ISLAMABAD (APP): Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination Mustafa Kamal has informed the Senate that the government is working on a permanent mechanism to resolve the long-standing issue of reserved medical seats for students from Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Responding during Question Hour, the minister said the issue has repeatedly surfaced over the years due to the absence of a sustainable long-term policy. He noted that 194 seats were allocated in 2017–18 and 2018–19, while no seats were granted between 2019 and 2023.
He added that 333 seats were later allocated in 2023–24, and the same number continued in 2024–25 after the current government took charge. The matter also reached the Supreme Court, which directed the provision of 194 seats for one year.
Mustafa Kamal said the government is now planning a permanent arrangement by creating 333 seats for students of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to prevent recurring annual disputes. He added that the Health Ministry and PMDC have repeatedly contacted provincial governments and educational institutions to complete the formal approval process, but progress has been slow.
He further said the federal government is ready to facilitate inspections and fulfill all requirements so the seats can be regularized and students do not suffer in the future.
He also noted that interim measures were taken to avoid academic loss, which have been appreciated by parliamentarians and affected families.