Afghan medical students in Pakistan face expulsion order

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has confirmed that a government directive to expel Afghan medical and dental students applies to all such students, including those under the Allama Muhammad Iqbal scholarship program. The directive, reportedly issued following policy decisions by the Pakistani Interior Ministry, also suspends all new admissions and academic transfers for Afghan students in these fields.

Universities, including King Edward Medical University in Lahore, have begun implementing the order. Some students, including those in their final year of study, have been instructed to complete departure formalities. The sudden move has resulted in students being evicted from hostels, leaving many without housing.

In response, a group of thirteen Afghan students has filed a petition in the Lahore High Court to contest the expulsion. The petitioners argue that the PMDC must operate within constitutional and international legal limits, noting that the abrupt decision threatens the professional futures of students who have dedicated years to their education. One petitioner highlighted that she had previously fled Afghanistan to escape Taliban-imposed restrictions on women’s education.

The measure has drawn sharp criticism from Pakistani lawmakers and human rights groups. Opposition figures have condemned the decision as potentially harmful to future generations and a violation of moral responsibility, while the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan has expressed concern over the situation.