KEMU expels 20 Afghan MBBS students as PMDC tightens rules
KEMU takes action against 20 students
King Edward Medical University has started action against 20 Afghan MBBS students, including seven in their final year, following fresh directions from the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council.
The Afghan MBBS students have been asked to complete the required administrative formalities through the Office of the Assistant Registrar MBBS within 24 hours.
The development has led to reports about KEMU afghan students expel, although the university notification says the students were directed to complete formalities rather than confirming that all 20 had already been expelled.
Details of affected students
A KEMU notification dated September 7 lists 22 Afghan nationals associated with the university.
Of these, 20 are currently enrolled in the MBBS programme, while two have recently graduated.
The enrolled Afghan MBBS students include one first-year student, six second-year students, four third-year students, one fourth-year student and seven final-year students.
The presence of seven final-year students has raised particular concern because they were reportedly close to completing their medical degrees.
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What PMDC has ordered
The action follows a PMDC letter dated September 1 concerning Afghan nationals enrolled in medical and dental institutions across Pakistan.
Under the PMDC ban on Afghan students, medical and dental institutions have been barred from granting new admissions, placements, transfers or migrations to Afghan nationals during the current academic session until further orders.
The council has also instructed institutions to facilitate the return of previously enrolled Afghan students to Afghanistan.
The PMDC ban on Afghan students requires institutions to complete necessary administrative formalities, documentation and clearances for their departure.
Wider policy creates uncertainty
The PMDC directive comes amid a wider government policy concerning Afghan nationals in Pakistan.
A Health Ministry official said an “in principle” decision had been made to send Afghan students enrolled in Pakistani medical universities back to Afghanistan.
Universities have been asked to provide details about Afghan students and identify how many are studying in each academic year.
The information is expected to help authorities determine the next steps for the Afghan MBBS students affected by the policy.
Visa status remains important
Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said that under the Illegal Foreigner Repatriation Plan, foreign nationals without valid visas and passports can face deportation.
He also said authorities were continuing to process visa extension applications from Afghan students under existing rules and regulations.
The situation means the KEMU afghan students expel issue may depend on the students’ individual status and the implementation of the PMDC instructions.
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Final-year students face biggest concern
The development has caused particular concern among the Afghan MBBS students who are already in their final year.
Leaving Pakistan before completing their degrees could create major difficulties for students who have spent several years studying at the university.
The PMDC ban on Afghan students has not publicly announced a special exemption for students who are close to graduation.
For now, KEMU has begun the required procedures following the council’s instructions.
The KEMU afghan students expel development is being closely watched as authorities determine how the directive will affect the students and their medical education.
