The Balochistan High Court in Pakistan has postponed the decision to evict Afghan students from Bolan Medical College in Quetta until November 24, granting them permission to remain in the college and its hostels and continue their studies until that date.
Imran Khan, an Afghan student at Bolan Medical College, told the media that during the latest hearing of the case, the judge sought clarification from the government’s representative regarding the issuance of visas to Afghan students.
According to him, the government’s lawyer requested additional time to provide a response. The court accepted the request and adjourned the next hearing until November 24.
Imran Khan added that the students’ lawyer had requested the court to prevent their eviction from the college and hostels until a final verdict was issued. The court granted the request and, through an interim order, suspended the eviction proceedings.
Under the court’s decision, Afghan students are permitted to continue their academic activities at the college and prepare for their examinations until November 24.
He expressed hope that the court would extend the period of legal protection for Afghan students during the next hearing. He also noted that they had not yet received the official written copy of the court order.
Meanwhile, Syed Nazir Agha, the lawyer representing the Afghan students, told reporters following the ruling that the decision was welcome news for Afghan students. He said that the court’s judges, Muhammad Aamir Rana and Abdul Qayyum Lahri, had allowed the students to continue their education.
According to him, the Balochistan High Court has directed the administration of Bolan Medical College to facilitate the Afghan students’ continued education and accommodation in the college hostels.
It is worth noting that on October 14 this year, the administration of Bolan Medical College ordered 16 Afghan students to vacate the college and its hostels. The decision prompted protests from the students, who subsequently approached the court seeking permission to continue their studies.
The latest ruling by the Balochistan High Court provides temporary legal protection for the 16 Afghan students, allowing them to continue their education and remain in their accommodation at least until November 24.
Writer:Roya Stanikzai
