Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has confirmed that foreign nationals will continue to be allowed to study medicine in Pakistan, provided they meet all prescribed educational, registration, documentation and immigration requirements.
The council said there are no nationality-based restrictions on pursuing medical education in the country, but regulatory, documentary and immigration conditions must be fulfilled by all foreign students.
PMDC data shows more than 200 Afghan students have been identified as studying medicine in Pakistan, of whom only 22 are registered with the council. Of these registered students, 14 have already completed their degree programs, while the remaining eight are expected to graduate next year.
The council clarified that completing a medical degree does not automatically entitle graduates to practice medicine or seek employment in Pakistan. Applicable licensing and registration requirements must still be met before any medical practice can begin.
Verification of the remaining 176 Afghan students is currently underway, and PMDC noted that this figure remains subject to final confirmation. Students who lack PMDC registration and the required permissions cannot be considered legally enrolled foreign medical students, the council said, adding that no foreign national can pursue medical education in Pakistan outside the prescribed regulatory framework. It further stated that residing in the country without valid immigration status is not legal.
PMDC said action would be taken against students found operating outside this framework, regardless of nationality. At the same time, affected students are being provided adequate facilities to complete necessary procedures, and repatriation arrangements are being facilitated in line with government policy.
The council reiterated that foreign students who meet all prescribed requirements will continue to be welcomed at PMDC-recognized institutions, stressing there will be no compromise on regulatory standards, legal requirements, or patient safety.
