senate health subcommittee
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Senate health subcommittee discusses A-Level, FSc …

ByJustpaste.in

Pakistan’s Senate Health Subcommittee held an important meeting to discuss concerns surrounding the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT), the country’s medical education policies, and the increasing number of students pursuing medical education abroad. The session was chaired by Senator Samina Zehri, the convener of the subcommittee, and attended by Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal, Senator Anusha Rahman, Senator Shahzaib, and officials from the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC).

During the meeting, Senator Samina Zehri highlighted the significant differences between Pakistan’s FSc (Faculty of Science) education system and the internationally recognized A-Level qualification. She remarked that Pakistan’s education system is well known for its challenges and that the disparity between the two academic streams should not be overlooked when formulating admission policies for medical colleges.

Responding to these concerns, Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal stated that the MDCAT examination is designed in a way that does not favor either A-Level or FSc students. He explained that the test includes questions that can be answered by candidates from both educational backgrounds, ensuring fairness in the admission process. According to the minister, the examination aims to assess students’ knowledge and aptitude rather than the curriculum they have studied.

Mustafa Kamal further suggested that a detailed analysis should be conducted to determine how students from different educational backgrounds perform in the MDCAT. He pointed out that approximately 95,000 students had passed the examination and proposed collecting data from the past five years to determine how many successful candidates came from A-Level and FSc backgrounds. Such data, he said, would provide evidence-based insights for future policy decisions.

The minister also assured members of the committee that the details of the assessment committee responsible for the MDCAT would be submitted within 24 hours. In response, Senator Anusha Rahman stated that the Senate committee was currently assisting the ministry in reviewing the admission process and therefore required complete information about the committee members involved in preparing and evaluating the examination.

Following the discussion, Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal formally assured the committee that all requested information regarding the assessment committee would be provided within the promised timeframe.

During the meeting, Senator Anusha Rahman also called for a review of the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council’s (PMDC) current policies. She emphasized the need to reassess regulations to ensure they effectively address the concerns of students and maintain the credibility of Pakistan’s medical education system.

Senator Shahzaib raised another important issue regarding Pakistani students who intend to pursue higher medical education abroad. He questioned why graduates of Pakistani universities who plan to enroll in medical institutions overseas are still required to take the MDCAT. Referring to a recently issued advertisement, he noted that the existing policy appears to require these students to pass the admission test even if they have no intention of studying medicine within Pakistan.

In response, Health Minister Mustafa Kamal acknowledged the concern and assured the committee that the policy would be reviewed. Senator Anusha Rahman added that while reviewing the policy, authorities should also ensure that students planning to study abroad avoid enrolling in institutions that have been identified as “red-flag” universities or those lacking proper accreditation.

The Chairman of the PMDC Reforms Committee informed the meeting that students intending to study medicine overseas are required to register with the PMDC before leaving the country. This registration process, he explained, helps the regulatory body monitor students and maintain standards for foreign medical qualifications.

Highlighting another major concern, Health Minister Mustafa Kamal stated that around 40,000 Pakistani students travel abroad each year for medical education, taking an estimated US$800 million out of the country. He stressed that this represents a significant financial outflow and underlined the importance of strengthening Pakistan’s own medical education system.

However, Senator Anusha Rahman offered a different perspective, arguing that many of these students eventually return to Pakistan after completing their education and contribute to the country’s economy through their professional earnings. She suggested that while the government should improve local opportunities, it should also recognize the long-term benefits that internationally educated professionals can bring back to Pakistan.

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    Pakistani celebrities demand justice after toddler’s tragic death

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    A tragic incident in Karachi has sparked nationwide outrage after a 1.5-year-old girl died following an alleged sexual assault. According to police, the suspect is a 17-year-old boy who is reportedly the child’s cousin. Investigators said he took the toddler outside under the pretext of taking her for a walk before allegedly assaulting her. The child was later returned home in critical condition and was rushed to the hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries during treatment. A medical examination reportedly indicated signs of sexual assault, while police arrested the suspect from his residence. Authorities have launched a detailed investigation to determine all aspects of the case. The heartbreaking incident has left people across Pakistan in shock and grief. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages demanding justice for the innocent victim, while public figures and celebrities have also spoken out against the horrific crime. Actor Ahsan Khan shared his reaction on social media by posting about the incident and tagging the Sindh government, urging authorities to ensure justice is served. Actress Aiman Khan also expressed her anger through her Instagram Stories, writing that the country must begin imposing strict punishments on rapists to prevent such crimes from happening again. Television personality Mishi Khan strongly condemned the incident and called for tougher action against those involved in sexual crimes against children. She questioned how such horrific acts continue to occur and argued that criminals feel emboldened because punishments are not severe enough. Mishi demanded exemplary public punishment for offenders and stressed that stricter measures should be introduced to discourage such crimes. She also urged the Sindh government to take immediate action and address factors that may contribute to such incidents. Actress Mariyam Nafees also reacted to the tragedy, emphasizing the importance of child safety. She urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and avoid leaving young children unattended, stressing that constant supervision is essential to protect them from potential harm. The incident has reignited conversations about child protection, public safety, and the need for stronger laws against sexual violence. Many people believe that stricter enforcement of existing laws, quicker trials, and harsher punishments are necessary to deter offenders and ensure justice for victims. The case has also prompted widespread discussion among social media users, many of whom urged parents to be extra cautious regardless of whether children are with relatives, neighbors, or acquaintances. Several users stressed that children should never be left alone without trusted supervision and that parents should educate their children about personal safety from an early age. Others highlighted the importance of teaching teenage boys and young men about respecting personal boundaries and treating younger children with care and responsibility. Some users also reflected on the challenges that can exist within extended family systems, saying that children are sometimes vulnerable to abuse even from people they know and trust. They argued that families should prioritize open communication, remain alert to warning signs, and create safe environments where children are protected and heard. As the investigation continues, the tragic death of the toddler has become a painful reminder of the urgent need for stronger child protection measures, swift justice, and greater public awareness to prevent such devastating crimes from happening again.

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    Pakistan foreign exchange reserves rise in the fin…

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      Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves recorded a modest increase during the last business week of July, reflecting a slight improvement in the country’s external financial position. According to the latest figures released by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the nation’s total foreign exchange reserves increased by approximately 32.5 million US dollars during the week ending 31 July. With this increase, Pakistan’s total foreign exchange reserves reached 22.47 billion US dollars. Although the weekly rise was relatively small, it is considered a positive development, as foreign exchange reserves play a vital role in maintaining economic stability, supporting international trade, and strengthening investor confidence. Higher reserves enable the country to meet its external debt obligations, finance imports, and manage fluctuations in the value of the Pakistani rupee. The SBP reported that its own foreign exchange reserves rose by 13.1 million US dollars taking the central bank’s holdings to 17.04 billion US dollars by the end of the reporting week. The increase indicates a gradual strengthening of the country’s official reserve position. Central bank reserves are particularly important because they are used to stabilize the foreign exchange market, ensure adequate liquidity for international transactions, and provide a financial cushion during periods of economic uncertainty. In addition to the improvement in the SBP’s reserves, the foreign exchange reserves held by Pakistan’s commercial banks also recorded an increase. According to the data, commercial banks’ reserves rose by 19.4 million US dollars bringing their total holdings to 5.43 billion US dollars. These reserves consist of foreign currency deposits and other external assets maintained by commercial banks to facilitate international trade, foreign currency transactions, and customer requirements. The combined increase in the reserves of both the State Bank and commercial banks contributed to the overall rise in the country’s foreign exchange holdings. While the increase may appear modest in comparison to the total volume of reserves, it demonstrates stability in Pakistan’s external financial sector during the reporting period. Foreign exchange reserves are closely monitored by investors, international financial institutions, and credit rating agencies because they provide an indication of a country’s ability to meet its international financial commitments. A healthy reserve position also supports economic confidence by reducing pressure on the exchange rate and helping the government manage external payment obligations more effectively. Pakistan’s foreign exchange reserves have experienced fluctuations over the past few years due to factors such as external debt repayments, import payments, remittance inflows, export earnings, and financial assistance from international partners. As a result, weekly changes in reserves are often influenced by routine external transactions, repayments, and foreign currency inflows. The latest increase in reserves suggests that Pakistan’s external account remained relatively stable during the final week of July. Economists note that sustaining and further improving reserve levels will depend on continued growth in exports, higher workers’ remittances, prudent fiscal and monetary policies, and the successful implementation of economic reforms. Maintaining adequate foreign exchange reserves remains essential for supporting macroeconomic stability, strengthening investor confidence, and ensuring the country’s ability to meet its international financial obligations in the months ahead.

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    Punjab launches early anti-smog crackdown

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    West Indies stun Pakistan by 90 runs

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