The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has allowed Palestinian medical and dental students to complete undergraduate clinical training in Pakistan on humanitarian grounds, providing an important opportunity for students whose education has been disrupted by the conflict in Gaza.
Under the arrangement, Palestinian students can receive the mandatory clinical training required to complete their medical or dental education at selected Pakistani institutions. The initiative is intended as a humanitarian measure rather than a permanent pathway for foreign medical graduates.
However, the PMDC has clearly stated that the permission does not allow students to undertake house jobs, postgraduate training, medical practice or professional registration in Pakistan. They also cannot use the arrangement as a route to obtain a Pakistani medical or dental licence.
Pakistan has already hosted Palestinian medical and dental students affected by the war. For example, Palestinian students from Al-Azhar University in Gaza have completed clinical training at the University of Lahore, with dozens graduating in 2026.
The PMDC has directed medical and dental institutions to strictly follow the limits of the humanitarian arrangement and not make additional commitments to Palestinian or other foreign students beyond what is officially permitted.
The initiative reflects Pakistan’s efforts to support Palestinian students and help them continue their professional education despite the disruption caused by the conflict. After completing their approved training, students are expected to receive their primary qualifications from their parent institutions and return to serve their communities.
