LAHORE : While issuing directives to the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) to ensure strict adherence to the notified fee structure in medical colleges, the Lahore High Court (LHC) on Thursday barred the University of Lahore from charging excessive fees from medical students.
The development came during the hearing of a petition filed by a citizen, Shehryar, who challenged the decision of private medical colleges to charge what he termed as exorbitant and unjustified fees from students seeking admission in medical programs. The petitioner argued that the excessive fee structure imposed a severe financial burden on students and their families and was in violation of the official notification issued by the competent authority.
A bench of the Justice Khalid Ishaq was hearing the matter. After examining grievances of the petitioner, the Judge expressed concern over reports that some private medical institutions were charging fees beyond the prescribed limit. The Judge observed that educational institutions are bound to comply with the regulatory framework and cannot arbitrarily fix or increase tuition fees in disregard of official directives.
The court subsequently barred the University of Lahore from collecting fees exceeding the notified amount. It also issued clear directions to the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) to ensure strict implementation of its notification regarding the annual fee structure for private medical colleges.
According to the notification referenced in the court proceedings, private medical colleges are permitted to charge Rs1.8 million per student annually. The court emphasized that this amount must be followed in letter and spirit and that no institution should exploit students by demanding additional or hidden charges beyond the approved limit.
Justice Ishaq further directed the PMDC to actively monitor compliance and take appropriate action against any institution found violating the prescribed fee structure. The court’s order is seen as a significant relief for students and parents who have repeatedly raised concerns over rising tuition costs in private medical colleges.
The case highlights the ongoing debate over fee regulation in Pakistan’s private education sector, particularly in professional degree programs such as medicine, where tuition fees are often significantly higher than in public institutions. Further proceedings in the matter are expected as the court continues to review compliance with its directives.
