ISLAMABAD – The Supreme Court of Pakistan on Friday suspended the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council.
A three-member bench, headed by Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar, issued the order while hearing an appeal against the Dec 7, 2017 Lahore High Court decision of suspending the council and quashing its admission rules 2016.
As per the apex court’s orders, a seven-member interim committee will be formed to handle its matters. Attorney General of Pakistan Ashtar Ausaf will be part of the team, while it will be headed by Justice Shakirullah Jan.
The attorney general will help the interim committee to outline legislation for PMDC.
Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar while announcing the verdict said that he will also monitor the interim setup personally. He also remarked that if the council is illegal, it cannot be allowed to continue.
The interim setup will be able to inspect the medical colleges, a short order said. A detailed verdict is yet to be released.
Earlier in December 2017, the Chief Justice expressed displeasure over the poor standards of medical education and high fee at private medical colleges. He also barred Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC) from accrediting new medical and dental colleges till further orders.
The court had issued restraining orders while hearing a suo motu case pertaining to exorbitant fee structure of private medical and dental colleges.
