The Pashtun National Jirga has strongly condemned the Pakistani government’s recent decision to expel Afghan students from universities and student dormitories across the country, describing the action as a stark reflection of disregard for basic rights and human dignity.
Kabul 24: In a statement published on its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the Jirga emphasized that Afghan students have committed no legal or administrative violations during their stay. It highlighted that these scholars entered Pakistani academic institutions strictly through official, legal channels and merit-based scholarship programs, having duly satisfied all institutional requirements.
Expressing deep concern over the academic futures of these scholars, the Pashtun National Jirga urged Pakistani authorities to immediately reverse the policy and allow Afghan students to resume their education without fear, disruption, or intimidation.
The Jirga characterized forcing young scholars to abandon their higher education as a “clear manifestation of cruelty, hostility, and arrogance” against individuals striving for academic advancement.
This statement comes amid a growing wave of criticism from human rights advocacy groups, academic bodies, and civil society organizations following decisions by Pakistani medical and educational councils to revoke registrations and demand the immediate departure of Afghan nationals.
Observers warn that politicizing higher education and international scholarships not only inflicts severe psychological distress and career setbacks on students, but also undermines long-standing cultural and cross-border community ties between the two populations.
