New Directives Halt Practical Training for Afghan Medical Students in Pakistan

Two medical universities in Pakistan have issued new directives that halt practical training for Afghan students, raising significant concerns among the affected individuals.

End of Practical Training at Swat and Bannu Universities

Two medical universities in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan have notified Afghan students and doctors that they must immediately cease their practical training and specialization courses and leave the dormitories. This decision was based on a letter issued on October 13 by the supervisor of medical affairs at the Swat Central Hospital.

The recent decision follows official correspondence from the head of the Swat Medical Institute and aligns with Pakistan’s overarching national policies. Earlier in September, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council announced a general expulsion of Afghan students from medical fields and banned the admission of foreign nationals in these disciplines.

Temporary Injunctions and New Restrictions

In response, Afghan students have sought temporary injunctions from state courts in Peshawar, Lahore, and Sindh to challenge this process. However, it remains unclear if the recent decisions by Swat and Bannu universities are in line with these legal instructions or are independently motivated.

The president of the Afghan Student Association in Pakistan recently stated that the Pakistani Prime Minister’s office has sent a letter to all universities mandating the complete suspension of practical training for Afghan medical students.

Widespread Concerns and Reactions

According to this directive, no Afghan student, regardless of their visa status, will be permitted to enroll in universities in the country unless they were accepted before the beginning of September. This decision particularly impacts female students, forcing them to gather their academic documents and leave their dormitories.

The recent developments have generated serious concerns among students and professional associations. Organizations like “Doctors Without Borders” and provincial doctor associations have deemed these decisions to be against humanitarian and ethical standards, warning that the educational future of hundreds of young Afghans is at stake. They have called upon Pakistani authorities to reconsider this decision and provide opportunities for Afghan young doctors to complete their professional training.