Pakistan suspends medical, dental education for Afghan students

ISLAMABAD, Aug 17:  Pakistan has suspended medical and dental education for Afghan students, covering both those already enrolled and new admissions, according to an official directive issued by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC).

The directive will remain in force “until further notice” and follows policy guidance from the relevant authorities and a PM&DC decision taken on Jul 30, the Khama Press News Agency reports.

Under the order, Afghan students currently studying medicine or dentistry in Pakistan must return to Afghanistan. New admissions of Afghan students to medical and dental programmes have also been suspended.
The directive also bars the transfer or migration of Afghan students between medical and dental institutions in Pakistan.

Students who have completed their studies must have their graduation and departure status recorded and confirmed, according to the document.

The order applies nationwide to all public and private medical and dental universities and institutions, rather than a single university or educational centre, Khama Press reported.

Medical and dental institutions have been instructed to submit comprehensive information on Afghan students to PM&DC within three days.

The council has warned that delays, non-compliance or withholding information will be taken seriously and could lead to legal action.
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