PESHAWAR: The Khyber Medical University announced on Saturday a 16% reduction in fees of Afghan students enrolled at medical and dental colleges that fall under its purview.

The decision to reduce fees will give a new impetus to Pak-Afghan relations, said a notification.

“This reduction in fees will provide opportunities for Afghan students to continue their education,” said KMU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zia-ul-Haq.

All medical and dental colleges managed by KMU have given the exemption of Rs50,000 to Afghan students.

Afghan students in KMU and medical and dental colleges will now be charged Rs. 750,000 instead of Rs. 800,000, according to the announcement.

The request for the reduction in fees was made by Afghan officials in a recent meeting with the KMU vice chancellor.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Health Department in a letter issued the order to KMU to charge an annual fee of Rs 750,000 instead of Rs800,000 from Afghan students.

It should be noted that an annual fee of Rs800,000 was fixed for Afghan students from the current session but now a reduction has been made to strengthen Pakistan and Afghanistan relations, enabling Afghan students to conduct their education in Pakistan without facing any hardship.