Council says review of Afghan medical students concerns registration, documentation and immigration compliance, not nationality.
Web Desk: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC) has clarified that there is no nationality-based prohibition on medical education in Pakistan, saying its ongoing review of Afghan medical students is focused on regulatory compliance, registration and documentation rather than discrimination.
In a statement issued Thursday, the council said foreign nationals who meet the required academic, registration, documentation and immigration conditions can continue to pursue medical and dental education in Pakistan through the established regulatory system.
PM&DC explains review of Afghan students
The clarification comes as the PM&DC reviews the status of Afghan nationals studying medicine in Pakistan.
According to the council, more than 200 Afghan students were found to be studying medicine in Pakistan, but only 22 were presently registered with PM&DC.
Of those 22 students, the council said 14 had completed their degree programmes, while eight were expected to graduate next year.
The PM&DC added that the verification process for the remaining 176 students was still underway, meaning the figure could change following completion of the review.
Council says registration is mandatory
The PM&DC said students who are not registered with the council and do not have the required permissions under the applicable framework cannot be treated as lawfully enrolled foreign medical students within Pakistan’s regulated medical education system.
The council stressed that its actions are based on documented status, applicable regulations and directions from competent authorities.
It specifically rejected the characterization of the review as a nationality-based restriction.
“There is no nationality-based prohibition on medical education in Pakistan,” the council said.
Foreign students remain eligible under regulations
PM&DC regulations provide for foreign-student and foreign-quota admissions subject to defined eligibility requirements. The council’s published regulations allow private medical and dental institutions to admit students against foreign seats within specified limits, subject to eligibility criteria.
The council’s current FAQ likewise states that foreign seats can account for up to 15% of annual allocated seats, with eligibility linked to foreign nationality or overseas Pakistani status, education completed outside Pakistan and foreign residency requirements.
This framework means that nationality itself is not being presented by PM&DC as a blanket barrier to medical education; rather, students must satisfy the applicable admission and regulatory requirements.
Students being facilitated, says PM&DC
The council said it recognises the importance of treating affected students with dignity and ensuring the process is handled in an orderly and humane manner.
According to PM&DC, students affected by the current review are being facilitated in completing necessary formalities and making arrangements for their return in accordance with applicable government policy.
The council also reiterated that foreign students who fulfil the prescribed requirements remain welcome at PM&DC-recognised medical and dental institutions.
Degree completion does not automatically allow practice
PM&DC also clarified that completing a medical degree does not automatically give a foreign national the right to remain in Pakistan for employment or medical practice.
Foreign graduates seeking to practise in Pakistan must fulfil the applicable licensing and registration requirements, according to the council.
The council said it would continue to facilitate legitimate foreign medical education while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, legal requirements and patient-safety rules.
