Monitoring Desk
ISLAMABAD: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has decided against two Pakistani medical colleges, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University (SMBBMU) and Dow University of Medical & Health Sciences (DUMHS), for refusing to give admission to Pakistani students based on their higher secondary education of two years.
The petitioners, Nawal and Hiba Rehan, sought the court’s assistance after being denied admission despite holding legitimate domicile and permanent resident certificates (PRCs). The petitioners were only eligible for special seats because the health department categorized them as overseas Pakistanis.
Qualified for admission on general merit: lawyer
The petitioners’ lawyer contended that the students are Pakistani nationals and Karachi residents, and
hence qualified for MBBS admission on general merit. The students passed the Medical & Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT), but the court was informed that they were denied admission because of their overseas education.
A Pakistani citizen who meets the requirements cannot be barred from applying for general merit seats,
the court said, adding that the dividing line between local Pakistanis and Pakistanis living abroad was irrational. The court directed the authorities to process the cases if the petitioners’ meet the requirements under the general merit category.
