Sindh court allows Afghan medical students to continue studies

The Sindh High Court in Pakistan on Tuesday ordered a medical university to readmit Afghan students to their classes and extended temporary judicial protection for students who have opposed returning to Afghanistan.

The ruling comes after the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council this month asked educational institutions to prepare registered Afghan students to return to Afghanistan. The council has also stopped the admission or transfer of new Afghan students in the current academic year.

By contrast, Pakistan’s foreign ministry has said that students who hold valid visas and are studying in recognised programmes may complete their education. The difference between this position and the council’s directive has created uncertainty over how the return order will be implemented and over the students’ academic status.