Pakistani Medical Students Stranded at Torkham Border Amid Afghan Closure
Dozens of Pakistani medical students enrolled in Afghan institutions have been left stranded at the Torkham border for several days, raising serious concerns over missed classes and imminent examinations. Approximately 30 to 35 students, stuck on the Pakistani side of the crossing for the past three days, staged a protest on Thursday evening, urgently calling on authorities to facilitate their movement into Afghanistan.
Academic Schedules Disrupted by Border Issues
The students revealed they are enrolled at Aryana Medical University in Jalalabad and had traveled to pursue medical education, but the prolonged closure of the border has severely disrupted their academic schedules. One protester emphasized, "Education should not suffer because of political or administrative tensions between neighbouring countries," appealing to both Pakistani and Afghan authorities to intervene on humanitarian grounds.
Another student, Noor-ul-Haq Afridi, expressed deep concern about their future, stating, "We are protesting to save our future. Our classes and crucial exams are at stake." He added that they had yet to receive any response from Pakistani officials, exacerbating their anxiety.
Examination Deadlines and Financial Strain
According to the students, examinations for those studying in Jalalabad are scheduled to begin on April 4, while Pakistani students in Kabul have already missed at least a week of classes. Many of those affected come from financially constrained backgrounds, and the prolonged wait at the border has added to their expenses for accommodation and travel, as well as causing significant stress.
The students appealed to authorities in both countries to allow at least limited cross-border movement for students so they could attend classes and sit their examinations on time. Local residents and members of civil society also voiced concern, urging urgent action to prevent long-term damage to the students’ academic careers.
Protest and Repatriation Efforts
Protesters held placards calling on border authorities to allow them to cross into Afghanistan to resume their studies. Meanwhile, officials noted that the repatriation of Afghan nationals was continuing through the Torkham crossing. Over the past three days, 4,421 Afghan citizens have returned to Afghanistan via the border, according to official data, highlighting the ongoing movement despite the students' plight.
This situation underscores the broader challenges faced by students in cross-border educational pursuits, with calls for diplomatic and administrative solutions to support their academic journeys.
