Spending over eight years in Pakistan, particularly in its serene capital Islamabad, has been one of the most enriching chapters of my life. As a Nepalese medical student and now a qualified pediatric surgeon, my journey in Pakistan has been filled with learning, warmth, and memorable experiences.
When I first arrived in Islamabad, like many others, I carried certain preconceived notions—most of them influenced by external media narratives, especially from international channels. However, reality quickly proved them wrong. Islamabad welcomed me with its calm ambiance, lush greenery, cleanliness, and most importantly, its people. The hospitality extended by Pakistanis towards foreigners, regardless of religion, culture, or nationality, is truly commendable.
Adjusting to a new culture and food took me a few months, as is expected with any international move. But soon, I grew accustomed to the flavors of Pakistani cuisine and the respectful, warm nature of its people. Today, I can say with conviction that living in Islamabad has been a wonderful and safe experience—not just for me, but for many other Nepalese students as well.
Every year, over 10 Nepalese students enroll in MBBS programs in Pakistan under the Pakistan Technical Assistance Programme (PTAP). Additionally, around 10 students pursue degrees in engineering, pharmacy (D. Pharm), dentistry (BDS), and other fields. A smaller number—about 3 to 5 each year—come for postgraduate medical training. This number used to be significantly higher a decade ago.
The decline in Nepalese postgraduate students in recent years can be attributed to multiple factors:
– Policy shifts affecting foreign student admissions, especially under Punjab’s Central Induction Policy.
– Visa complications, particularly the Indian visa requirement and its long processing times for Nepalese students transiting via India.
– Rising geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan.
– Increased travel expenses, as flights from Pakistan to Kathmandu often require transits through Dubai or other Gulf countries.
Despite these challenges, my personal journey in Pakistan has been largely positive. I completed my postgraduate training (MS in Pediatric Surgery) at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), one of the leading tertiary care hospitals in Islamabad. Throughout my time at PIMS, I never faced any form of discrimination—neither on religious nor cultural grounds. The environment was professional, inclusive, and nurturing.
Today, my wife, Dr. Ranjana Pandit, is pursuing her MD in Radiology at the same institution. She is currently in her third year, and we plan to stay in Islamabad for another 1.5 years until the completion of her training. Just like me, she has also found this city to be safe, welcoming, and ideal for academic and personal growth.
It’s not just Islamabad—cities like Lahore, Bahawalpur, and Faisalabad have also been friendly and secure places for Nepalese students. For many of us, Pakistan has become a second home—a place where we’ve built lifelong friendships, gained invaluable medical knowledge, and grown both personally and professionally.
To future students from Nepal considering Pakistan for their medical education: come with an open mind. You might just discover that beyond the headlines and politics, there lies a country rich in culture, kindness, and opportunity.
About the Author:
Dr. Gauri Shankar Pandit is a Pediatric Surgeon from Nepal. He completed his MBBS in Nepal and MS in Pediatric Surgery from Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad. He has lived in Pakistan for more than eight years and continues to contribute to medical education and child healthcare in the region.