Medical students from several prestigious institutions in Lahore have taken to the streets in protest against recent fee hikes and what they describe as unfair academic policies. The demonstrations unfolded on Tuesday, drawing students from King Edward Medical University, Allama Iqbal Medical University, Fatima Jinnah Medical College, University of Health Sciences, and Services Institute of Medical Sciences.

Joined by leaders from Islami Jamiat Tulba Pakistan, including Hassan Bilal Hashmi and Abdullah Bin Abbas, the protesters demanded the reversal of the fee increase. They also urged authorities to lower the minimum passing score to 50 percent and reduce the mandatory attendance requirement from current levels to 75 percent.

According to student representatives, the current requirements are excessively burdensome and threaten both their educational progress and mental well-being. They emphasized that the increased financial stress, coupled with stringent academic thresholds, could undermine merit-based access to medical education across Pakistan.

The protest reflects broader tensions within Pakistan’s medical education system, where rising costs and rigorous academic policies are fueling challenges for aspiring doctors. Students argue that equitable reforms are essential to preserve access, fairness, and the credibility of future healthcare professionals.