PESHAWAR: Khyber Medical University (KMU) Vice Chancellor of Prof. Dr. Zia Ul Haq has assured the Afghan students studying in the varsity that they would be provided with the same educational opportunities and resources as their Pakistani counterparts.
Giving this assurance in a recent meeting with representatives of Afghan students, Prof. Dr. Haq stressed KMU’s dedication to promptly addressing their concerns and ensuring a smooth integration into university life.
The meeting focused on key challenges faced by Afghan students, particularly the delays in obtaining equivalency certificates from both Afghan and Pakistani educational boards.
To address these issues, it was proposed that the deadline for submitting these certificates be extended until the conclusion of the first semester exams. Students failing to provide the required documents by this deadline will have their admissions canceled.
In response to these challenges, Prof. Dr. Haq announced that the tuition fee structure for Afghan students admitted on open merit would be identical to that of Pakistani students. Additionally, a focal person will be appointed at each affiliated institution to assist Afghan students with the admission process and facilitate their entry into open merit programs.
The meeting also addressed the delays in research work for Afghan postgraduate students, caused by visa-related issues that prevent them from travelling to Pakistan for consultations with their supervisors. To resolve this, it was recommended that supervisors conduct online consultation sessions twice a week to ensure timely guidance and support.
Language barriers between Afghanistan and Pakistan were also acknowledged. To assist with this, special examinations will be arranged to help Afghan students improve their grades. Moreover, Afghan students will be encouraged to organise cultural activities at KMU, promoting cultural exchange and enriching the university community.