The Balochistan High Court has dismissed a petition filed by Afghan medical students seeking to continue their education in Pakistan.
The students wanted to continue their medical and dental studies. They also sought permission for postgraduate medical training in Pakistan.
A division bench of the Balochistan High Court heard Constitutional Petition No. 1334 of 2026. Justice Muhammad Aamir Nawaz Rana and Justice Abdul Qayyum Lehri were part of the bench.
The court ruled that foreign nationals do not have an unrestricted right to remain in Pakistan for education. It said such a right cannot override existing government policy.
The judgment also addressed broader issues related to immigration and the stay of foreign nationals. The court said these matters mainly fall within the executive’s authority.
According to the ruling, decisions about immigration, repatriation, and national security remain government responsibilities. The government also has authority to determine whether foreign nationals can continue staying in Pakistan.
The Balochistan High Court recognised that Afghan nationals are entitled to humane treatment. They are also protected by legal safeguards, dignity, and due process.
However, the court said these protections do not provide an automatic right to remain in Pakistan. They also cannot guarantee continued education or training against state policy.
The bench observed that residence and immigration status are matters for the government. Such matters do not automatically become enforceable rights through a constitutional petition.
The court further stated that foreign nationals must follow the prevailing policies of the state. Education and professional training cannot be used as a basis for bypassing immigration rules.
The Afghan students had approached the court to seek relief over the continuation of their medical education. Their petition also covered postgraduate training opportunities in Pakistan.
The court did not grant the requested relief. Instead, it directed the affected students to approach the Afghan Embassy.
The embassy was identified as the appropriate forum for addressing their grievances. The students can seek assistance through diplomatic channels regarding their concerns.
The Balochistan High Court subsequently dismissed the petition in limine. This means the petition was rejected at the initial stage without proceeding further on its merits.
The ruling clarifies the distinction between legal protections and an unrestricted right to remain in Pakistan. It also reinforces the government’s authority over immigration and residency matters.
The decision could affect Afghan nationals seeking to pursue education or professional training in Pakistan. However, the ruling specifically concerns the petition and the applicable government policy.
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The court maintained that humanitarian protections remain available to Afghan nationals. At the same time, those protections do not override the government’s immigration decisions.
