once their education is complete, ready to help and serve their people.
