Pakistan’s Foreign Office has clarified its position on the stay of Afghan students in the country.
Foreign Office spokesperson Sajjad Haider Khan said authorities are continuing to process visa extension requests from Afghan students.
He added that officials are handling these applications under the existing policy, rules and regulations.
Valid Visa and Passport Required
The spokesperson also explained Pakistan’s rules for foreign nationals.
Under the Illegal Foreigner Repatriation Plan, a foreign national must have a valid passport and visa to stay legally in Pakistan.
Therefore, foreign nationals who remain in Pakistan without valid documents can face deportation.
PMDC Issues Separate Instructions
The clarification comes as the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has issued separate instructions concerning Afghan students.
The council has told medical and dental institutions not to admit or place Afghan students during the current academic session.
More Read
It has also directed institutions to complete the required formalities for Afghan students already enrolled in medical and dental programmes. The students have been asked to return to Afghanistan under the prevailing policy.
However, the Foreign Office says visa extension applications remain under consideration according to existing rules. This distinction is important because academic admission rules and immigration status involve separate processes.
Visa Applications Under Existing Policy
For now, Pakistani authorities continue to review visa extension requests from Afghan students.
At the same time, students must hold valid travel and immigration documents to remain in the country legally.
The Foreign Office’s statement comes amid wider tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan. Islamabad has also continued its policy of repatriating foreign nationals who do not have valid documents.
