PESHAWAR: The Peshawar High Court has delivered a landmark decision in favour of Afghan medical graduates in Pakistan by declaring the notification that de-listed Afghan universities from the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) as illegal. This decision will enable the 22 affected medical graduates to appear in the National Residency Examination (NRE) and obtain PMDC certificates for house jobs.
It was decided by the court that the notification issued by the concerned authorities does not satisfy the law. Moreover, it was also ordered that the affected applicants would obtain PMDC certificates for house jobs to ensure their professional education is not hindered in any way.
In order to delist several Afghan universities, the PMDC passed an official notification on September 8, 2025. As far as the concerned applicants are concerned, they were greatly worried about the fate of their professional lives as a result of this decision. It should be noted that in this regard, the retroactivity of executive decisions was also considered illegal by the court.
According to the court, it was evident that the petitioners had already graduated from these universities before they got de-listed, and hence, no harm should be done to their rights.
Moreover, the court noted that according to its legal obligations, PMDC is required to hold examinations for these Pakistani students twice a year in order to provide them equal opportunities. It has been considered a significant move in both legal and educational spheres.
Peshawar High Court takes key decision on undocumented Afghan nationals in Pakistan
Last month, the Peshawar High Court (PHC) has dismissed petitions filed by several Afghan nationals arrested for residing in Pakistan without valid travel documents.
In a detailed written judgment, Chief Justice SM Atiq Shah clarified that the individuals detained by law enforcement agencies are Afghan nationals who lack the required legal documentation to remain in the country. Consequently, the court upheld their detention under Section 14 of the Foreigners Act.
The ruling specifically references the Government of Pakistan’s standing policy, which prohibits illegal residents from staying within the country and mandates their repatriation. The PHC has directed law enforcement agencies and relevant authorities to take all necessary steps to ensure the deportation of the petitioners.
To expedite the legal process, the court has ordered subordinate courts to complete the trials of these individuals within one month.
Furthermore, the prosecution department has been instructed to immediately transfer all related cases to the respective courts.
Copies of the decision have been dispatched to the Inspector General of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, the Peshawar Jail Superintendent, and the District Public Prosecutor to ensure immediate and strict implementation of the court’s orders.
