KEMU gives 22 Afghan MBBS students 24 hours to complete formalities

The directive was issued through Registrar’s Office Notification No. 1272/REG/KEMU/2026, dated September 7, 2026, with reference to a PM&DC letter dated September 1 concerning

LAHORE: King Edward Medical University (KEMU) Lahore has directed 22 Afghan nationals enrolled in its MBBS programme to complete required “codal formalities” within 24 hours, following instructions received from the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC).

The directive was issued through Registrar’s Office Notification No. 1272/REG/KEMU/2026, dated September 7, 2026, with reference to a PM&DC letter dated September 1 concerning the status of Afghan nationals enrolled in medical and dental institutions across Pakistan.

The university has instructed the affected students to complete the required procedures through the office of the Assistant Registrar MBBS within the specified deadline. The notification states that strict compliance is required and has been circulated to the Vice Chancellor and other relevant officials.

The 22 students are spread across different stages of the MBBS programme. The list includes one first-year student, six second-year students, four third-year students, one fourth-year student and eight final-year students. Two additional individuals on the notification are listed as recently graduated.

The development has generated concern among students, activists and social media users, particularly because several of those affected are reportedly close to completing their medical education. Critics have expressed fears that students who have spent years pursuing their degrees could face uncertainty over their academic and professional futures.

Questions have also been raised over the nature of the “codal formalities” mentioned in the notification. The KEMU order does not publicly specify what documents or procedures the students are required to complete, nor does it clarify whether their enrolment, examinations or degrees could be affected.

The directive comes amid broader regulatory scrutiny concerning Afghan nationals studying medicine and dentistry in Pakistan. The PM&DC communication cited by KEMU appears to have prompted the university to seek compliance with the council’s instructions.

The exact implications for the 22 students remain unclear, while KEMU and PM&DC have yet to issue a detailed public explanation regarding the requirements or the students’ future academic status.