The Islamabad High Court (IHC) on Wednesday issued a notice to the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) regarding a petition challenging abrupt changes in the MDCAT registration and admission procedures. The petition was filed by medical students concerned about sudden shifts in registration authority and policy. Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir presided over the hearing, noting the matter’s significance for students across the country and the need for clarity in exam administration.
During the proceedings, the court instructed the petitioner’s lawyer, Raja Rizwan Abbasi, to submit detailed written arguments. Abbasi represented students who claimed the new policy created obstacles for those who had passed the exam last year. He argued that transferring registration authority from PMDC to individual colleges contradicted established regulations and caused confusion among students preparing for admission.
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Justice Tahir observed that the issue largely falls under provincial jurisdiction, as most educational powers were devolved to provinces after the 18th Constitutional Amendment. He noted that each province might adopt different policies and highlighted that individual colleges face unique registration challenges, which must also be considered in any policy decision.
Abassi cited Section 47 of the governing regulations and urged the court to direct PMDC to implement a uniform registration policy across all provinces. He emphasized that inconsistencies in the registration process could unfairly disadvantage students, affecting their admission opportunities and creating unnecessary stress during the examination period.
After a brief recess, the court resumed the hearing and formally issued notices to PMDC officials, summoning them to appear on Friday. However, the court declined the petitioner’s request for an immediate stay on the registration process, noting that PMDC’s response would be reviewed before issuing any further orders.
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The IHC’s intervention highlights growing concerns among students about transparency and uniformity in medical college admissions. As the court evaluates PMDC’s policies and provincial regulations, students and institutions await clear directives to ensure a fair and consistent registration process nationwide.