ISLAMABAD: After being criticised for different standards for different postgraduate programmes, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has issued equal standards regarding the registration of postgraduate medical and dental qualifications.

These include MS, MD, MDS, MPhil, PhD, FCPS, MCPS and diploma programmes awarded by Pakistani universities, institutions and the College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan (CPSP).

According to a statement, the council deliberated extensively on cases involving qualifications obtained from training institutions not recognised under Section 25 of the PMDC Act, 2022, as well as matters relating to limited, time-bound amnesty provisions previously granted to facilitate registration.

“PMDC’s Postgraduate Medical Education Committee, earlier in its meeting, resolved that postgraduate qualifications obtained from unrecognised training sites and not falling within the amnesty deadline of 31 December 2023 cannot be registered by PMDC. The Secretariat was directed to process pending applications accordingly and strictly in accordance with the law and Council decisions.”

After detailed deliberation, the council decided to harmonise the registration process for all postgraduate qualifications awarded by universities and CPSP. It was resolved that the determining factor for registration shall be the date of induction or enrolment in the training programme in relation to the promulgation of the PMDC Act, 2022. Accordingly, candidates enrolled before the Act may be considered for registration under the amnesty provisions, subject to fulfillment of all prescribed conditions.

“The council reiterated its decision dated June 4, 2023, which clearly distinguished between candidates enrolled or qualified before the promulgation of the PMDC Act, 2022, and those enrolled afterward. Wherein, it was resolved that the PMDC Act, 2022, does not have a retrospective effect; therefore, candidates enrolled or qualified before January 16, 2023 would be considered under the previously applicable legal framework. However, candidates enrolled after the date must meet the requirements of recognition of their qualification, degree-awarding institution and training site by PMDC in accordance with Section 25 of the Act,” the statement said.

PMDC President Prof Dr Rizwan Taj affirmed that equal treatment will be ensured for every specialist in accordance with the law.

“These measures are made to safeguard merit, maintain uniform standards and uphold the quality and integrity of medical education and specialist training across Pakistan. The council remains committed to transparent governance, regulatory compliance and the continuous strengthening of postgraduate medical education in the country,” he said.

Published in Dawn, March 1st, 2026