Academic quota: K-P govt, Khyber Medical University given 15 days to submit reply

PHC told quota seats for non-Muslims in medical institutes of K-P is just one.

PESHAWAR: The provincial government and Khyber Medical University (KMU) have been given 15 days to submit their replies regarding the allocation of quota seats for non-Muslims in medical institutions.

A two-member Peshawar High Court (PHC) bench comprising Justice Nisar Hussain and Justice Ikramullah Khan issued notices to the KMU and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) government on Tuesday while hearing a petition filed by Ansa Anam.

Anam’s lawyer Mian Mohibullah Kakakhel told the bench protecting the basic rights of non-Muslims is the responsibility of the government.

The counsel further said in a similar case a few months ago the PHC had issued an order directing the provincial government to ensure 6% quota seats for non-Muslims in all education institutes of the province.



He also informed the court that the federal government has directed all provincial governments to allocate 6% quota seats in all educational institutes for non-Muslims. “K-P has only allocated one seat, while the other three provinces have allocated 5%,” he stated.

“At the moment 1,800 seats are available in various medical institutions of the province and only one seat is available for non-Muslims in just Khyber Medical College. Even if the government allocates 1% of seats for non-Muslims, 18 students could be accommodated but the government does not do that,” said Kakakhel.

Kakakhel contended the allocation of one seat for non-Muslims is unfair and the government should be directed to follow the PHC and federal government’s directives.

Following this, the bench issued notices to the provincial government, health secretary and KMU vice chancellor seeking their reply within 15 days.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 11^th, 2013.