KARACHI: The Edhi Foundation has initiated a program offering a monthly stipend of Rs 25,000 ($90) to 70 students from Gaza who are presently enrolled in different local educational institutions. The organization’s senior official pledged on Saturday to support these students in maintaining their studies and livelihood.
Pakistan accommodates numerous foreign students, predominantly from the Middle East, who are enrolled in colleges and universities across various cities in the country. These students typically pursue higher education in disciplines such as medicine, engineering, and business.
Prior to Israel’s recent military campaign, which began in October, many Palestinian students were also residing in Pakistan. As a result of the ongoing conflict, which has resulted in over 32,000 deaths and the displacement of a large portion of Gaza’s population, many of these students have experienced difficulties in receiving financial support from their families.
“The relentless Israeli bombardment has inflicted widespread devastation upon Palestine, particularly Gaza, depriving its residents of even the most basic necessities such as food and health care,” Faisal Edhi, the head of the iconic Edhi Foundation in Pakistan, was quoted as saying in Arab News. “Amid this crisis, Palestinian students studying in Pakistan are facing unprecedented challenges as their families back home are displaced and left homeless due to the destruction. They are not getting support from their family.”
“Around seventy of them are from Gaza, the most severely affected area,” he went on. “The Edhi Foundation has come forward to provide these 70 students with vital financial assistance, enabling them to sustain their studies and livelihood, in recognition of their dire circumstances.”
As an initial gesture of support, Edhi notified each student that they would get Rs 25,000 per month for the next six months.
“This support will be extended for an additional six months if necessary,” he added.
