LAHORE, October 16, 2026: The Lahore High Court (LHC) has extended its interim stay order preventing medical colleges across Punjab from expelling Afghan students while hearing petitions challenging their removal from educational institutions.
LHC Extends Protection for Afghan Medical Students
Justice Khalid Ishaq heard the petitions filed by more than 30 Afghan male and female medical students against directives issued by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC).
During the proceedings, counsel representing the PMDC requested an adjournment. The court accepted the request and postponed further proceedings while extending the previously granted interim protection for the students.
Under the extended stay order, medical colleges across Punjab remain restrained from expelling the affected Afghan students while the legal proceedings continue.
The petitioners maintained that they had secured admission to medical colleges under the Afghan refugee quota and had been admitted on merit in accordance with the applicable admission procedures.
Students Challenge PMDC Notification
They challenged a final notification issued by the PMDC on September 1, 2026, which directed their removal from medical colleges.
The students approached the Lahore High Court seeking protection against the implementation of the notification and challenging the decision affecting their continued medical education.
The court had previously granted interim relief to the Afghan students, preventing the institutions from taking action against them while their petitions remained under consideration.
The latest extension allows the existing protective order to remain in force pending further judicial proceedings.
The case remains before the Lahore High Court, with the legal challenge to the PMDC directives yet to be finally decided.