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PM&DC Addresses Nationality Concerns
The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC) clarified on Thursday that there is no nationality-based prohibition on medical education in Pakistan, stating that its ongoing review of Afghan medical students is a matter of regulatory compliance and documentation rather than discrimination against any particular nationality .
In a statement, the PM&DC said Pakistan continues to welcome foreign nationals seeking medical and dental education in the country in accordance with its regulatory framework and applicable government policies, adding that foreign students who fulfilled the prescribed academic, registration, documentation, and immigration requirements were facilitated through the established system .
Verification Findings
The council said a verification and regulatory review of Afghan medical students had established that more than 200 were studying medicine in Pakistan, whereas only 22 were presently registered with PM&DC. Of these, 14 had completed their degree programmes while eight were expected to graduate next year .
The council noted that completion of a medical degree does not by itself confer a right to remain in Pakistan for employment or medical practice, and that those intending to practice in Pakistan must fulfil applicable licensing and registration requirements. The verification process concerning the remaining 176 students was still underway and the figure was subject to final confirmation .
Regulatory Framework and Compliance
PM&DC said students who were not registered with it and did not possess the requisite permission under the applicable framework could not be treated as lawfully enrolled foreign medical students within Pakistan’s regulated medical education system . “It is important to clarify that there is no nationality-based prohibition on medical education in Pakistan. The issue is one of compliance with the applicable regulatory, documentation and immigration requirements,” the statement said .
The council said no foreign national could lawfully pursue medical education in Pakistan outside the prescribed regulatory framework, nor could any foreign national remain in Pakistan without valid immigration status. It recognised the importance of treating students with dignity and ensuring the process was handled in an orderly and humane manner, adding that affected students were being facilitated in completing necessary formalities and making arrangements for their return in accordance with applicable government policy .
