Pakistan bans Afghan students from studying medicine and dentistry
Pakistan’s Medical and Dental Council has announced that the education of Afghan citizens in medicine and dentistry has been banned across the country until further notice, and current students must also return to Afghanistan. The decision halts both the continuation of studies and the admission of new Afghan students at medical and dental universities in Pakistan.
In an official letter issued on Thursday, Aug. 22, the council said the decision was taken after receiving policy guidance from the relevant authorities and on the basis of a July 30, 2026 ruling by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council. Under the order, transfers of Afghan students between universities and medical centres have also been suspended.
The council also said students who have completed their studies must have their graduation and departure from Pakistan recorded and confirmed. The letter stressed that the order does not apply to just one university, but covers all public and private medical and dental universities in Pakistan.
Under the directive, universities and relevant centres are required to submit a complete report on Afghan students to the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council within three days. The council warned that any delay, concealment of information or disregard for the order could lead to legal action.
In its letter, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council said the decision is linked to Pakistan’s national policy and is considered of the highest importance. The council is the regulatory body for education and professional standards in Pakistan’s medical and dental sectors.
