ISLAMABAD: The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has issued notices to the federation, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC), and a private medical college, seeking their responses to a petition challenging excessive fee charges.

Justice Arbab Muhammad Tahir, while hearing an application filed by a Yemeni student, Yasir, restrained the college from charging an annual fee exceeding Rs1.8 million.

During the proceedings, the petitioner’s counsel, Shafqat Abbas Tarar, argued that the applicant is a second-year MBBS student and that the PMDC has capped the annual fee for private medical colleges at Rs1.8 million. However, the college is demanding Rs2.45 million, in violation of the PMDC Act 2022.

The counsel further submitted that despite approaching the college administration, no relief was granted. Instead, the student was allegedly threatened with being barred from appearing in final examinations and denied issuance of an admit card over non-payment of the disputed fee.

The court directed that, for the time being, the petitioner may deposit Rs1.8 million and restrained the college from charging any amount beyond the prescribed limit or taking adverse action against the student, including preventing him from sitting in examinations.

Notices were issued to all respondents, and the hearing was adjourned till a date to be fixed by the court office.

Published in Dawn, April 3rd, 2026