Published : 17 Aug 2026, 07:07 PM
Updated : 08 Sep 2026, 09:33 AM
Pakistan has suspended medical and dental education for Afghan students, covering both those already enrolled and new admissions, according to an official directive issued by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PM&DC).
The directive will remain in force “until further notice” and follows policy guidance from the relevant authorities and a PM&DC decision taken on Jul 30, the Khama Press News Agency reports.
Under the order, Afghan students currently studying medicine or dentistry in Pakistan must return to Afghanistan. New admissions of Afghan students to medical and dental programmes have also been suspended.
The directive also bars the transfer or migration of Afghan students between medical and dental institutions in Pakistan.
Students who have completed their studies must have their graduation and departure status recorded and confirmed, according to the document.
The order applies nationwide to all public and private medical and dental universities and institutions, rather than a single university or educational centre, Khama Press reported.
Medical and dental institutions have been instructed to submit comprehensive information on Afghan students to PM&DC within three days.
The council has warned that delays, non-compliance or withholding information will be taken seriously and could lead to legal action.
The move could disrupt the studies of Afghan students already pursuing medical and dental qualifications in Pakistan, forcing some to leave before completing their programmes.
The directive comes as Pakistan continues to regulate the admission and registration of medical and dental students through PM&DC, the statutory body responsible for regulating medical and dental education and maintaining standards in the country.
PM&DC has also issued separate regulations requiring medical and dental colleges to register admitted students with the council and comply with its admission rules.
