Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai has described the decision by relevant Pakistani institutions to prevent Afghan medical students from continuing their studies in Pakistan as “regrettable” and called for the decision to be reversed.
Karzai emphasized that the education of young people, scientific activities and cooperation between academic institutions should remain separate from political disagreements between countries. He said educational opportunities should not be affected by disputes between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
The former president also expressed appreciation for political and social figures in Pakistan who have opposed the decision affecting Afghan medical students. He urged the Pakistani government to reconsider the decision and take steps to allow the students to continue their education.
Karzai’s remarks come amid concerns among Afghan students studying in Pakistan, particularly those pursuing medical education. Any disruption to their studies could affect students who have already spent years pursuing professional qualifications and may create additional uncertainty about their academic futures.
He called for greater cooperation between educational and scientific institutions of the two countries, stressing that academic and scientific ties should be protected despite political differences.
The issue has drawn attention from Afghan and Pakistani circles, with calls for dialogue and a reconsideration of policies affecting students. Karzai’s statement adds to pressure for the matter to be addressed through diplomatic and educational channels rather than allowing political tensions to interfere with the education of Afghan youth.