ISLAMABAD : Students from former FATA and Balochistan, including a strong contingent of female protesters, continued their peaceful sit-in outside the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) office for the 15th consecutive day on Thursday, demanding the immediate restoration of 333 HEC medical seats withdrawn for their regions.

The protesters have issued an urgent appeal to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, urging him to intervene and reinstate the seats, which they say are a lifeline for talented youth from underserved areas. "This is not just about 10 students .it is a collective right and a matter of our future," said a student spokesperson. The protest will continue until a formal notification restoring the seats is issued.

In a separate but closely watched development, the PMDC issued a directive (No. PF-5-ADR-PM&DC/2026/1219, dated July 31, 2026) to all admitting universities, ordering a comprehensive review of Afghan nationals enrolled in medical and dental programs. The council has instructed institutions to furnish complete details of all Afghan students whether under the Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarship or other categories and to initiate NOC issuance and repatriation procedures for current enrollees. A complete ban on new admissions, transfers, or placements of Afghan nationals has been imposed until further orders. Universities have been given three days to submit compliance reports, with the PMDC warning of regulatory action under the PMDC Act, 2022 for any delay or non-compliance.

The twin issues have sparked widespread debate on educational access and national policy, with protesters vowing to stay put until their demands are met.

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