ALTAF KHAN vs JOINT ADMISSION COMMITTEE through its Chairman, Khyber

This civil appeal arose from a petition seeking provisional admission to a medical college. The core legal question was whether a candidate who has satisfied the examination requirements, secured approval from the States and Frontier Regions Division (SAFRON), and achieved the top position on the merit list is entitled to provisional admission when the academic session at the primary institution has already concluded. The Supreme Court of Pakistan held that the appellant prima facie deserved provisional admission. Since the academic session at Khyber Medical College had already concluded while the session at Ayub Medical College was still ongoing, the Court directed Ayub Medical College to consider the appellant for provisional admission. The Court established the principle that where a candidate establishes a strong prima facie case on merit and administrative approval, the expiration of an academic session at one institution should not entirely foreclose admission if an ongoing session at a comparable institution can accommodate them.