Medical Students Lose Case on Overseas Quota Fees. Medical students in Sindh have faced a major legal setback. A top court has ruled that students admitted under the overseas quota must continue paying their fees in foreign currency. They cannot switch to Pakistani rupees later.
This decision affects students who completed their education in Pakistan but applied under the foreign or overseas quota.
What the Case Was About
Several medical students filed petitions asking the court for relief. They wanted permission to pay their tuition fees in Pakistani rupees instead of dollars or other foreign currencies.
They argued that:
- They studied in Pakistan.
- Universities still admitted them under the overseas quota.
- The mistake was made by institutions, not students.
The students said it was unfair to burden them with higher fees.
Court Decision Explained
A three-member bench of the Federal Constitutional Court, led by Chief Justice Amin-ud-Din Khan, heard the appeals.
The court:
- Upheld the earlier ruling of the Sindh High Court
- Dismissed all student petitions
- Refused permission to pay fees in rupees
The judges agreed that students were not entitled to change the fee structure after admission.
PMDC’s Position
The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council told the court that:
- Students applied voluntarily under the overseas quota
- They paid fees in foreign currency for two years
- The challenge came only after enjoying overseas quota benefits
PMDC argued that both students and institutions shared responsibility.
Why the Students Lost
The court noted some key points:
- Overseas quota has clear rules
- Higher fees are mandatory under this quota
- A separate merit system applies
- Students accepted these terms at admission
Because of this, the court ruled that the fee structure could not be changed mid-way.
What Is the Overseas Quota?
In Pakistani medical colleges:
- 5 to 15 percent seats are reserved
- These seats are for international students and overseas Pakistanis
- Fees are charged in foreign currency
- Admissions are strictly regulated by PMDC
This system helps institutions manage costs and maintain standards.
Impact of the Ruling
This judgment sends a clear message:
- Overseas quota rules will be enforced strictly
- Courts will not allow fee changes after admission
- Students must choose quotas carefully
Future applicants will need to understand fee obligations before applying.
Final Thoughts
The court’s decision reinforces existing medical education regulations in Pakistan. While the situation is difficult for affected students, the ruling highlights the importance of informed choices during admissions.
