ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) issued notice to the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) regarding the abrupt changes in the procedures of the registration policy for the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT).
A single bench of Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir on Wednesday heard a petition filed against the abrupt changes made by the Council in the MDCAT examination and admission registration procedures.
The court directed Raja Rizwan Abbasi, who is representing a group of medical students, to submit written arguments in support of the case.
Justice Tahir highlighted the constitutional complexities of the matter, noting that educational authority has largely been devolved to the provinces following the 18th Constitutional Amendment.
“The matter is of provincial jurisdiction,” Justice Tahir observed, adding every province can make its own policy; the position of Sindh or other provinces can be different.”He further pointed out that individual medical colleges face their own unique registration challenges, which must also be considered.
Advocate Abbasi argued that the new policy has created significant hardship for students, particularly those who passed the MDCAT last year. He contended that the sudden shift of registration authority from the PMDC to individual colleges was a regulatory violation.
“The transfer of authority from the PMDC to colleges is against the regulations,” Abbasi contended. He submitted that the PMDC should have the power to decide on examinations and registrations.
Justice Tahir then asked the counsel to specify the exact rules that had been breached. He remarked that if a clear violation of the law was established, the court, then would not hesitate to issue appropriate orders. Abbasi subsequently cited Section 47 of the relevant law, urging the court to direct the PMDC to implement a uniform policy across all provinces to alleviate student difficulties.
Following a brief recess, the court resumed the hearing and formally issued notices to PMDC officials, summoning them to appear before it on coming Friday (Nov 14).
The court, however, rejected the petitioner’s plea for an immediate stay order against the new policy.
Despite Abbasi’s argument that the registration deadline was imminent, Justice Tahir maintained that the court would first await the PMDC’s response, scheduled to be heard on Friday.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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