PMDC instructs medical, dental colleges not to admit Afghan students for 'current academic session’'

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has instructed medical and dental colleges in Pakistan to prohibit the admission or placement of Afghan students for the current academic session. Students who were previously enrolled in such programs are now required to return to Afghanistan, according to a PMDC communication dated September 1, 2026. The council is urging all institutions to complete necessary administrative tasks to facilitate the departure of Afghan students.

Meanwhile, there have been reports of Afghan nationals being expelled from public sector medical colleges in Lahore. A health ministry official confirmed that an "in principle" decision has been made to send these students back to Afghanistan due to tensions between Islamabad and Kabul. The PMDC has been notified about the number of Afghan medical students, but some may have been overlooked or misidentified. The council will share these lists with the relevant authorities.

Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan clarified that the decision only applies to Afghan students and not others. He also mentioned that Pakistani authorities are still processing visa extension applications for Afghan students based on existing policy. The vice chancellor of a medical university confirmed receiving the PMDC instructions and stated that they are currently gathering Afghan students' details in accordance with the council's guidelines.

Over the years, millions of Afghans have fled to Pakistan due to ongoing conflicts. In June, the Ministry of Interior issued a directive to arrest Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan without valid visas starting from July 10. A deportation drive was renewed in April last year when the government revoked residence permits for Afghan nationals, warning them of arrests if they did not leave. As of 2025, Pakistan deported a total of 1,155,221 Afghan nationals.