SC imposes ban on registration of new private medical colleges

The Supreme Court on Saturday banning registration of new private medical colleges warned the private medical colleges not to charge more than Rs 642,000 as annual fee. "Private colleges and universities would not be allowed if they lacked the facilities," Justice Ijaz Nisar remarked.
A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Main Saqib Nisar and comprising Justice Manzoor Ahmad Malik and Justice Ijazul Ahsan hearing a suo motu proceedings about fee structure of private medical colleges constituted a committee headed by Attorney General of Pakistan Ashtar Ausaf to examine the facilities at registered medical colleges, and stopped Young Doctors Association from observing strikes.
The bench directed the committee to visit the private medical colleges to examine the facilities and submit reports. CJP, addressing, General Secretary YDA Salman Kazmi advised him that they would not go on strike and if they had any issue, they should present it before the court. The CJP warned the private medical colleges that strict action would be taken if any of the private college charged more than Rs 642,000 as annual fee.
Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of various private medical colleges submitted their affidavits and reports before the bench. During the proceedings, a student complained about administration of Sharif Medical College over matter of fee. The bench observed dismay over the situation and observed that if Rs 50,000 is left to the student the college would not collapse.
Meanwhile, the apex court also barred civil courts from issuing stay orders against illegal marriage halls, with directives to the Lahore Development Authority to take action against their owners and submit reports.
During the proceedings, a report was submitted to the bench about the building of Hameed Latif Hospital. LDA told the bench that building of the hospital was illegal. The bench at this observed, "Demolish the building of the hospital if it was illegal". The lawyer representing the hospital told the bench that the entire building was not illegal. The bench therefore directed the hospital administration to submit their reply about the LDA's stance.