Islamabad- Hundreds of Kashmiri students who earned Pakistani medical degrees are struggling to practice in India, sparking concerns over civil liberties and the right to education. Despite years of study and financial investment, these graduates remain in bureaucratic limbo due to restrictive policies by Indian authorities.
NMC Ban and Legal Hurdles
The crisis began after the National Medical Commission (NMC) issued a 2022 notice barring Indian citizens from enrolling in medical colleges in Pakistan. The advisory stated that students with such degrees would not be eligible to sit for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination (FMGE), a requirement to practice in India.
The restriction applies to those who joined after December 2018 without security clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs. According to reports, hundreds of students who enrolled before the notice remain stuck, awaiting eligibility certificates despite completing degrees.
Impact on Kashmiri Students
Students like Asma and Haider, who traveled to Pakistan for affordable education, now face uncertainty. Many invested years and significant savings, only to be denied the chance to serve their communities. “We work as observers in private hospitals but remain off official records,” said one graduate.
Experts argue the policy disproportionately affects Kashmiri students, limiting their career prospects and deepening social stigma. Rights activists warn that such restrictions amount to curbing educational freedoms guaranteed under the Indian Constitution.
Human Rights Concerns
Legal experts and advocacy groups say the move criminalizes education choices and violates international norms on the right to education. “The narrative labeling these students as security risks has led to social exclusion,” said Nasir Qadri, a human rights lawyer.
Observers note that students with Pakistani medical degrees are subjected to repeated security checks, police summons, and even home visits. Many report mental health struggles and fear of ostracism.
Future Uncertain
While Pakistani authorities have offered temporary licenses for Kashmiri graduates to work in Pakistan, prospects within India remain bleak. Advocacy groups have appealed to the UN Working Group, urging India to review its policy.
Analysts warn that without intervention, Kashmir’s healthcare system could face shortages, as qualified local talent is pushed out. For now, hundreds of young doctors wait in limbo, their futures tied to a policy seen as politically motivated rather than based on merit or public interest.
