PM&DC reaffirms rules for foreign medical students

Pakistan’s medical and dental education is regulated through a uniform framework designed to safeguard academic standards, institutional

Islamabad: The Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PM&DC) has reiterated that Pakistan continues to welcome foreign nationals seeking quality medical and dental education in the country, in accordance with its regulatory framework and applicable government policies. Foreign students who fulfil the prescribed academic, registration, documentation and immigration requirements are facilitated through the established system.

Pakistan’s medical and dental education is regulated through a uniform framework designed to safeguard academic standards, institutional capacity, student status and, ultimately, patient safety. These requirements apply to all foreign nationals without distinction and are not directed at any particular nationality.

With regard to Afghan medical students, the Council has undertaken a verification and regulatory review of their status in light of the applicable policy and registration requirements. The process has established that more than 200 Afghan students have been identified as studying medicine in Pakistan, whereas only 22 are presently registered with PM&DC. Of these, 14 have completed their degree programmes, while 8 are expected to graduate next year; however, completion of a medical degree does not, by itself, confer a right to remain in Pakistan for employment or medical practice. Those intending to practise in Pakistan must fulfil the applicable licensing and registration requirements.

The verification process concerning the remaining 176 students is still underway and the figure is therefore subject to final confirmation. Students who are not registered with PM&DC and do not possess the requisite permission under the applicable framework cannot be treated as lawfully enrolled foreign medical students within Pakistan’s regulated medical education system. The Council’s actions are based on documented status, applicable rules and directions of the competent authorities.

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. No foreign national can lawfully pursue medical education in Pakistan outside the prescribed regulatory framework, nor can any foreign national remain in Pakistan without the requisite valid immigration status.

The PM&DC, as the statutory regulator of medical and dental education and the medical and dental professions, is mandated to ensure that institutions and students operate within the applicable legal and regulatory framework. The Council is therefore required to act where students are found to be outside that framework, irrespective of their nationality.

At the same time, PM&DC recognizes the importance of treating students with dignity and ensuring that the process is handled in an orderly and humane manner. Students affected by the current decision are being appropriately facilitated in completing the necessary formalities and in making arrangements for their return in accordance with the applicable government policy.

Pakistan remains committed to its longstanding tradition of educational cooperation and hospitality. Foreign students who meet the prescribed requirements remain welcome in PM&DC-recognised medical and dental institutions. The Council will continue to facilitate legitimate foreign medical education while ensuring that regulatory standards, legal requirements and patient safety are not compromised.