LAHORE – Supreme Court of Pakistan on Thursday accepted an apology tendered by Governor of Punjab Rafique Rajwana’s son in a case regarding fee hike in private medical colleges.
A two-member bench headed by the Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar and comprising Justice Ijazul Ahsan resumed hearing of the suo moto case in the apex court’s Lahore registry.
As the hearing began, Punjab governor’s son Asif Rafique Rajwana tendered an unconditional apology on influencing the case, which was accepted by the court.
When the court asked why he was calling a women lawyer, Anjum Hameed, Rajwana replied that he had family terms with the counsel.
The Chief Justice also sought details regarding fee received by colleges from the students. He observed that the money should not be a hindrance in way of getting education.
During the hearing, the court also inquired why the owner of Sharif Medical College did not appear in the court. In reply, the principal said that the owner had not received any notice.
Responding to a query, the principal said that former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif is a trustee of the college. The Chief Justice remarked that the court should then summon Nawaz to attend the hearing.
On Wednesday, the apex court summoned the son of Governor of Punjab Rafique Rajwana in the case.
During the hearing, a woman lawyer informed the court that she was threatened by owners of the medical colleges and Punjab governor’s son for taking up the issue, reported local media.
Owners and chief executives of private medical colleges also attended the hearing of the case at Lahore Registry.
The Chief Justice observed that the apex court will set the procedure and fee structure of the medical colleges across the country, adding that the owners will have to follow the pattern. He said that he would not allow the future of capable students to be ruined.
The apex court ordered all colleges to submit a report on building structure, labs, bank accounts and other facilities of the colleges within seven days. The court said that Rs100,000 fine will be imposed on not filing the reports.
The Chief Justice remarked that colleges not meeting the required standards would be shut down and hefty penalties imposed.
The apex court also barred the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council from setting up new medical colleges until further orders.
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court ordered a ban on admissions to private medical colleges across the country.
