The Sindh High Court has issued an order to halt the release of the merit list for admissions to medical colleges in response to allegations of irregularities in the Medical and Dental College Admission Test (MDCAT). The court’s directive mandates that no institution proceed with the admissions process until a comprehensive investigation is carried out.
This decision came during a hearing on the alleged misconduct surrounding MDCAT, which plays a key role in medical college admissions. The court has accepted a proposal by the Sindh health secretary and the chief secretary to form a committee responsible for investigating these claims. The committee is instructed to complete its inquiry within a 15-day period, with the authority to examine both criminal and civil liabilities linked to the irregularities in question.
The court has granted the committee full access to relevant information and records from universities administering the MDCAT and the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC). Additionally, the committee can request assistance from other institutions to aid in the investigation.
The court highlighted that the committee should also take into account any objections raised by the petitioners involved in the case. By doing so, the court aims to ensure a fair and transparent admissions process for all prospective medical students.
In effect, the court’s decision places a temporary hold on the medical college admissions process, giving priority to a thorough investigation to address the irregularities brought to light. This step is part of an effort to uphold integrity and fairness in medical college admissions, ultimately safeguarding the interests of deserving candidates.
