LAHORE: (Wednesday, October 22, 2025): Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali has announced that PU will extend full academic support to help re-build universities in Gaza, adding that PU faculty members will also voluntarily teach Palestinian students online. He expressed these views during a meeting with vice chancellors of Palestinian universities visiting PU here on Wednesday. The delegation included President of Al-Aqsa University Prof Ayman M.F. Sobh, Chairman Board of Trustee of the University of Palestine Prof Saleem Sabah, and professors from Gaza University. On this occasion, PU Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood, Director External Linkages Prof Dr Yamina Salman, OIC-COMSTECH Focal Person Muhammad Murtaza Noor, deans from various faculties and administrative officers were present. Under facilitation of OIC-COMSTECH, a delegation comprising of Vice Chancellors and senior representatives of leading universities from Gaza-Palestine is on 7 days visit to Pakistan to explore mutual avenues of academic collaboration for rebuilding Gaza in the areas of higher education and health sectors.

Addressing the delegation, PU VC Prof Dr Muhammad Ali said that the people of Palestine are very close to our hearts. He said that PU will provide free education and hostel facilities to Palestinian students. He added that Pakistan has always raised a strong voice against the atrocities in Gaza at every international forum and has remained firm on its principled stance. He said that it is one of the worst genocides in human history. Dr Ali strongly condemned Israel’s aggression and reiterated PU’s readiness to assist in every possible way in the reestablishment of Gaza’s universities. He emphasized that Muslim countries need to advance in technology to stand strong in the modern world, noting that technological backwardness has left them vulnerable. He said that PU will also provide counseling for Palestinian students facing mental health challenges. President of Al-Aqsa University Prof Ayman M.F. Sobh expressed gratitude, saying that Palestinians are deeply touched by Pakistanis’ love and solidarity. He mentioned that all universities in Gaza have been destroyed during the war, and while online courses have started, significant challenges remain. He hoped that after the ceasefire, reconstruction of the country and its educational institutions will begin soon. Murtaza Noor said that special efforts will be made to facilitate Palestinian students' admissions in Pakistani universities.