ABBOTTABAD: A crucial consultative meeting was held at the Abbottabad University of Science and Technology (AUST) between the university administration and the Al-Khidmat Foundation Hazara chapter to strategize support for Palestinian students pursuing higher education in Pakistan. The meeting focused on admission processes, sponsorship, and overall cooperation.
Representing AUST were Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Malik Mujaddid-ur-Rehman and Additional Director Student Affairs (International Students) Rashid Mahmood. The Al-Khidmat Foundation delegation included Hazara President Ghazan Iqbal Khan, Senior Vice President Abbottabad Dr. Abdul Waheed Alvi, Director Educational Projects Prof. Ramzan Shirazi, Executive Member Muhammad Waseem Malik Advocate, and Deputy Secretary Wajihullah Khan.
Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mujaddid-ur-Rehman welcomed the participants, highlighting that AUST is the first university in the region to offer admissions to Palestinian students in various BS and MS programs. He announced that the first batch of 9 Palestinian students is enrolling and will soon commence classes, with plans for future admissions.
Describing the initiative as a symbol of love and empathy between Pakistan and Palestine, the VC assured that AUST would meet not only the academic but also the non-academic needs of these students according to international standards, ensuring a safe, dignified, and home-like environment.
“These Palestinian students are our guests today, but tomorrow they will return to their homeland as ambassadors of Pakistan, forever remembering the hospitality of our people,” Dr. Mujaddid-ur-Rehman stated. He expressed hope that AUST’s initiative would serve as a beacon for other universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The Vice-Chancellor commended Al-Khidmat Foundation’s educational and welfare services and requested their cooperation in providing full sponsorship and enhancing the academic capabilities of the Palestinian students.
Al-Khidmat Foundation Hazara President, Ghazan Iqbal Khan, affirmed his organization’s full support for this vital humanitarian and educational mission. He assured that Al-Khidmat would not only sponsor the students but also provide comprehensive social and psychological guidance and assistance.
Concluding the meeting, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mujaddid-ur-Rehman extended heartfelt thanks to the guests, expressing optimism that this partnership would strengthen and become more effective over time.
