PMDC announces special measures for AJK students affected by internet shutdown 

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has announced a series of special measures to ensure that students from Azad Jammu and Kashmir

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has announced a series of special measures to ensure that students from Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), who have been affected by prolonged internet disruptions, are able to participate in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT) without facing unnecessary obstacles. As part of these initiatives, the PMDC has established a dedicated examination center in Islamabad and has also reached a preliminary agreement to set up a regional PMDC office in Azad Kashmir.

The decisions were made during a meeting between AJK Secretary of Health Brigadier Aamir Raza and Joint Admission Committee Chairman Professor Dr. Faisal Bashir with PMDC President Professor Dr. Rizwan Taj, Registrar Brigadier (Retd.) Rehan Naqvi, and Director of Admission Affairs Dr. Imdad Ali Khushk. The meeting focused on the registration challenges faced by AJK students due to the prolonged internet shutdown and explored practical solutions to ensure that no eligible candidate is deprived of the opportunity to take the MDCAT.

During the meeting, the Secretary of Health of the AJK government informed PMDC officials that the ongoing internet suspension in the region had created serious difficulties for students attempting to complete their online registration for the entrance examination. He requested the council to extend every possible facility to affected students so that deserving candidates would not miss the examination because of circumstances beyond their control.

Speaking on the occasion, PMDC President Professor Dr. Rizwan Taj stated that the council had already introduced several special measures to facilitate students from Azad Kashmir. He emphasized that the Government of Pakistan remains committed to ensuring equal opportunities for every eligible student seeking admission to medical and dental colleges, regardless of the challenges they face.

Dr. Rizwan Taj explained that, considering the extraordinary circumstances in the region, the deadline for MDCAT registration with the regular fee had been extended twice. Initially, the deadline was extended until July 13, and later it was further extended until July 23, 2026, to provide additional time for students affected by the communication disruptions to complete their registration process.

The PMDC President further said that students from Azad Kashmir had been given multiple options for submitting their registration applications. In addition to the online process, applications could be sent through WhatsApp, email, postal mail, or submitted in person. He also assured students experiencing registration difficulties that they could contact the PMDC directly, where officials would provide all possible assistance to help them complete the process successfully.

To further support students, the PMDC has established a special MDCAT examination center in Islamabad specifically for candidates from Azad Kashmir. A public notice has already been issued regarding the facility, and a dedicated focal person has been appointed to guide students throughout the registration and examination process. The council hopes these measures will reduce confusion and ensure smooth coordination for affected candidates.

During the meeting, PMDC President Professor Dr. Rizwan Taj and Registrar Brigadier (Retd.) Rehan Naqvi assured the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir of their full cooperation in addressing students’ concerns. Both sides also reached a preliminary agreement to establish a PMDC regional office in Azad Kashmir to improve access to council services for students and healthcare professionals in the region. The proposal will now be presented to the PMDC Governing Body for formal approval.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the AJK Secretary of Health and the Chairman of the Joint Admission Committee appreciated the PMDC’s timely response and the special facilities provided for students affected by the internet shutdown. They expressed confidence that these initiatives would ensure that no eligible student from Azad Jammu and Kashmir would be deprived of the opportunity to appear in the MDCAT because of technical or communication-related difficulties.