Across Punjab, hundreds of nursing students are facing an injustice that threatens not only their education but their future. These students, many of them young women from distant and underprivileged areas such as Multan and Bahawalpur, secured admission to nursing colleges in good faith. They invested years of their lives, paid fees, attended classes, and prepared for examinations. Yet today, through no fault of their own, their academic careers stand at risk.
The core issue arises when colleges are de-affiliated by the University of Health Sciences (UHS) under Section 40 of the UHS Ordinance 2002. While regulatory oversight is necessary, the problem begins when students are punished for institutional violations committed by colleges or administrations. Once a college is de-affiliated, students are left in limbo, unable to receive roll numbers, barred from examinations, and forced into prolonged litigation.
This matter has already been addressed by the Honourable Lahore High Court, Multan Bench, in Writ Petition No. 14973 of 2025 (Rashida Bibi etc. vs UHS). Justice Ahmed Nadeem Arshad issued clear and binding directions:
Students cannot be penalized for the failures of institutions.
The Court explicitly ordered that roll numbers be issued and examinations conducted so that students’ academic years are not wasted.
Furthermore, the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council (PNMC) has formally notified UHS to adjust these students and facilitate their participation in examinations. Despite judicial clarity and regulatory support, implementation remains stalled.
This ongoing resistance raises serious concerns about governance, administrative competence, and respect for the rule of law. Repeated non-compliance with court orders not only undermines students’ futures but also erodes public trust in educational regulators.
These are not matters that should repeatedly reach courts. Departments are meant to resolve issues, reduce disputes, and protect citizens, not force vulnerable students into years of litigation. Ignoring judicial directions may even expose officials to contempt proceedings, a risk that should never arise in student-centric matters.
This message is directed to:
- The Health Minister of Punjab, Mr. Suleman Rafiq
- The Chief Minister of Punjab
- All appointing authorities responsible for leadership at UHS
Educational institutions require competent, merit-based leadership, individuals who understand policy, respect courts, and prioritize students. Arbitrary de-affiliation without a lawful bypass or student-protection mechanism is not only unjust but contrary to law.
These students are not statistics. They are future nurses, healthcare providers, and contributors to society. Justice delayed for them is justice denied.
It is time to act, decisively, lawfully, and humanely.