Last Updated on September 11, 2026 by YeJahan
YEJAHAN DESK
LAHORE (Sept 11): The Lahore High Court suspended on Friday operation of two directives by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) ordering Afghan medical students to return home.
Justice Khalid Ishaq, who was hearing a set of petitions filed by 13 Afghan students enrolled at different institutions in Lahore, made this decision after they argued that PMDC’s powers must be exercised within bounds of Constitution and international legal obligations.
The pleas were filed on Thursday following the issuance of two directives – one issued July 31st and another September 1 – ordering all Afghan medical students to leave Pakistan.
In their petitions, seven women and six men asked for suspension of these orders as they felt that PMDC had transgressed its jurisdiction under the PMDC Act.
The court ordered operation of both directives suspended with Justice Ishaq directing students be allowed continue education sit examinations return hostels at next hearing on September 18th.
Justice Khalid rejected argument by lawyer Haris Azmat saying it was matter national security, while Advocate Asad Jamal argued that petitioners’ fundamental rights should treated law.
