ISLAMABAD: Nursing students of Khyber Medical University (KMU) Islamabad campus on Monday held a protest against the delay in issuance of licences by Pakistan Nursing Council (PNC) and closed the entrance to the campus at Park Road.

The students said a number of their colleagues had completed the nursing course and got degrees but now they were being told by the PNC that their university was not registered with it so licences for house job and practice cannot be issued.

One of the protesters, talking to Dawn, said the development had affected their academic and professional future.

“Our degree programme has been successfully completed and it has now been more than six months but the university administration has failed to facilitate our registration with the PNC, which is mandatory for our professional practice,” he said.

A female student said they were not provided with internship opportunities, which were essential for gaining practical experience and starting their careers.

“This delay is causing severe stress, uncertainty and loss of valuable time for all affected students,” she said.

“The university has already collected all required fees from students. However, now the administration is denying responsibility and is not taking any concrete steps to resolve this issue. We have repeatedly tried to address this matter through peaceful communication, formal complaints and written applications, but, unfortunately, no action has been taken so far,” she said.

Another student said that they also approached PNC but it claimed that the licences can only be issued to students of registered institutions.

“We request the concerned authorities to take notice and address the issue as our careers are at serious risk,” he said.

Published in Dawn, April 28th, 2026