Pakistan expelled all Afghan doctors

The Pakistani government has ordered all Afghan doctors undergoing specialized medical training, as well as medical students in the country, to leave the country by midnight on Saturday, October 10, Afghan news portal Tolo news reported on Saturday.

In an official directive dated October 6, obtained by Tolo news, the Office of the Prime Minister of Pakistan indicated that all Afghan doctors who are undergoing specialized training, working in medical institutions or conducting private practice are required to leave the country before the deadline.

According to Islamabad's decision, those medical students who do not have the necessary documents, are not registered with a specialized medical council, or who have already completed their training in general medical or dental specialties must also return to Afghanistan.

At the same time, Afghan students studying on official government scholarships of Pakistan can continue their studies provided they have valid visas, legal documents and permission from the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Pakistan, the portal clarifies.

On October 7, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council ordered universities to provide details of passports, visas and academic status of Afghan students within three working days. Universities have also been instructed to complete the registration of eligible Afghan students by October 15 and provide official confirmation of compliance with government directives.

In addition, the Government of Pakistan has until further notice limited the admission of new Afghan students to medical and other higher education institutions in the country, with only certain exceptions as part of government policy.