Lahore High Court Intervenes to Protect Afghan Medical Students from Expulsion

The Lahore High Court in Pakistan has temporarily halted the expulsion of Afghan medical students following protests from 30 Afghan students and the review by Judge Khalid Ishaq.

Lahore High Court Stops Expulsion of Afghan Students

On Friday, September 20, the Lahore High Court, located in Punjab province, issued a temporary injunction against the Medical and Dental Council of Pakistan’s order that barred Afghan students from continuing their medical education and canceled their examinations. This decision was made by Judge Khalid Ishaq during the urgent consideration of a case brought forth by over 30 Afghan students enrolled in medical universities in Punjab.

The students, represented by lawyers Junaid Jabbar and Asad Jamal, challenged the decisions made by the Medical and Dental Council in August and September. Junaid Jabbar stated that the students are legally and regularly enrolled in Pakistan, insisting that the Council or universities have no right to abruptly deny them their educational opportunities.

Details of the Court’s Decision

The Afghan students requested the court to allow them to sit for their examinations and access hostel facilities. The presiding judge highlighted that the Council’s notifications dated July 31 and September 1 are temporarily suspended, emphasizing that no university has the authority to expel students or prevent them from sitting for exams until the next hearing.

During the session, the legal representative of the Medical and Dental Council raised issues regarding the visas of Afghan students. In response, the judge questioned, “If there were issues with their visas, how were student visas issued to them?” He also stressed the importance of providing students with the opportunity to express their views.

Reactions to the Court’s Decision

The Afghan students welcomed the Lahore High Court’s decision, viewing it as a fair and just ruling. Faiz Wardak, an Afghan student at Nishtar Medical College, stated that the ruling is rightful and urged the Pakistani government and the Council to issue a statement to reassure the students.

Syed Haider Khan, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan, also responded by stating that there are no restrictions on Afghan students’ studies, assuring that any student with a valid visa can continue their education.