Sindh Court Protects Afghan Medical Students’ Right to Continue Their Studies

BAREEN Media – The Sindh High Court in Pakistan has ordered a medical university in Karachi to restore Afghan students’ access to classes and hostels, allowing them to continue their studies while their case is being considered.

The decision follows a September 1 order by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council asking medical institutions to facilitate the return of Afghan students to Afghanistan and stopping new admissions of Afghan nationals in medical and dental programmes.

Lawyers for the students told the court that some Afghan students had been blocked from attending classes, had their biometric access disabled, and faced removal from university hostels.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry has said Afghan students with valid visas who are enrolled in recognised educational programmes can complete their studies.

The case is particularly significant for Afghan women and girls, who are currently barred from higher education in Afghanistan. Sending them back before they complete their medical studies could prevent them from finishing their education and professional training.