The Punjab government refuses to increase medical college seats for overseas Pakistanis’ children, despite a clear federal directive. This decision has created disappointment for many expatriate families who were hoping for a meaningful policy shift. The announcement has added pressure to an already competitive academic environment creating debate among stakeholders concerned with fairness and educational access.
The provincial admission policy for the 2025–26 session was notified in October without any significant changes. It retained the existing overseas quota of sixty-six seats, which is currently less than two percent of the total. This directly contradicts the Prime Minister’s earlier commitment to reserve a fifteen percent quota for children of overseas Pakistanis in public sector institutions, a promise that had raised genuine hope.
A Commitment Left Unfulfilled
In April, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif made a landmark declaration regarding medical admission reforms. He stated that fifteen percent of public sector medical and dental college seats would be reserved nationwide for expatriate families. This announcement was viewed as a significant move to improve relations with Pakistanis living abroad and inspire their kids to pursue higher education in their native country.
The decision was later communicated by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council. Many families believed that the upcoming admission cycle would reflect this updated policy. Expectations were high that thousands of deserving students would secure opportunities based on a fair and standardized quota.
However, Punjab’s newly released admission policy tells a different story, disappointing many applicants. The policy makes no mention of the promised increase, nor any reference to additional support for overseas students. Senior officials also quietly confirmed that the earlier provision for free education for children of overseas Pakistanis in government institutions has been removed.
Representatives of expatriate associations have called this a direct violation of the Prime Minister’s commitment. They argue that hardworking abroad families depend on such policies to secure affordable and quality education for their children. This unexpected omission has been described as a betrayal that damages trust and creates uncertainty about future government decisions.
Understanding the Seat Allocation Discrepancy
The issue becomes clearer when examining actual seat allocations in Punjab’s medical and dental colleges. There are currently 3,379 public sector seats across the province, including 3,121 MBBS and 258 BDS slots. Out of these, only sixty-six seats are reserved for children of overseas Pakistanis, representing a fraction of the total capacity.
If the Punjab government had applied the fifteen percent quota, the number of reserved seats would have risen to nearly five hundred. This would have provided substantial relief to families looking for accessible medical education within Pakistan. Many expatriates feel that the policy was straightforward and should have been implemented without unnecessary complications.
Private medical colleges in the province have offered a fifteen percent foreign quota for many years. These seats include children of overseas Pakistanis, but the tuition fees are extremely high. Annual costs around two and a half million rupees make these options unrealistic for most families. Many seats remain vacant because deserving students simply cannot afford them.
Expatriate parents argue that they are willing to pay the foreign fee of ten thousand dollars at public colleges. They believe that public sector institutions offer better quality at reasonable costs and allow students to connect with their cultural identity. This dream now seems distant as the province stands firm on its older and much smaller allocation.
Government Perspective and Administrative Challenges
Officials from the University of Health Sciences defended their decision, claiming the Prime Minister’s directive applied only to private colleges, while overseas Pakistanis cite a PMDC letter allowing the fifteen percent quota in both public and private institutions.
Punjab’s administration faces several challenges, including highly competitive admissions and potential backlash from local students. The provincial government is also considering broader reforms to reduce or remove quotas, including those for minorities and underdeveloped districts, emphasizing merit-based admissions.
- UHS claims PM directive applies only to private colleges.
- PMDC letter allows 15% quota in public and private colleges.
- Public college admissions are extremely competitive.
- Government fears backlash from local students and parents.
- Potential reforms may reduce or remove multiple existing quotas.
Overseas Pakistanis Voice Concerns
The overseas Pakistani community has expressed strong frustration over the Punjab government refusal to increase medical college seats for overseas Pakistanis children. Many expatriates send large portions of their earnings back home contributing significantly to the national economy. They feel that their contributions are overlooked when decisions like this undermine their rightful expectations.
For these families the issue is not about securing admission seats. It is also about recognition or belonging and maintaining a meaningful relationship with their country of origin. Many parents want their children to study in Pakistan to stay connected with their values, language and traditions.
Community leaders state that the decision communicates indifference toward millions of Pakistanis living abroad. They believe that if the federal government can acknowledge the value of their contributions provincial authorities should also show similar support. The situation has become even more complicated due to the federal and provincial bodies, lack of cooperation.
Legal action is currently being explored as a potential remedy. Petitions contesting the provincial policy on the grounds of procedural justice and fairness are being prepared by advocacy groups. They argue that Punjab decision contradicts a clear national directive and undermines equal access to education for expatriate families.
As the admission cycle for 2025–26 approaches uncertainty continues to rise among affected students. The failure to implement the promised quota in the country’s largest province has created a significant rift. Maintaining harmony between the government and overseas Pakistanis will require transparency, communication and decisive policy clarification.
Support and Information Through Parhlo Pakistan
For readers seeking reliable updates, guidance and educational news Parhlo Pakistan remains a trusted platform for students and parents. The website provides well researched articles, timely information and easy to understand resources for learners across the country. Its commitment to quality makes it a helpful companion for families navigating admission policies and academic challenges.
Conclusion
At a time when unity is crucial the Punjab government declines to expand medical college seats for Pakistani children living abroad. Important issues regarding administrative accountability or policy coordination and the rights of expatriate families are brought to light by the situation. One of Pakistan greatest assets is its diaspora and gaining their trust ought to be a top national priority.
The federal and provincial governments must cooperate to address these justifiable concerns as the discussion goes on. Millions of Pakistanis living abroad will benefit from a clear, equitable and cohesive policy that will boost trust and improve ties with them. Their contributions are vital and supporting their children education is a meaningful way to honor that connection.
