The fate of over 300 medical students from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa hangs in the balance due to the prolonged closure of the Torkham border. These students, hailing from various districts, are now caught in a difficult situation, with their academic futures at stake.
The sudden border closure on October 12, resulting from clashes between Pakistani and Afghan border forces, has left these students stranded and uncertain about their next steps. Many had returned home for vacations or to collect funds for their upcoming semesters, only to find themselves unable to return to their studies in Afghanistan.
A Crisis Unfolds: The Impact on Medical Education
Gul Shad Khan, a fourth-year student at Rokhan Medical Institute, shared his concerns with Dawn. He had come to his hometown, Bara, to renew his visa and pay his fees, but now faces the prospect of missing his exams and potentially losing an entire academic year.
"We are at a crossroads," Khan explained. "Our examinations are approaching, and without a resolution, we risk losing an entire year of progress."
The situation is dire for these students, especially those from middle- and lower-middle-class families. Sajid Ali, another fourth-year student, highlighted the financial constraints they face. "Many of us rely on part-time jobs in Afghan hospitals to support our studies. With the border closed, we're not only facing academic challenges but also financial strain."
But here's where it gets controversial: the Afghan higher education department is unwilling to provide an extension for their exams. Afghan authorities have made it clear that there will be no relaxation in the examination schedule.
And this is the part most people miss: the impact of this crisis extends beyond academics. The students' mental health and well-being are at risk, as they navigate the uncertainty of their situation.
The Pakhtun Students Federation has voiced its concerns, urging the Pakistani government to facilitate the students' return to Afghanistan or provide alternative arrangements. Abdul Wahab Afridi, a leader of PkSF, appealed to the interior and foreign ministries for a solution.
Additionally, nearly 1,000 Pakistanis stranded in Kabul and Jalalabad are calling for the government's attention. Fakhruddin Shinwari, a resident of Landi Kotal, shared his plight, stating that despite a relaxation for Afghan families in Pakistan, they are still unable to return home.
This situation raises important questions: How can we ensure the continuity of education for these students? What steps can be taken to address the financial and mental health challenges they face? And most importantly, will these students be able to resume their medical studies and pursue their dreams?
The future of these aspiring medical professionals is uncertain, and their stories highlight the complex challenges that arise from geopolitical tensions. What are your thoughts on this matter? Feel free to share your opinions and engage in a discussion below.
