PMDC directs medical colleges to send Afghan students back home

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has issued new directives concerning Afghan medical students in Pakistan, instructing medical and dental institutions to complete administrative procedures related to their return to Afghanistan.

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has issued new directives concerning Afghan medical students in Pakistan, instructing medical and dental institutions to complete administrative procedures related to their return to Afghanistan.

According to a letter issued by the PMDC to medical colleges, relevant institutions have been directed to complete the necessary administrative process and issue required no-objection certificates (NOCs) to Afghan students where applicable.

The PMDC has also imposed restrictions on the admission of Afghan nationals to medical and dental programmes during the current academic session.

Under the new directives, Afghan citizens will not be permitted to secure placements, transfers or migrations in Pakistani medical and dental institutions during the current session.

The council has instructed medical and dental colleges to strictly follow its previous directives and refrain from providing any unauthorized facilities or assistance to Afghan nationals.

Institutions that have not submitted compliance reports have reportedly been directed to provide complete details within three days.

The PMDC warned that institutions could face regulatory action if they fail to follow the instructions, conceal relevant information or provide unauthorized facilitation to Afghan students.

According to the council, violations may result in regulatory proceedings under the PMDC Act 2022.

The latest communication also refers to an earlier PMDC letter issued on September 1, saying that the new instructions reiterate directives issued on July 31 concerning Afghan students.

The development affects Afghan nationals seeking admission, placement, transfer or migration in medical and dental institutions in Pakistan.

Medical colleges and dental institutions have been asked to ensure compliance with the council’s instructions and submit the required information within the specified timeframe.

The PMDC’s latest directive is expected to have implications for Afghan students who are currently studying medicine or dentistry in Pakistan, as well as those seeking admission or transfer during the ongoing academic session.

The council has emphasised that institutions must adhere to its regulatory instructions and warned of action against those found violating the directives.

The move comes as Pakistani medical and dental institutions are being asked to implement the council’s updated policy concerning Afghan nationals and ensure that all relevant administrative and regulatory requirements are fulfilled.