In an unfortunate incident in the district of Gujranwala, Punjab, two Palestinian students were attacked by locals wielding sharp weapons, leaving them injured. The incident, which took place near the Gujranwala Medical College, highlights the challenges faced by foreign students studying in Pakistan. However, it also underscores the importance of community and international cooperation in times of crisis.
The incident occurred within the jurisdiction of the Aroop police station, where the two Palestinian students, Khaldoun Al-Sheikh and Abdul Kareem, had visited a friend in a flat. What was initially intended to be a friendly visit quickly escalated into a violent confrontation.
According to the police spokesperson, the two Palestinian students were studying at Gujranwala Medical College and had come to visit their friend. A dispute led to a physical altercation, during which the Palestinian students were attacked with sharp weapons by a group of locals. The police considered this altercation as a "regular fight," but its consequences were far from ordinary.
The Gujranwala police acted swiftly and decisively, ensuring the safety of the injured students. Both Khaldoun Al-Sheikh and Abdul Kareem were promptly taken to DHQ Hospital for medical treatment. Simultaneously, a case for attempted murder was registered against six suspects involved in the attack, setting legal proceedings in motion. The police spokesperson emphasized that all suspects had been arrested to prevent any further threat to the Palestinian students.
Khaldoun Al-Sheikh, one of the victims, filed a First Information Report (FIR) at the Aroop police station, demanding action against the attackers. In the FIR, he narrated the harrowing incident that unfolded that evening. He described how the attackers entered the room and initiated the confrontation. When the situation escalated, Khaldoun and Abdul Kareem sought refuge in another room, but the assailants pursued them with sharp knives and a glass bottle, intending to inflict severe harm or even death.
The FIR also highlighted the timely intervention of residents in the building who, upon hearing the commotion, gathered and managed to save the lives of the two Palestinian students. Their collective act of bravery served as a testament to the power of solidarity in times of crisis.
Reports indicate that the Palestinian students were residing in a flat near the Medical College alongside female students from the same country. It is believed that these locals had been harassing the Palestinian students and their co-resident female counterparts, leading to fellow countrymen advising the local students to cease their behavior. The failure to heed these warnings eventually led to the violent altercation.
The injured Palestinian students received medical care and are on the path to recovery. Their initial medical treatment provided them with the strength to provide statements to the police regarding the incident. The incident's swift response and the local authorities' commitment to justice are promising signs for the safety and security of foreign students studying in Pakistan.
The attack on the two Palestinian students in Gujranwala is a disturbing incident that highlights the challenges that foreign students can face while studying abroad. However, it is also a testament to the resilience of individuals and communities in the face of adversity. The swift and effective response of the police and the courage of the building's residents saved lives and underscored the importance of unity in protecting the rights and safety of all individuals, regardless of their nationality. As the injured students continue to recover, this incident serves as a reminder that mutual respect and cooperation are essential for a harmonious and inclusive society.
