The Lahore High Court on Friday suspended the implementation of notifications issued by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) directing Afghan medical students to return to their country.
Justice Khalid Ishaq issued the order while hearing petitions filed by Afghan male and female students studying at various medical colleges across Punjab. The students had challenged their removal from their colleges following the PMDC directives.
During the hearing, the petitioners’ lawyer argued that the PMDC had exceeded its legal authority by issuing the notifications under the PMDC Act. He said the students were not given an opportunity to present their case before the decision was taken.
The lawyer asked the court to declare the notifications unlawful and suspend their implementation until a final decision on the petitions.
Opposing the petitions, the PMDC lawyer argued that the Afghan students did not have the required documents. He said international rules do not allow anyone to remain in a country without a valid visa.
The PMDC counsel also described the matter as one involving national security and referred to visa regulations in the United States, arguing that people cannot stay in a country without valid visas.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the court suspended the disputed notifications and directed that the Afghan students be allowed to continue their studies, appear in examinations and return to their respective hostels.
The court also sought responses from the PMDC and other respondents and adjourned further proceedings until next Friday.
