Lahore court blocks expulsion of Afghan medical students

The Lahore High Court has temporarily blocked the expulsion of Afghan medical students from colleges in Punjab province, allowing them to continue their studies and use university dormitories until a hearing scheduled for September 18. The decision provides temporary relief to students in Punjab but leaves those in other provinces facing continued uncertainty. Justice Khalid Ishaq issued the stay order on September 11 while hearing petitions from more than 30 Afghan students challenging directives from the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council. The PMDC had issued notifications on July 31 and September 1 ordering the expulsion of enrolled Afghan students and barring new admissions to medical and dental colleges across Pakistan. Under the court order, affected students in Punjab can continue their education, sit for examinations, participate in clinical training, and return to their dormitories. Students in Lahore reported being allowed back into university housing following the ruling. During the hearing, the PMDC's lawyer argued that the students lacked valid documents and that the matter concerned state security.