Saira Imran Islamabad High Court issued a notice to the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC). The notice came after a petition challenged sudden MDCAT policy change case. It involves new rules for exams and student registrations that many medical students found unfair and confusing.
Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir heard the case and directed the petitioner’s lawyer, Raja Rizwan Abbasi, to submit written arguments. The court noted that education became a provincial matter after the 18th Amendment. It said each province has the right to create its own policies.
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During the hearing, Justice Tahir questioned why they brought a provincial issue under federal control. He said each province could have its own stance and policy on MDCAT exams and registrations. He also added that colleges face their own registration issues, and the court cannot ignore them.
Lawyer Raja Rizwan Abbasi argued that last year’s students are now facing difficulties because of the sudden change in the registration process and the transfer of powers from PMDC to medical colleges. He said this transfer was against the rules, as only PMDC has the authority to make such decisions.
The court asked the lawyer to specify which laws they violated so it could issue an appropriate order. Justice Tahir stated that if the law is clear, the court will act accordingly. Abbasi referred to Section 47, arguing that PMDC should maintain a uniform policy across all provinces to avoid student confusion.
After a short break, the court resumed the hearing and officially issued notices to PMDC officials, calling them to appear on Friday. However, the court denied the petitioner’s request for an immediate stay order, stating that it would first review PMDC’s response.
Abbasi mentioned that the registration deadline was the same day, but Justice Tahir said the notice had already been issued and PMDC’s reply would be reviewed on Friday.
The case highlights growing concerns among students about frequent and sudden changes in the MDCAT policy. The court’s notice to PMDC aims to bring clarity and fairness for all medical students across provinces.
In conclusion, the MDCAT Policy Change Case has opened discussions about transparency and consistency in Pakistan’s medical education system, with students hoping for a fair outcome that protects their academic future.
