Federal Minister for National Health Services Mustafa Kamal told the Senate on Friday that the issue of vacant medical college seats reserved for students from Balochistan is genuine and will be taken up with the relevant authorities and institutions.
Image: The Express Tribune
Responding to a calling attention notice regarding non-compliance with a Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) notification issued on April 8, 2026, the minister said the responsibility for filling reserved seats lies primarily with the respective medical colleges and provincial authorities.
He said the PMDC, as a regulatory body, has already taken up the matter with concerned institutions and sought explanations for the failure to fill reserved quotas allocated for Balochistan students.
Mustafa Kamal clarified that the federal government does not have direct operational control over admissions, as health and medical education largely fall under provincial jurisdiction. However, he assured the House that efforts would be made to help resolve the issue despite these limitations.
The minister emphasised the importance of ensuring educational opportunities for students from underdeveloped regions, including Balochistan, and said the matter would be pursued with relevant stakeholders.
Work on Sukkur–Hyderabad Motorway to begin this year, Senate informed
Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan informed the Senate that construction work on the long-delayed Sukkur–Hyderabad Motorway is expected to begin this year, with three out of five sections already approved and the tendering process underway.
Responding during Question Hour, he said the project has been divided into five sections and approvals for three sections have been completed, while procurement and tendering processes are in progress. He expressed optimism that physical construction could begin by August or September.
He said the government is prioritising road infrastructure development despite financial constraints and reduced PSDP allocations. The minister added that 109 toll plazas are currently operational across the country, and directives have been issued to suspend toll collection on poorly maintained roads until rehabilitation work is completed.
Abdul Aleem Khan said toll revenue remains essential for maintaining and expanding the national road network, with the National Highway Authority generating significant funds through tolls.
He also highlighted damage to roads caused by heavy transport vehicles and overloading, stating that excessive axle load is accelerating deterioration of highways designed for long-term use.
He acknowledged shortcomings in road conditions and said funding constraints remain a major challenge for infrastructure maintenance and expansion.
Overseas employment measures briefed to Senate
Minister for Overseas Pakistanis Chaudhry Salik Hussain said in a written reply that the government is implementing measures to expand job opportunities for Pakistanis abroad.
He said labour mobility has been enhanced through bilateral agreements, including an MOU with Italy that provides an annual quota of around 3,500 workers over three years in sectors such as agriculture, construction, healthcare, hospitality, logistics, and ICT. A high-level committee has also been formed to ensure quota utilisation and coordination.
Senate proceedings
Advisor on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah said in response to opposition concerns that the PTI founder and his spouse are receiving the best available medical care, while alleging that prison rules and jail manuals were violated during meetings, which he claimed were used for political purposes.
The Senate passed two bills, including the Pakistan Nursing and Midwifery Council Bill, 2026 and the Special Economic Zones (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
The Upper House will meet again on Monday at 5:00 pm.
