PESHAWAR: More than 200 Afghan medical students have been identified in Pakistan, but only 22 are currently registered with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), according to information released by the regulator.
The PMDC said 14 of the 22 registered students have completed their medical degrees, while the remaining eight are expected to graduate next year. The status of the other 176 students is being verified as part of an ongoing regulatory review.
The council clarified that there is no nationality-based ban on foreign students pursuing medical education in Pakistan. However, all foreign medical students are required to meet applicable educational, registration, documentation and immigration requirements.
The PMDC also stressed that completing a medical degree alone does not grant a foreign national the right to remain in Pakistan, seek employment or practise medicine in the country.
Foreign medical graduates who wish to practise in Pakistan must fulfil the relevant licensing and registration requirements before being allowed to provide medical services.
According to the PMDC, arrangements are being made to facilitate affected students in completing the required legal procedures and, where applicable, making arrangements for their return in accordance with government policy.
The regulator said academic standards, legal requirements and patient safety would remain the key considerations in dealing with the matter.