ISLAMABAD: Representatives of Pakistan Foreign Doctors Medical Graduates Association (PFDMGA) on Thursday urged the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) to implement internationally recognised and transparent examination standards.

They also called for the restoration of delisted universities which are recognised by the World Directory of Medical Schools (WDMS). The association also demanded to withdraw policies that prevented hundreds of doctors from appearing in the National Registration Examination (NRE-2) and called for action against President Dr Rizwan Taj.

The demands were made during a press conference held at National Press Club and addressed by President of PFDMGA Dr Tahir Khan Sikandari, General Secretary Dr Abdul Rehman Gujar, Spokesperson Dr Kifayatullah, Chairman Dr Nauman Umrani, Dr Waqas Akbar, Dr Syeda Fatima, Dr Samar, and Dr Adnan.

Dr Sikandari said that it was unfortunate that 7,300 candidates appeared in the NRE, but only 200 were declared to pass. He said even carbon copies of the answer sheet were not provided due to which questions were arising. Moreover, students of Afghan universities have been stopped from appearing in exams, he claimed.

Doctors claim 7,300 appear, only 200 pass, and carbon copies are not provided

He warned that they will hold a protest outside PMDC, under the leadership of Young Doctors Association Punjab President Dr Shoaib Niazi, if the issue is not addressed in a week. He demanded that the PMDC should publish detailed marks of all candidates who appeared in the previous NRE-1 examinations so that students can understand their scores, pass percentages, and reasons for failure.

It is worth mentioning that foreign medical graduates who have earned MBBS in language other than English have to clear two steps, NRE, to start house job and get licence to practice in Pakistan. Doctors demanded to issue them provisional registration so that they would start house jobs.

They appealed to the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to take strict action against PMDC. PMDC stance On the other hand, PMDC, in response to the presser, stated that the National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS), Rawalpindi, has been entrusted with the conduct of the NRE to ensure credibility, integrity, and transparency.

“NUMS has been conducting the NRE for the past two years and is responsible for paper setting, compilation, and declaration of final results. The NRE is conducted in two steps, at least twice a year, in accordance with the approved NRE Standards, Structure, and Syllabus, which are available on the official website of PMDC.

The NRE is conducted on the curriculum at par with the MBBS/BDS in Pakistan. The PMDC has no direct role in the paper development, conduct, or result preparation of the NRE examination.

The policy governing NRE results is well-defined. NUMS declares the conduct and results of the examination in a timely manner.

The results of the most recent NRE Step-I have been published on the PMDC website, and detailed marks are available through the official online portal of PMDC as well. The passing criterion for the NRE is 60 per cent, with no negative marking.”

“In addition, the PMDC provides candidates with the opportunity to apply for re-totalling of results. For the NRE held in December 2025, only two candidates submitted applications for re-totalling. As the national regulatory authority, PMDC affirms that no discrimination has been exercised at any stage of the examination process.

All procedures are conducted robustly and transparently to ensure fairness, accountability, and alignment with best national and international practices. Any allegations regarding the transparency of the examination are totally baseless,” it stated.

“The NRE for foreign medical graduates is a mandatory requirement under an Act of Parliament, aimed at ensuring transparency, standardisation, and quality in medical and dental education and professional practice in Pakistan,” the council claimed.

Published in Dawn, January 16th, 2026