Afghan Scholarship Recipients in Pakistan Face Uncertain Future Amid New Policy

A group of Afghan girls who have been awarded medical scholarships in Pakistan now face an uncertain future. They are seeking support from international organizations to prevent their return to Afghanistan.

Afghan Girls in Pakistan Face Uncertain Future Following Medical Council Directive

A group of Afghan girls who successfully secured medical scholarships in Pakistan about two years ago are currently confronted with an unclear educational situation. They are concerned that returning to Afghanistan would jeopardize their chances of continuing their studies, as higher education for girls is prohibited in the country.

These students, who were awaiting transfer to medical universities in Pakistan, have recently found themselves facing a new directive from the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council, requiring them to leave the country. One student expressed, “If I return to Afghanistan, I see no future for myself.”

The students stated that around 35 Afghan girls received their medical scholarship confirmations in September 2025 and were supposed to be transferred to universities in 2027. However, the Pakistan Medical Council informed them in July of this year that they must leave the country. This decision was implemented swiftly, without providing adequate explanations.

Deep Concerns of Afghan Girls and Appeals for Support from Global Organizations

The students have appealed to international organizations for assistance. One Afghan student said, “We urge global organizations not to remain silent in this situation and to support us.”

Since the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan, girls have been barred from continuing their education at higher levels, forcing many to seek refuge in neighboring countries, including Pakistan.

Reactions to the Pakistan Medical Council’s Decision

<p Fazal Hadi Wazin, an education rights advocate, criticized the decision, stating that host countries should be responsible for the continued education of the students. He emphasized, "The Pakistan Medical Council's decision to expel Afghan students is unjust."

Following this decision, some Afghan students have filed complaints with the Lahore High Court, but their educational status remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the Taliban government, described the decision as “inhumane” and stated that the Ministry of Higher Education is prepared to accommodate returning students in educational institutions in Afghanistan.