Surge in private medical college fees challenged in Supreme Court; Annual fee increases to Rs.2.8 million

Dateline Report
ISLAMABAD: Mr. Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta, an Advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, has filed a constitution petition challenging the substantial increase in fees charged by private medical and dental colleges in the country. Citing exploitation of parents and the deterioration of quality education, Bhutta’s petition urges the court to investigate the sudden surge in fees and take measures to address the issue.
Bhutta’s petition, filed under Article 184(3) of the Constitution of Pakistan, highlights the alarming trend of private medical colleges turning into profit-driven enterprises, leaving many aspiring students and their families financially burdened. According to the petitioner, fees have skyrocketed from around 5 to 6 lakh rupees to a staggering 22 lakh 50 thousand rupees annually, with reports of additional charges disguised as donations.
The petition traces back to previous attempts to address the issue, including a 2018 Supreme Court order in response to a civil misc appeal filed by Bhutta himself. However, despite the court’s intervention, fees continued to escalate, prompting the petitioner to seek action from the highest offices of Pakistan, to no avail.
In light of the deteriorating situation, Bhutta calls for a commission of inquiry under the Pakistan Commission of Inquiry Act, 2017, to investigate the sudden fee hike and identify responsible parties. The petitioner also appeals for the reduction of annual fees to a more affordable range, citing the fundamental rights enshrined in the constitution, including the right to quality education.
As the petition awaits consideration by the Supreme Court, it underscores the pressing need for systemic reforms in Pakistan’s education sector. With the futures of countless aspiring medical students hanging in the balance, the outcome of this legal battle could have far-reaching implications for the accessibility and affordability of higher education in the country.