The Peshawar High Court has temporarily barred the arrest and deportation of 17 Afghan doctors, allowing them to continue their specialist training in Pakistan.
The decision was issued by a bench comprising Justice Ijaz Anwar and Justice Kamran Hayat Miankhel while hearing a petition filed by the doctors. The petitioners are working and undergoing professional training at two private hospitals in Peshawar.
The doctors have asked the court to overturn the decision of the Pakistan Medical Commission (PMC) to deport Afghan medical trainees. They have also requested the court to direct the hospital administrations to allow them to continue their internships, duties, and practical training without delay.
During the hearing, the petitioners’ lawyer, Tariq Afghan, told the court that his clients had entered Pakistan on valid student visas. However, the process of extending and renewing their visas has been suspended.
Previously, the Pakistan Medical Commission had decided to repatriate Afghan medical students from Punjab province. Following that decision, Afghan medical students in Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Islamabad, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have approached the courts to seek legal protection of their rights.
Writer:Roya Stanikzai
