The Lahore High Court has temporarily halted the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council’s decision to dismiss Afghan medical students from medical institutions in Pakistan.
According to the details, the court issued the interim relief on Friday, September 20, while hearing a petition filed by Afghan students challenging the PMDC’s decision. The judge emphasized that the affected students should be given an opportunity to complete their medical education.
The development came a day after 13 Afghan medical students approached the Lahore High Court in protest against the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council’s decision. The students sought legal protection and challenged the move that could have disrupted their ongoing studies.
The court’s intervention provides temporary relief to the students, who have expressed concerns about the impact of the PMDC decision on their academic careers. Medical education requires several years of study and practical training, making any sudden termination potentially disruptive for students close to completing their qualifications.
The case has also drawn attention to the broader issue of Afghan students pursuing higher education in Pakistan. Calls have been made for educational matters to be handled separately from political and diplomatic tensions between the two countries.
The Lahore High Court’s temporary order means the matter will remain under judicial consideration as the court examines the legal grounds behind the PMDC decision. Further proceedings are expected to determine the final status of the students and whether they will be allowed to continue their studies without interruption.