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The Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) has dismissed petitions from Sindh medical students who sought to pay their tuition in Pakistani rupees after securing admission under the overseas quota. The court upheld the Sindh High Court’s earlier decision, confirming that students must pay fees in foreign currency as per regulations.
The students argued that they had completed their education in Pakistan and that the universities incorrectly admitted them under the foreign quota. They claimed the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) failed to properly issue show-cause notices, and that students should not bear the consequences of administrative errors.
Court’s Decision
The FCC, in a three member bench led by Chief Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan, rejected these claims. PMDC’s counsel clarified that the students voluntarily applied under the overseas quota and had paid foreign fees for two years. The court ruled both students and institutions shared responsibility for admissions under the wrong quota.
Overseas Quota Regulations
Medical colleges in Pakistan reserve 5–15% of seats for international students and overseas Pakistanis. These seats require higher fees in foreign currency and follow a distinct merit system. The ruling reinforces the existing framework for overseas admissions.
“Students admitted under the overseas quota are expected to comply with foreign currency fee requirements, and the court cannot override established regulations,” the FCC stated.
