Justice Khalid Ishaq heard petitions filed by more than 30 Afghan medical students challenging their removal from colleges. During the hearing, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) counsel told the court that the students did not hold valid visas.
The judge questioned how education visas had been issued to the students when they were admitted to medical colleges. He observed that the students had already spent four years of their lives pursuing their education and questioned the decision to send them back before completing their studies.
The PMDC lawyer argued that a valid visa is required to remain in any country. In response, Justice Khalid Ishaq said the students could eventually be sent back but should be allowed to complete their medical education first.
The court also rejected the argument that the matter was purely related to state security, with the judge questioning the basis for such a claim.
The Lahore High Court ordered that no medical college would expel any of the students or cancel their examination papers. Further proceedings on the petitions were adjourned until September 18.
The development comes after the PMDC directed Afghan medical students already studying in Pakistan to return to Afghanistan.
In a September 1, 2026 letter, the council instructed medical colleges to complete administrative procedures for their return and directed relevant institutions to issue the required no-objection certificates (NOCs).