LAHORE: The Lahore High Court has sought further arguments on the maintainability of petitions filed by Afghan medical graduates challenging their non-registration with the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) after completing their MBBS degrees.
Petitions Filed by Afghan Medical Graduates
Justice Khalid Ishaq heard petitions filed by Nazrana Bibi and other Afghan doctors, with counsel for the petitioners appearing before the court.
The petitioners’ lawyer submitted that the applicants had completed their MBBS education from Sheikh Zayed Medical College and subsequently applied to the PMDC for registration as doctors.
According to the counsel, their registration was not being processed under a new policy concerning Afghan students. The petitioners argued that the policy was inconsistent with fundamental rights and international law.
Petitioners Seek PMDC Registration
They requested the court to direct the PMDC to register the MBBS graduates as doctors.
During the proceedings, the court directed the petitioners’ counsel and the government lawyer to provide further legal assistance. The parties were also asked to assist the court regarding Pakistan’s foreign policy concerning Afghan students.
Court Seeks Further Arguments
The court sought additional arguments on whether the petitions were maintainable and adjourned further proceedings until the next hearing.