08/07/2026
Official Statement
Regarding the Arrest of Afghan Trainee Doctors at Sahiwal Teaching Hospital, Pakistan
The Afghanistan Islamic Medical Association expresses its deep concern and profound regret over the reported arrest of Afghan trainee doctors (postgraduate residents) while they were on duty in the operating theatre of Sahiwal Teaching Hospital, allegedly in connection with the extension of his visa.
If any legal action was deemed necessary, it should have been carried out through appropriate legal and institutional procedures, in coordination with the relevant hospital authorities, rather than in a manner that disrupted the delivery of healthcare services, affected patient care, and compromised the sanctity of the hospital environment.
For many years, Afghanistan and Pakistan have hosted thousands of students, doctors, and other professionals from one another’s countries, contributing significantly to education, healthcare, and humanitarian service. Matters relating to visas and immigration should be addressed within the framework of the law while preserving human dignity and respecting the professional status of individuals. Actions of this nature are inconsistent with the principles of professional ethics and risk undermining the longstanding academic, medical, and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries.
We respectfully call upon the Government of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and all relevant authorities to urgently review this incident, conduct a transparent and impartial investigation, and ensure that the issuance and extension of visas for Afghan students, doctors, and other professionals are handled in a timely, transparent, and efficient manner.
Policy differences and administrative matters between governments should never come at the expense of the dignity, professional reputation, and security of students, doctors, and other professionals who are present in the country for the purposes of education, specialized training, and service to humanity.
We reaffirm our commitment to justice, the protection of human dignity, adherence to professional ethics, and the provision of a safe and respectful environment for all healthcare workers and students. We sincerely hope that this matter will be resolved wisely, fairly, and in accordance with the rule of law.
