Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has officially restored reserved quotas for students from Pakistan’s former FATA (Federally Administered Tribal Areas) in medical, dental, and engineering colleges. The reinstatement was announced during a consultative session with tribal elders of the merged districts at the PM’s residence.

This policy decision reaffirms the federal government’s dedication to integrating underprivileged regions, ensuring equitable access to higher education. Students from the merged tribal areas will now benefit from seats set aside in professional colleges, a move welcomed by the delegation of tribal leaders.

The restoration addresses long-standing educational disparities, offering new opportunities for youth from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s merged districts. It supports socio-economic uplift by empowering students with access to quality professional education.

This effort aligns with earlier measures in May 2025, when the Health Ministry had increased 333 additional medical and dental seats exclusively for students from ex-FATA and Balochistan, an initiative aimed at bridging regional educational gaps and promoting national unity.

With this announcement, the government underscores its broader strategy to ensure educational inclusivity, uplift tribal areas, and foster national integration by investing in youth development and merit-based access.