Afghan medical students in Pakistan plead for exemption from repatriation order
Afghan medical and dental students in Pakistani colleges, including about 350 women, are urging the government to let them finish their degrees after the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council ordered them to return to Afghanistan.
About one thousand Afghan nationals, including 350 female medical and dental students, are currently studying in Pakistani institutions through scholarships, reserved seats and technical assistance programmes. The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council issued a directive demanding these students return to Afghanistan, prompting a protest led by Anayatullah Momand, a final-year MBBS student and spokesperson. He warned that the order jeopardises the futures of those near graduation, especially women, who face a ban on education under the Taliban.
The students ask for an exemption for those already enrolled while accepting the overall ban on new Afghan admissions. The Afghan ambassador suggested admission in Afghanistan, but students doubt the value of unrecognised Afghan degrees. Although the Lahore High Court has temporarily halted the PMDC’s eviction orders, colleges such as King Edwards Medical University have still ordered Afghan nationals to vacate, leaving many uncertain about their studies and visa status.
Why it matters
The decision could deprive thousands of Afghan students, especially women, of higher-education opportunities amid restrictive policies in Afghanistan.
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