ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has barred new admissions and transfers of Afghan medical students. It also directed those already enrolled to return to Afghanistan.
The directive, dated September 1, applies to public and private medical and dental institutions across Pakistan. It reiterates instructions first issued on July 31, according to the PMDC communication.
PMDC said it would not permit any admission, placement, transfer, migration or other facilitation of Afghan nationals for the current academic session. This rule will remain until further orders.
The regulator also instructed institutions to complete administrative formalities for students already enrolled. This includes issuing required no-objection certificates and facilitating their departure.
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Colleges and admitting universities that have not submitted compliance reports were told to provide complete details within three days. Furthermore, PMDC warned that delays, omissions, concealment of information or unauthorised admissions could result in regulatory action under the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council Act, 2022.
The directive comes during Pakistan’s continuing Illegal Foreigners’ Repatriation Plan (IFRP). Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior ordered authorities to arrest Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan without valid visas from July 10, 2026. It also directed administrations to accelerate repatriation and deportation procedures.
PMDC has not publicly specified how many Afghan students are currently enrolled in medical and dental institutions. It has also not said whether students close to completing their degrees will receive exemptions.
