Washington, September 10 (Daily Kiran) : Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on the Pakistani government to reverse its decision to expel Afghan medical and dental students and to restore their admissions. The organization issued a statement on Thursday, revealing that Pakistan has instructed all medical and dental institutions to arrange for the return of Afghan students to their home country.
HRW described this move as a new effort by Pakistan to send Afghan citizens out of the country. The organization highlighted that this decision is particularly grave for Afghan female students, as the Taliban has imposed restrictions on women’s access to universities and medical education in Afghanistan. Forcing them to return would effectively end their chances of becoming doctors or dentists.
The organization also noted that Pakistani medical institutions have ceased new admissions for Afghan citizens. For example, King Edward Medical University in Lahore has ordered 20 Afghan medical students, including four women and seven final-year students, to complete their departure formalities within 24 hours.
According to HRW, approximately 100 Afghan medical and dental students in Lahore may be affected by this decision, with 20 to 40 of them being female students. Many of these students have sought safe shelter and legal assistance out of fear of potential deportation.
HRW referenced the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), stating that Pakistan is a party to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The country is obligated to ensure equal access to higher education based on merit, without discrimination. Terminating admissions solely based on Afghan citizenship contradicts the provisions of this covenant.
The organization also pointed out that it has previously documented cases of arbitrary arrests and forced repatriations of Afghan citizens in Pakistan. According to HRW, Pakistan has a responsibility to adhere to the principle of non-refoulement, which prohibits sending individuals back to places where they may face persecution, torture, or serious threats.
HRW has urged the Pakistani government to rescind the expulsion orders, restore admissions for Afghan students, lift the ban on new enrollments, and allow them to legally remain in Pakistan until they complete their studies.
Notably, last month, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) issued an order suspending the medical and dental education of Afghan students. This order applies to both new admissions and those already enrolled. The PMDC also imposed a ban on the transfer or migration of Afghan students between medical and dental institutions in Pakistan.
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