Lahore: Lahore High Court (LHC) has barred all medical colleges in Punjab from expelling Afghan students.

The court issued this order on the petitions filed by over 30 Afghan students against their expulsion.

Justice Khalid Ishaq of LHC took up the petitions for hearing.

The counsel for Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) took the plea Afghan students are not having requisite documents.

The counsel for PMDC said there is principle in all over the world no one is allowed to stay without correct visa.

Justice Khalid Ishaq inquired how the education visas were issued to these students when admission was given to them in medical colleges.

The court also raised this question how the decision was made for sending these students back after attaining education by them for four years. They should have been heard before taking any step against them.

Declaring the matter related to national security , the counsel for PMDC gave example of visa laws of US saying stay cannot be made in US without correct visa.

Justice Khalid Ishaq remarked Afghan students can be sent back after completion of their education.

Rejecting the stance about state security the court remarked there is no issue of national security in this matter.

LHC directed No medical college should either expel Afghan students or cancel their examination papers.

The court adjourned hearing of further proceedings till next Friday.

PMDC said that the students who are not registered with council and they are not having the requisite permit under relevant laws can not be considered enrolled foreign students legally in regular Medical Education system of Pakistan.