LAHORE: The Lahore High Court has issued an interim stay against the eviction of Afghan medical students from medical colleges in Punjab and sought responses from the University of Health Sciences (UHS), Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) and the concerned medical colleges.
Justice Khalid Ishaq heard petitions filed by 13 Afghan nationals, including Sabiha Daftani and Waheeda Asad Rasool. The petitioners, who are enrolled in medical programmes, were represented by Advocate Asad Jamal.
Students say they hold valid study documents
According to the petition, the Afghan students are studying at various medical colleges in Punjab, with several currently in their fourth and fifth years.
The petitioners said they had been awarded fully funded medical seats under the Allama Muhammad Iqbal 4,500 Scholarship Programme. They also claimed to hold valid Pakistani study visas and passports.
The students alleged that they were being asked to obtain clearance from their institutions and return to Afghanistan despite, according to their petition, there being no specific federal order cancelling their stay under the Foreigners Act, 1946.
They further argued that no individual decision had been issued cancelling their permission to remain in Pakistan or changing the terms of their stay.
Students fear disruption to education
The petition claimed that PMDC had issued directions concerning the return of Afghan students, while medical colleges had issued notifications asking them to obtain clearance and leave for Afghanistan.
The petitioners also expressed concern about possible forced eviction and alleged that police were harassing Afghan female students residing in university hostels.
They argued that the situation could disrupt their classes, examinations and hostel accommodation.
The students asked the court to prevent their forced deportation until they complete their medical education and allow them to continue attending classes, taking examinations and residing in their hostels.
The court has sought responses from the relevant institutions while providing interim relief against the students’ eviction