Afghan student tops exams, pleads to stay in Pakistan to become doctor

PESHAWAR: As Pakistan begins deporting Afghans, including Proof of Registration (PoR) card holders, from September 1, thousands of Afghan students in refugee camps across the country face uncertainty about their education and future.

Fatima Safi, a resident of a refugee camp in Malakand district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, recently secured second position in her FSc exams but is uncertain whether she will be able to continue her studies. She described her achievement as a mix of joy and sorrow.

At the awards ceremony for toppers following the announcement of intermediate exam results in Malakand, Fatima, who lives in the Chakdara Afghan refugee camp, was among those honoured.

She scored 1,131 marks to clinch second position in the Malakand Division Education Board. Several other Afghan refugee students also secured top marks in the pre-medical group.

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While proud of her accomplishment, Fatima said she was heartbroken at having to leave Pakistan. “I worked day and night to become a doctor, endured hardships, and now, when I am finally seeing the fruits of my labour, I have to leave this country,” she said.

She noted that the MDCAT for medical studies is scheduled for October 5, but her family was leaving for Afghanistan the next day.

“It seems difficult to return within a month,” she said, fearing her dream of becoming a doctor will remain unfulfilled because of the ban on women’s education in Afghanistan.

Fatima urged the Pakistani government to grant Afghan students relief to complete their education in Pakistan, or to devise a mechanism ensuring their studies are not disrupted.

Her father, Nizamuddin, echoed her appeal, saying, “My daughter is capable and hardworking. Her dream is to become a doctor and serve the people of Pakistan, but it seems unlikely she will be able to continue her education in Afghanistan.”

He said he had lived in Pakistan for 30 years and received love and acceptance from its people, adding that leaving now was heartbreaking.

Meanwhile, the administration of Genius Model College, Chakdara, expressed pride in Fatima’s achievement. The college principal said she had brought recognition not only to the institution but also honour to Afghanistan. “This is the first time a female Afghan student has secured a position in the education board,” he noted.

Earlier, the UN refugee agency had urged Pakistani authorities to extend the period for voluntary repatriation.