KMU IHS Campuses Under Scrutiny as Nursing Students Question PNMC Registration, Dr Zia’s Dual Role
KMU IHS Campuses Under Scrutiny as Nursing Students Question PNMC Registration, Dr Zia’s Dual Role
Nadeem Tanoli
Islamabad: Nursing students of Khyber Medical University Institute of Health Sciences Islamabad have raised serious questions over the legal status of KMU IHS campuses, claiming that several institutes are operating without registration from the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council.
The students said they took admission on merit, paid around Rs120,000 per semester and studied for years believing they were part of a recognised public sector medical university. However, they claimed they later found that the Islamabad institute was not registered with the nursing council.
According to the students, 232 nursing students across four batches have been affected. The first batch of 32 students has already graduated, but five months have passed and they still have not received PNMC registration or internship placements.
Students said nursing registration is like a driving licence for a nurse. Without it, they cannot get jobs, continue their career properly or work as professional nurses.
The protesting students also claimed that the issue is not limited to the Islamabad campus. They alleged that several KMU IHS campuses, including Swabi, Islamabad, Kurram, Hazara, Mardan, Kohat, Nowshera, Dir Upper, Karak, Bannu, DI Khan and Buner, are not registered with the nursing council. They said nearly 2,000 students could be affected if the matter is not resolved.
The matter has also drawn attention because Dr Zia Ul Haq is reportedly serving as Vice Chancellor of KMU while also holding charge as Executive Director of HEC. Students and education circles say this dual role raises serious questions about oversight, accountability and conflict of interest.
Students said they contacted the university administration, registrar, dean, main campus officials and the VC office several times, but received only promises and delays. They said earlier protests were stopped after written assurances, but the commitments were not fulfilled.
The students have demanded immediate PNMC registration, paid internships for graduates, hospital placement in Islamabad and written protection against any action for peaceful protest.
They warned that if their demands are not accepted, they will expand their protest to the Islamabad Press Club, HEC office, Pakistan Nursing Council and all relevant forums, while remaining within the law.
