A decision by Pakistan\u2019s Medical and Dental Council to send Afghan medical and dental students back has disrupted the studies of a number of students who were nearing completion of their training programmes. Under the order, Afghan students previously enrolled in medical and dental programmes in Pakistan must return to Afghanistan, while admissions of new students have been suspended until further notice.<\/p>\n
In a letter to medical and dental institutions across the country, Pakistan\u2019s Medical and Dental Council asked them to complete the administrative procedures for the departure of these students, including issuing no-objection certificates and facilitating their return. The council also said that no admission, placement, transfer, academic migration or other facilities will be allowed for Afghan nationals in the current academic year.<\/p>\n
The Taliban administration\u2019s embassy in Islamabad expressed concern over the decision and called for it to be reviewed. In a statement, the embassy said the move could seriously affect the future and academic progress of students who had legally begun their education in Pakistan and, after years of expense, time and effort, had reached the final stages of their studies.<\/p>\n
The statement said Afghan students should not be made victims of political developments and disputes, and that sectors such as education, science and human relations should remain free from political conflict. The Taliban administration\u2019s embassy also urged Pakistani educational institutions and relevant international organisations to act to protect these students\u2019 educational rights.<\/p>\n
The decision comes amid rising tensions between Kabul and Islamabad. Pakistan has previously introduced restrictive measures against Afghan citizens, especially migrants and students, and the latest decision could extend those restrictions to higher education as well.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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