Balochistan High Court rejects Afghan students’ plea to continue medical education in Pakistan

The Balochistan High Court has dismissed a petition filed by Afghan medical students seeking to continue their medical and dental education and postgraduate training in Pakistan, ruling that foreign nationals do not have an unrestricted right to remain in the country for education or training, contrary to government policy.

A division bench comprising Justice Muhammad Aamir Nawaz Rana and Justice Abdul Qayyum Lehri dismissed Constitutional Petition No. 1334 of 2026 concerning the continuation of medical and dental education and postgraduate training of Afghan nationals in Pakistan.

The court held that foreign nationals do not possess an indefeasible right to continue their studies or training in Pakistan in violation of prevailing government policy.

It observed that matters relating to immigration, repatriation of foreign nationals, national security and permission to continue staying in Pakistan primarily fall within the domain of the executive.

The court further ruled that Afghan nationals are entitled to humane treatment, dignity and due process under the law, but these protections do not create an unrestricted right to remain in Pakistan or continue education and training in contravention of state policy.

The bench said decisions concerning the residence, repatriation and immigration status of Afghan citizens remained within the jurisdiction of the government rather than being an automatic entitlement enforceable through a constitutional petition.

The affected students were directed to approach the Afghan Embassy for redress of their grievances.

The court subsequently dismissed the petition in limine.

Reporter: Essa Tareen