LHC Halts Expulsion Of Afghan Medical Students From Punjab Colleges

(MENAFN- Tribal News Network) The Lahore High Court has barred all medical colleges in Punjab from expelling Afghan students from their institutions.

The court was hearing petitions filed against the expulsion of Afghan medical students from colleges. Justice Khalid Ishaq heard petitions filed by more than 30 Afghan students.

During the hearing, the counsel for the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) told the court that the Afghan students did not have valid visas and that their visas were no longer valid.

Justice Khalid Ishaq questioned how the students had been issued educational visas when they were initially admitted to medical colleges. The court observed that four years of the students' lives had been wasted and that they were now being asked to return.

Justice Khalid Ishaq remarked that the PMDC had received a“royal order” following which it issued the notification. He said the students should at least have been given an opportunity to present their position before being expelled from the colleges. The court further observed that when support had been expressed for these students, it had been widely publicised around the world.

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The PMDC counsel argued that it was a universal principle that a person could not stay in any country without a valid visa.

Justice Khalid Ishaq responded that the students had been“favourite children” until yesterday, but the policy had now changed. He remarked that if the students had to be sent back, they should be allowed to complete their medical education first.

Justice Khalid Ishaq further said that no one could stay in the United States without a valid visa either. He added that courts in the US were independent and that courts in Pakistan were also independent. In strong remarks, he said,“You might as well give these students the death penalty.”

At this point, the PMDC counsel said,“Sir, this is a matter of state security.”

Justice Khalid Ishaq replied that it was not a matter of state security.

The court subsequently ordered that no medical college would expel any student or cancel their examination papers. Further proceedings on the petitions were adjourned until September 18.

It may be recalled that the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), in a decision concerning Afghan medical and dental students, had directed Afghan students studying in Pakistan to return to Afghanistan.

In a letter issued on September 1, 2026, the PMDC directed medical colleges to complete the necessary administrative arrangements for the return of Afghan students. Relevant institutions were also directed to issue the required No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for Afghan students.

The letter stated that Afghan nationals would not be allowed admission to medical and dental programmes during the current academic session. Afghan nationals would also not be permitted placement, transfer or migration in medical and dental institutions.

The PMDC further directed medical and dental institutions not to provide any facilities to Afghan nationals and to fully comply with its earlier instructions.

Institutions that had not submitted compliance reports were directed to provide complete details within three days. According to the PMDC, action would be taken against institutions found violating the instructions, concealing information or providing unauthorised facilities.

The council said violations of the instructions could also result in regulatory action under the PMDC Act 2022.

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